Culture
Culture Written Into the Rock
History that is lived in, not roped off
Culture here was not staged for visitors, it was here first. Kitzbühel's medieval old town has kept its street layout for more than 750 years. Davos holds the world's largest collection of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, who painted these mountains obsessively for two decades. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, and Cortina d'Ampezzo carries that legacy forward at Milano-Cortina 2026. Medieval streets and summer festivals complete the picture.
Living History,Not a Museum Piece
Where the past still shapes daily life
Across nine iconic destinations, Alpine culture lives through architecture, art, traditions and pioneering stories. From historic villages to contemporary creativity, discover a shared heritage that each generation continues to reinterpret, keeping the spirit of the Alps alive and moving forward.
Nine destinations, One Living Culture
Heritage, arts and traditions shaping the Alps
Culture, Answered
Alpine history is still visible in the destinations themselves. Kitzbühel stands out for its beautifully preserved medieval centre, while Courmayeur reflects the distinctive heritage of the Aosta Valley. In St. Anton, the Museum St. Anton am Arlberg tells the story of the pioneers who helped shape modern Alpine skiing.
The Alps have long inspired artists and architects. Davos Klosters offers a remarkable cultural scene, from the Kirchner Museum to its distinctive modern architecture, while Megève has a strong architectural identity shaped by Henry Jacques Le Même, whose work helped redefine the Alpine resort in the 20th century.
Traditions remain part of everyday life across the Alps. Lech Zürs am Arlberg preserves its Walser heritage through architecture, customs and local culture, while Cortina d’Ampezzo expresses its Ladin identity through language, traditions and craftsmanship. These are not simply memories of the past, but elements of a culture that continues to evolve.
Definitely. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc brings the history of mountaineering to life through the Musée Alpin and its unique mountain heritage, while Crans-Montana offers a varied cultural programme, exhibitions and museums alongside its natural setting. Culture provides another way to understand how Alpine communities have evolved.