The beauty of wood in Alpine culture

In Alpine cultures, wood has been much more than a simple building material for centuries: it’s a symbol of tradition, identity and harmony with nature. The skillful use of wood reflects the profound connection between humanity and the mountain environment, where the forest represents both a resource and source of inspiration. From homes to bridges, to richly crafted interiors, wood plays here a leading role.

Photo 1 – Location: South Tyrol (Italy). The rural architecture of the farmhouses (Bauernhof) enhances the functionality and beauty of natural materials, blending perfectly with the landscape.

Photo 2 – Location: St. Gallen Abbey Library (Switzerland). In the Abbey Library of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is a masterpiece of craftsmanship: an 16th-century wooden globe that testifies the skill and refinement of the manual work of the time.

Photo 3 – Location: Luzern (Switzerland). The Kapellbrücke, Lucerne’s historic covered bridge, was built of wood in the 14th century. It’s a symbol of the city and a unique example of traditional infrastructure still in use, decorated with paintings that tell the local history.