Page 31 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Switzerland

Blowing the Alphorn
TOP MAJESTIC A Swiss version of the didgeridoo, the
5 MOUNTAINS alphorn was traditionally used by
farmers to call their cows in for milking.
Pilatus In the 19th century alphorns became
Paraglide on thermals popular as musical instruments and there
around the mountain. are now alphorn groups all over
the country. Each year the Nendaz
Rigi Alphorn Festival gathers many of these
Ride Europe’s first moun- musicians together for a competitive
tain railway to the top. three-day event where visitors can
Rochers-de-Naye hear them play and join an alphorn-
making workshop. The organizers
Spot marmots and alpine also hold alphorn initiation courses.
flowers on hiking paths. DISCOVER Switzerland Your Way
Monte Generoso Musicians in
Catch the rack railway to traditional dress at
Ticino’s most scenic spot. the Alphorn Festival
Mont Fort
At the summit watch the
sunrise over the valley. SWITZERLAND FOR
TRADITIONS

Aletsch Glacier
Though many are shrinking at an alarming
rate, Switzerland’s enthralling glaciers A forward-looking country in many ways, Switzerland is nonetheless rooted
remain an unforgettable experience. Among in tradition. While not everyone can yodel, there’s a sense of pride around
the most impressive is the 23-km (14-mile) these customs and people flock to festivals that celebrate them. For
Aletsch Glacier (p88). It is particularly
stunning when the glistening ice-river visitors, they offer a fascinating glimpse into Switzerland’s rural heart.
contrasts with the autumn forests around it.
Wrestle With It
A visitor getting up close to the A sport dating back centuries,
thick wall of ice on the underside Schwingen (Swiss wrestling)
of the immense Aletsch Glacier pits two opponents against
each other in a circle filled
with saw dust. It has been a
Enchanting key feature of many rural
Mountain Lakes festivals but the biggest
Landlocked Switzerland may event is Schwingfest, held
be, but you’re never far from every three years in front
water. Head into the moun- of thousands of people.
tains to seek out the popular
Oeschinensee (p90), a swatch
of turquoise surrounded by Two Schwingen competitors
dramatic cliffs, or south to the in the village of Boltigen
sunny Mediterranean-esque
Lake Lugano (p216), a star t ing
point for wonderful hikes.

Cows grazing in front
of the placid expanse
of Oeschinensee

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