The Center for Folkloristic music from Appenzell and Toggenburg offers guided tours and yodeling classes

You can look forward to a journey through the history of the monument protected building that was renovated in 2006. It dates back to the years of 1763/64. The Roothuus is also the home of the festive hall that is the most beautiful in this area and beyond, featuring countryside baroque frescos and many details that tell the moving history of this central house in Gonten. Nowadays the Roothuus houses the Center for Folkloristic Music all around the Alpstein, i.e. the Appenzellerland and the Toggenburg. An exhibit presents the latest research results of the house and a store invites you to check out the diverse products. Numerous historic instruments are on display here and can also be listened to. Those who are interested will learn a lot of facts worth knowing from the well documented history of the folk music from Appenzell and Toggenburg. If you want to explore the Roothuus Gonten on your own, admission is free of charge.

We will be pleased to take you and your guests on a tour of the Roothuus. You will receive information on the history of the house, of the folk music and the many historic instruments. We will also brief you on our latest research projects and will give you insights into ancient handwritten pieces.
The Roothuus also offers yodeling classes. A singer wearing a costume will practice natural yodeling with you and give you tips and advice on what we call “Talerschwingen.” Upon request we will upgrade your guided tour or yodeling class by offering you an aperitif.

Guided tours:
Duration: about 1 hour
Number of participants: no more than 25 guests per group
Dates: year round, every day
Price: Monday through Friday CHF 160 per group / Saturday and Sunday CHF 210 per group

Yodeling classes:
Duration: about 2 hours
Number of participants: no more than 25 guests per group
Dates: year round, every day
Price: Monday through Friday CHF 370 per group / Saturday and Sunday CHF 420 per group