Collis et al./Summer Farms, 10. Alpine huts, livestock and cheese in the Oberhasli region (Switzerland)

Oberhasle in the Bern highlands has produced over 400 new sites, the majority linked to Alpwirtschaft activities dating from medieval to modern times. Due to its location on the transalpine route over the Brünig, Grimsel and Gries Passes the area profited from the export of livestock and hard cheeses from late medieval times up to the end of the 19th century. The archaeological sites were not excavated which limits the possibilities of dating and interpreting them. The main category of sites was the foundations of buildings which allows an overview of their location, form and method of construction. Written and pictorial sources as well as comparisons with standing buildings and with results from archaeological excavations elsewhere assist in understanding their historical context.