Swiss Alpine Horn
The views from atop the mountain are spectacular. I've already gone in-depth in my review of Mt. Pilatus and the journey from on top, so I won't rehash that here.
Instead, I'd like to focus on something amazing that my friends and I discovered at the summit - the Swiss alpine horn.
This particular horn is one that we all read about or see pictures of.
It's believed that these horns have been used as instruments in village communities since medieval times, or even earlier. This could have been used as a substitute for the lack of church bells.
Surviving horns have been found that have dated as far back as the year 1400.
Nowadays, these horns are mostly used as a reminder of the past and a fun way to educate tourists about national traditions.
These horns, sometimes called alphorns, are still played today high atop mountain ranges throughout Switzerland.
Entire songs can be played with this one singular instrument.
The horns are generally carved from spruce, a softwood.
When my friends and I arrived atop Mt. Pilatus, we weren't expecting to see someone playing the horn.
We stayed and listened as the person playing the horn completed several songs - accepting donations throughout.
Visitors and locals will always enjoy the sounds that these horns produce and they will always be fascinating to watch and listen to.
