a shared idea
When the Swiss collective for cultural projects Kollektiv für kulturelle Aufgaben (kfka) and the Detect Sounds team met in 2021, it quickly became clear that we shared a vision: We wanted to create a music festival that breaks down the social and intellectual barriers of classical music and invites visitors to discover something new. After years of planning, we are delighted to invite you to the first Between Mountains Festival iin Hölstein, Switzerland, on 19 July 2025.
Set among rolling green hills on a historic estate, we will take you on an immersive journey. As with the Detect Classic Festival in Germany, you can expect classical and ambient music, electronic and contemporary sounds, avant-garde beats, rhythm and spatial acoustics. Tickets are now available in our shop.
a place to meet
We searched for a suitable festival site for a long time and finally came across the Holdenweid Impulse Centre in Hölstein in 2024. The listed Holdenweid estate was once a farm, a villa, a branch of the University Psychiatric Clinic of Basel and a summer residence. Since the 1980s, the large building had stood almost empty and was scheduled for demolition in the 2010s. Fortunately, Cornelia Huber found the estate in 2014 and, with her team, transformed it into a place of encounter.
Under the direction of the Frequenzwechsel association, a future laboratory and a contemporary health resort are gradually emerging at Holdenweid.
What makes working at Holdenweid so special is the combination of music, culture and scientific research – very much in keeping with the spirit of Detect, where curiosity and discovery play a central role.
a sound begins
In 2025, a new format will be launched in Hölstein under the name Between Mountains. Two open-air stages await you outside on the grounds. The building also has numerous smaller and larger indoor spaces, each with its own unique and inspiring atmosphere. Two of these rooms will be used as indoor stages.
The festival is organised by the Detect Classic Festival Switzerland association, the Detect Sounds team and kfka – Kollektiv für kulturelle Aufgaben (Collective for Cultural Tasks). The kfka team has been working together for many years and has over 25 years of combined experience in the production and development of cultural projects (Lucerne Festival, Basel Sinfonietta, Mizmorim Chamber Music Festival, Ensemble ö!, International Music Week Grenchen).
Two Swiss cultural collectives are responsible for the detailed festival atmosphere: the dance floor from the Irubo Kollektiv in Zurich offers a wide range of electronic music, from instrumental hip hop and electronica to house, garage, drum n bass, dub and minimal techno. All this in a fluid transition between live and DJ sets. The Schmusi Kollektiv from Zurich and Interlaken creates a place to relax, drink tea and listen to music. Here you will find jazz, ambient, dub, hip hop, electronica and classical music.
are you in?
From 11 a.m. on 19 July to 11 a.m. on 20 July, you can discover classical and ambient music, electronic and contemporary music, avant-garde, beats, rhythm and spatial acoustics. Tickets are available now for £80.00 in our ticket shop.
For families and anyone who is curious, there are day tickets available that are valid on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children under 12 can attend the festival free of charge. Further information on how to get there, etc. can be found in our FAQ.
what sounds can you expect?
We will reveal the musical line-up shortly. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay informed.
written by: jasmin falk
