Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Kulning is primarily used to call back herds of cows or goats. But it’s also used to inform other shepherds or farmers in distant locations about the presence of wolves or bears. This vocal technique has been used by female shepherds in Sweden and Norway since the Middle Ages.
Kulning can also be used as a greeting to let people nearby know that they're not alone out there in the forests or fields. So kulning is a form of communication that resonates with both humans and animals.
Kulning is part of the traditions and practices related to summer farming – 'fäbodbruk – in Sweden and Norway, including the grazing of outlying lands and artisan food production. In 2024, 'fäbodbruk' was included on Unesco's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Video: Kularkraft
Kulning is primarily used to call back herds of cows or goats. But it’s also used to inform other shepherds or farmers in distant locations about the presence of wolves or bears. This vocal technique has been used by female shepherds in Sweden and Norway since the Middle Ages.
Kulning can also be used as a greeting to let people nearby know that they're not alone out there in the forests or fields. So kulning is a form of communication that resonates with both humans and animals.
Kulning is part of the traditions and practices related to summer farming – 'fäbodbruk – in Sweden and Norway, including the grazing of outlying lands and artisan food production. In 2024, 'fäbodbruk' was included on Unesco's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Video: Kularkraft
