It tends to be dialect-heavy and invokes local and regional lifestyles, cultures and traditions, particularly, those of the Alpine farmers and peasants.

[2] Originally transmitted by oral tradition, the oldest historical records like the Appenzell Kuhreihen by Georg Rhau (1488–1548) date back to the 16th century.

[3] Alpine folk is characterized by improvisation and variation, uncomplicated major key melodies and simple harmonies.

[4] Typical instruments range from alpenhorns to hackbretts, zithers and acoustic guitars, and even violas and harmonicas.

Alpine folk continues to be performed by many local ensembles and bands throughout the European Alps and should not be confused with Volkstümliche Musik, which is largely to be found in broadcasting media and on ancillary merchandise.