Alphorn players, Bavaria, Germany

The Alpine sound of Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest, Germany

As Oktoberfest opens today, visitors arriving in Bavaria, Germany, may hear a sound even older than the famous festival itself: the deep, resonant voice of the alphorn. This traditional Alpine instrument is closely linked to the culture of Bavaria, Austria and Switzerland, where it once helped shepherds communicate across mountain valleys.

An alphorn is a long wooden wind instrument, typically about 3.5 metres long and made from spruce. Musicians create notes by controlling their breath and lip tension through a wooden mouthpiece.

Today, alphorn players perform at folk celebrations, cultural events and Oktoberfest gatherings, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Canadians can find a taste of that Bavarian spirit closer to home at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, which runs from September 25 to October 17, with its main festivities taking place over Thanksgiving weekend. The festival brings Bavarian music, food and traditions to Waterloo Region, showing how Oktoberfest has found a distinctly Canadian home. For many festivalgoers, the alphorn provides a memorable reminder that Bavarian culture lies at the heart of the celebration, alongside food, music and community.