Yodelling given UNESCO cultural heritage status

The art of yodelling in Switzerland has a long history, dating back to Swiss cowherders working in the Alps. After the Swiss government submitted an application in 2024, the musical pastime has now been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Yodelling recognised by UNESCO 

Although the Swiss tradition may have a long history, it is still widely practised in the alpine nation today. Over 12.000 yodelers take part in 711 Swiss Yodelling Association groups - and many more outside of that! Given yodelling’s deep-rooted cultural and historical significance, the federal government submitted an application in 2024 for the art to be recognised by UNESCO. 

The government has announced in a press release that the application was successful and yodelling has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Described as “an emblematic song of Switzerland”, yodelling involves “a wide variety of artistic expressions and is deeply rooted in the population”, the press release continues. The recognisable vocal technique is passed down through generations and is often performed in clubs and choirs.

General secretary of the Swiss Yodelling Association Hector Herzig said the addition to the UNESCO list is “a wonderful sign of recognition [and] acknowledges the connection, passion and cultural identity that yodelling has shaped in Switzerland for generations," reports Watson.

UNESCO list protects cultural traditions globally

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list aims to recognise cultural heritage traditions globally, in particular activities that involve “knowledge, communal practices and social interactions”. The list “reflects cultural diversity and testifies to human creativity”. 

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage meets annually to decide which submissions will be added to the list. Italian cuisine and Diwali were also added in December 2025, along with yodelling.

Switzerland has a number of other activities inscribed on the UNESCO list too, including the winegrowers’ festival in Vevey, Basel carnival and the Holy Week processions in Mendrisio. You can browse the full list on the UNESCO website here.