Meierkäyrien

Meierkäyrien is a term used in Swiss German to describe a specific type of landscape, particularly found in the alpine regions of Switzerland. It refers to the rolling, undulating terrain that characterizes many of the lower mountain slopes and valleys, often interspersed with pastures and woodlands. The word itself can be broken down into "Meier" which relates to a farmer or estate holder, and "käyrien" which implies curves or undulations. Thus, Meierkäyrien evokes the image of a landscape shaped by traditional farming practices, with its contours smoothed and shaped by centuries of cultivation and grazing.

These landscapes are not rugged or precipitous like the high Alps, but rather possess a gentler, more rounded topography. They are often associated with the agricultural zones of the Swiss countryside, where dairy farming and other forms of pastoralism have historically been dominant. The visual impression is one of soft hills and valleys, where fields and meadows follow the natural curves of the land. This type of terrain is distinct from the dramatic peaks and sheer cliffs of higher altitudes and contributes significantly to the picturesque and varied scenery of Switzerland. The term captures a specific aesthetic and geological feature that is an integral part of the Swiss rural identity.