Carnival, markets, roaring bonfires on the 1st August, Alpabzüge when the decorated cows come down from their summer mountain pastures and cattle shows when the cows are also colourfully decorated, the traditional alpine blessing, the Swiss woodwork and carvings of the "Weissküfers" (wood coopers - makers of wooden barrels), the yodel choir, traditional costumes and the May bear, which drives away the bad winter spirits, - these customs are as much a part of the holiday region of Heidiland as the Walensee, the Churfirsten, Sargans Castle and the source of the Tamina.
Customs are often combined with special events, which are listed on our events calendar.
What does a Swiss man mean when he says "Du bist ein Kalb!" (You are a calf.)? What is a "Steinmannli" (stone man) or a "Betruf" (blessing)? The Alp glossary answers your question 
Alpenglossar (451 KB)
Life on an alp summer farm is not only idyllic but involves much hard work. Here is a report Z’Alp – Das Leben auf der Alp (52 KB)
The website for "Älpler" (people who work at an alp): www.zalp.ch gives comprehensive information for Älplers: from jobs available to reports of experiences.
The profession of "Weissküfer" (wood cooper) goes back to the 12th century. Today there are only four, fully qualified, full-time Weissküfer's in Switzerland, one of the oldest families in the tourism region of Heidiland.
The products made by the Weissküfers are unique and tailored to both traditional as well as modern needs. These days they are considered as truly authentic luxury articles: Weissküferei im Heidiland
