Toggenburg

The Toggenburg runs from Wil up to Wildhaus between the Santis massif and the Churfirsten, and its identity is musical. Naturjodel - wordless yodelling in close harmony, sung without accompaniment - is a living practice here rather than a revival, and it is heard at alp festivals, in church and at informal gatherings. The Toggenburger Halszither and hand bells belong to the same tradition. A Klangweg, a sound path, runs along the ridge from Iltios to Sellamatt with dozens of installations that visitors play, which makes the theme accessible without staging a performance. Wildhaus was Zwingli's birthplace and his house, a timber building of about 1450, is among the oldest in the country.

The main sights

• Living natural yodelling - sung in harmony without accompaniment.
• The Klangweg - a ridge sound path of playable installations.
• Zwingli's birthplace - a timber house of about 1450 at Wildhaus.
• Santis and Churfirsten - the two ranges framing the valley.

When to go

June to October, or the ski season. Two days.

Things to know

The music is a community practice, not a scheduled show - hearing it takes luck or a festival date. The Klangweg is aimed at families. Public transport thins beyond Nesslau. Lifts close between seasons.

Nearby

The Churfirsten ridge is south; Appenzell and the Santis are north-east.

Key facts