The building and blowing of a midwinter horn has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage in the Netherlands since 2013 (blowing) and 2018 (building).
How do you build a midwinter horn?
A midwinter horn is handcrafted from a slightly curved birch, alder, or willow trunk.
The trunk dries for at least six months, is sawn lengthwise, hollowed out, glued together (or traditionally bound), sanded, varnished, and fitted with a mouthpiece (happe) made of elderwood.
The process takes weeks to months and requires little labor—anyone can learn it.
Many midwinter horn groups organize annual building courses, often in the fall (September-October), so that the horn is ready for the blowing season (Advent to Epiphany).
Examples: In the Achterhoek region: Groups in Zelhem, De Heurne, Ulft (OVGG Huttepiepen), Wehl, and Aalten offer courses, sometimes also for young people.
In Overijssel: Workshops in Dalfsen, Hardenberg, Oldenzaal, and Vriezenveen.
Organizations: Federation of Gelderland Midwinter Horn Groups (Gelderland) and the Twenthe Midwinter Horn Blowing Foundation (Overijssel).
These courses are open to beginners, often last 4-10 evenings, and cost around €70 (including materials).
After building, you can often learn to blow immediately.
The tradition lives on through these courses, with an emphasis on passing it on to younger generations.
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