Pine from the Dolomites – harvested and distilled at high altitude in South Tyrol

January 30, 2026 – The fragrance Cristallo is built around pine notes. To fully understand the nature of this extraordinary raw material, we met Franz Niederkofler, fourth generation at the helm of Bergila, the historic South Tyrolean distillery that for over a century has preserved and distilled the most authentic essence of the Alps.

Swiss pine is often described as “the guardian of the Alps.” Why is this tree so special?

Swiss pine, or Pinus cembra, is one of the most emblematic species of the Alpine arc. It is an evergreen from the Pinaceae family and has a unique characteristic in Europe: its needles grow in bundles of five. It is a slow-growing species but incredibly long-lived: it can live up to five hundred years and reach heights of 20–25 meters.

Where does it mainly grow and what role does it play in the Alpine ecosystem?

We find it in high-altitude forests, often alongside larch, where it forms what are known as cembrètes. These forests reach higher than any others, stretching up to the edges of glaciers. Swiss pine withstands temperatures below –25 °C and plays a fundamental role in stabilizing mountain slopes and protecting the land.

The name “Pinus cembra” has a fascinating origin. Can you tell us about it?

Yes, the etymology is very ancient. Pinus refers to the resinous nature of the wood, from the Latin pix, meaning pitch. Cembra probably derives from dialect names used by Alpine populations between South Tyrol, Austria, and Bavaria. Some also link it to the Old Germanic term zimbar, “construction wood,” or to the Cimbri, peoples deeply connected to forest life.Beyond its botanical aspects, Swiss pine also has a strong symbolic value…Absolutely. In Alpine tradition it is considered a protective tree, capable of instilling calm and stability. It is no coincidence that it is called “the tree of sleep.” It was believed that sleeping surrounded by its wood or scent helped fight insomnia and restlessness. Today, these intuitions are also supported by modern aromatherapy.

From which parts of the plant is the essential oil obtained?

From the wood, needles, and buds, all rich in aromatic oleoresins. The essential oil is extracted through steam distillation and is a very precious product. Its olfactory profile is immediately recognizable: fresh, resinous, woody. It recalls the clear air of a high-altitude forest, especially in the early morning hours.

What are its main properties?

Traditionally it is appreciated for its relaxing, soothing, and balancing qualities. When pure and certified, it can also be used in the culinary field, in very small amounts, to flavour drinks or sweet preparations.

How did your company begin?

Bergila is a family business founded in 1912, when Johann Niederkofler Senior built the first distillery in the woods of Issengo. At the beginning, we distilled pine needles, Swiss pine, and mountain pine for domestic use as natural remedies. As early as the 1920s we were supplying the pharmaceutical industry and became one of the first structured enterprises in the area. After the pause of the Second World War, the activity resumed with momentum, and in the 1960s and 70s we began introducing our oils to tourists. Today Bergila has reached its fourth generation.

What is your personal connection to this work?

I grew up among the stills. I still remember the scent of pine filling the air while I played as a child: it is part of my deepest memory. Our philosophy has not changed: to work in harmony with nature. We use only plants from pristine or organic cultivations that we own. All stages, from harvesting to packaging, are done by hand. We always prefer quality over quantity.

How is this type of pine harvested?

From May, when the snow retreats, until October. Every day we process four or five tons of raw material, from which we obtain only a few liters of essential oil. We actively collaborate with the forestry authorities to protect the balance of the territory and ensure sustainable resource management. It is a responsibility we feel deeply.

What does this type of pine represent to you today?

It is a bridge between nature and tradition, between past and future. Through our work, this heritage continues to live on in an essential oil that encapsulates the most authentic essence of the Alps.

Perfumer’s notes:

Swiss pine essential oil is obtained from the needles, buds, and wood of the Alpine Swiss pine, collected and transformed through slow steam distillation. Its olfactory profile is immediately recognizable: fresh and resinous, deeply woody, crossed by a crystalline purity that evokes the rarefied air of high altitudes. It is an essence that acts quietly, with a calming and soothing emotional effect, capable of encouraging deep relaxation, inner balance, and a genuine sense of grounding. Not surprisingly, in Alpine tradition it is known as “the tree of sleep,” a symbol of protection, stability, and quiet of the soul. Used in aromatherapy, artistic perfumery, and, in minimal certified doses, also in the culinary field, Swiss pine tells the gentle strength of the mountains: an ancient, essential essence that transforms the Alpine landscape into an intimate and enveloping sensory experience.