The stone pine (Pinus cembra), also known as Swiss pine, Swiss stone pine or Arolla pine, is a member of the conifer (Pinaceae) family and grows in the Alps and Carpathian Mountains. Its highly aromatic wood is used to make furniture and for carvings while its cones and seeds are harvested as food and to make alcoholic spirits such as ‘Zirbenlikör’ and ‘Zirbenschnapps’.
Thanks to its pronounced patterning stone pine is also used as panelling for rooms and to make rustic furniture for kitchens and bedrooms. Numerous craftsmen, primarily located in Tyrol and South Tyrol, also use the wood to produce pieces of art. In addition to this, stone pine is used as shingles and for carving; it has been the material of choice for the majority of wood carvers in Val Gardena since the 17th century. Alpine mountain huts are also often constructed from stone pine.