2022 - 2028
Sound Trail Toggenburg – The sound hike of Switzerland
Approach
The sound sculptures invite visitors to discover, listen and interact. They focus on nature, ecology, climate and mindfulness and make even hidden soundscapes audible – from murmurs in the ground to wind currents and to the sounds of traditional cowbells. The trail is easy to walk, can be experienced in stages and is also ideal for families thanks to barbecue areas, mountain restaurants and playgrounds.
Story
Audible Trail
On a sunny autumn day, the Keller family and their grandparents are walking along the newly opened Sound Trail. The children run to the large bed funnel and lie down in it, laughing. ‘Listen! Everything sounds much louder – even the cowbells!’ exclaims ten-year-old Lea enthusiastically.
A little later, they come across the Woodpecker installation. When their father takes his mobile phone out of his pocket, the ‘robot woodpeckers’ begin to drum loudly. The children also pull out their phones, and the tapping intensifies into a wild rhythm. ‘Those are our signals!’ exclaims their father in amazement. Lea laughs: ‘The more mobile phones, the harder the woodpeckers peck!’
At the Edaphon, the children lie down in a small tent and listen to the hidden sounds in the ground – crackling, humming, rustling. ‘Those are the animals in the soil!’ explains their grandmother. The children are fascinated that even beetles and ants create their own world of sound.
Then they arrive at the bell stage. With every step they take, they make the hanging bells ring – a little concert that makes the whole family laugh.
They return to the valley with many impressions – touched by nature, art and the invisible voices that the sound trail makes audible.
Copyright Images ©Ralf Ponzetto, ©Beat Belser
Partner
Impact
50,000 visitors annually come to the Toggenburg Sound Trail
The trail combines education, art and recreation, and creating new ways to experience sound and nature
Vision
The Sound Trail aims to sensitize people of all generations to sound and invites them to perceive it with all their senses. It is intended to be a place where nature, art and science can be experienced playfully and where visitors are made aware of ecological and social issues.
Description
The Klangweg (or sound trail) Toggenburg is a success story that is known far beyond the borders of Switzerland. It is characterized by integration and focuses on the themes of nature and culture, society, art and science.
The Sound Trail in Toggenburg is the flagship of the Klangwelt (world of sound) and a success story that extends far beyond the borders of Switzerland. It leads from Alp Sellamatt via Iltios to Oberdorf and is easily accessible from Wildhaus and Alt St. Johann by mountain railway. For over twenty years, the Sound Trail has attracted up to 50,000 people annually – including families, nature lovers and music and art enthusiasts.
In 2024, the trail was completely renovated. Existing works were restored and more than 15 new sound sculptures by international and national artists were added. Today, the trail comprises 27 stations that uniquely combine the experience of nature, art and tradition.