Alphorn players, Bavaria, Germany

© U. J. Alexander/Shutterstoc

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.

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