XXL Wodden Cow

What a cow!

The wooden star of the Bernese Oberland

This saying takes on a whole new meaning when you see the world’s largest solid-wood cow. Doesn't it?

She is gigantic. She is magnificent. She is one of a kind. Since 4 June 2022, she has stood proudly in Hofstetten near Brienz, next to the entrance to the Trauffer Erlebniswelt and the Bretterhotel, welcoming guests.

She is the new landmark and is guaranteed to be the most photographed spot in the idyllic Schnitzler village. The wooden star of the Bernese Oberland.

Would you like to find out more about how she was made and transported? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Behind the Scenes: The Wooden Cow

The starting point was a challenging one: the world’s largest Trauffer wooden cow was to be produced and delivered within a matter of weeks. Measuring the size of two minibuses, the project took on a whole new dimension.

Overall coordination of this truly massive project was handled by the glulam construction firm neue Holzbau AG from Lungern (OW). Once the construction plans had been drawn up, the required wooden slats were ordered from Ruedersäge in Schlossrued. Owner and managing director Pascal M. Schneider was personally responsible for sourcing the round timber.

Around 70 m³ of unsawn spruce and fir boards (slats) were needed to produce the guardian of the Bretterhotel.

More about the history

A blank of the highest calibre

Even the log itself was impressive: with a volume of around 40 m³ and a weight of 18 tonnes, it first had to be shaped and then transported to its destination. Every step of the process required the utmost precision, careful planning and seamless coordination between all those involved.

Facts & Figures

Round timber volume: 110 m³
Processed timber lamellas: 70 m³
Volume of the transported blank: 40 m³
Weight: 18 tonnes
Blank: 7m / 4.7m / 2.25m

Sponsors & Partners

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