A special encounter - meet Bern's alpacas

Normally, I don't write about the day trips I do on weekends. But this one was so special and cool that I just have to tell you about: We went for an alpaca walk today!

I booked this activity through the homepage of the farm where the activity is offered (--> Link). The farm of Andi & Sarah Rüedi is located in Ortschwaben, a little village only 10 minutes from Bern.

We were greeted warmly by Andi and immediately led to the stable, where a large herd of alpacas curiously looked at us. We fell in love immediately with those cute animals!

Alpacas originally come from the high Andes of South America. There they were bred by the Incas over many years as a wool supplier. Andi explained us, that the wool of his animals on the farm is used for the production of socks, scarfs and duvets. After I touched one of the animals, I could well imagine it - what a fluffy animal!

"Which one do you want?", Andi asked us and explained us that they all have a very different temper. We picked three of the alpacas - Quincy, who was constantly thinking about eating on the way and who almost had to be dragged behind; Airock (or however his name is written correctly) who was a gentle, white companion; and Bounty, a young, light brown alpaca who liked to jump from time to time (teenage temper).

Andi explained the route for the walk which should take about 2 hours (ca. 4.5 km). After a short practice distance Andi let us go and we started our route along wonderful meadows, fantastic panorama and through beautiful forests.

We had caught a perfect day and so the whole mountain range showed up in the background.

The walk was very leisurely, as our companions were not in a hurry and took enough time for extensive eating breaks. Alpacas are very calm, patient and lovely animals, so we had absolutely no problems.

After about 1.5 h we were back at the farm and were greeted by Andi. In the "hay stage" (Heubühne) he brought us something to drink and a wonderful sweet dessert, and we could see the products made from the wool of the animals. Then it was time to say goodbye to our fluffy new friends.

We all liked the visit on the farm and the alpaca walk very much. Although it is a rather expensive activity (50 CHF / person), it is wonderfully relaxing and a great experience that I would recommend to everyone. It would also be great for kids, as the animals are very gentle and tame.

So long, my alpaca friends!

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