• Heinz Imhof
Aug – Sep 2024

2024 Austrian Alps

Meeting in Brand with 9 friends for hiking in the Austrian 🇦🇹 Alps followed by a road trip through Italy 🇮🇹 and Switzerland 🇨🇭. Read more
  • Trip start
    August 29, 2024
    Clealy visible below are 4 lakes. The red dot is Lake Biel where I gew up.

    Arrival in Switzerland

    August 30, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    We touched down in Zürich, Switzerland, greeted by a picture-perfect sunny day. Despite our flight, AA92, being delayed by nearly four hours, Sixt kept our rental car reservation ready, which was a relief. Ursula’s brother, Wally, and his girl friend Marli welcomed us with open arms, making us feel instantly at home in the serene countryside of Thurgau, an agricultural gem of Switzerland.

    Wally’s backyard is a little haven, complete with fruit trees and thriving tomatoes plants. After a 14-hour journey, we’re absolutely exhausted. The kitchen crew is preparing a light dinner, but staying awake feels like a real challenge. I know myself—sleep is not far off!

    Tomorrow promises to be exciting as we’re invited to one of Wally’s friends for an authentic Swiss Raclette dinner. Looking forward to it!
    Read more

  • Tägerschen, Switzerland

    August 31, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    I woke up to a gorgeous, sunny day, with the scents of Switzerland's countryside filling the air.

    In the morning, Wally’s landlady, Ruth, invited us over for a chat and a glass of wine. At 91, she’s nothing short of incredible—staying fit with regular gymnastics and swimming. She’s sharp as a tack, managing her finances and even trading stocks. Truly inspiring!

    Later in the afternoon, we headed to Tägerschen, about 20 minutes away, to visit Wally’s friend Claude. He has a lovely home with a pool—just what we needed to cool off on this warm Saturday. As the sun dipped behind the farmhouse next door, dinner was served. Claude treated us to a delicious Raclette with all the fixings, paired with a special Italian red from the Abruzzo region of Italy . Time flew by quickly among such great company and engaging conversations as jetlag reminded me it was already 11:30 PM .

    It was a wonderful day and evening!
    Read more

  • Kurt & Renata

    September 1, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌩️ 79 °F

    After a relaxed, late breakfast, we made our way to Oberwinterthur for a short visit with our friends, Kurt and Renata. They had recently moved from Zürich to this town, and we were excited to see their new place and catch up on how they were adjusting. Their apartment in a modern building was impressive, offering a breathtaking view of the city and the distant mountains.

    A late afternoon thunderstorm rolled in, cooling the air as Wally grilled veal sausages for dinner. These sausages, a specialty of the St. Gallen region, are a delicacy we always look forward to enjoying!

    Tomorrow, we head to Brand in the Austrian Alps to meet up with (other) older friends for a week of sightseeing and hiking before continuing on a road trip through Northern Italy.
    Read more

  • Arrrival in Brand, Austria

    September 2, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    We arrived in Brand, Austria, just in time for a brief afternoon rain shower. Brand, a charming tourist resort in western Austria, is nestled at an elevation of 3,310 feet, located about five kilometers from the Swiss border and eight kilometers east of Liechtenstein.

    Our group leader, Peter, who knows the area well, had arranged accommodations for everyone at Hotel Tannleger. Our room on the second floor is both modern and cozy, with all the essentials for a comfortable stay.

    The hotel also offers a lovely wellness center, complete with a Finnish sauna, steam room, and infrared room, which I plan to enjoy after our daily hikes.

    Another great benefit staying at Hotel Tannleger was the digital guest pass for the entire duration of our stay, granting us free access to local buses and several mountain lifts in the region.

    Dinner at the restaurant Guffer55, situated accross from the church, was exceptional. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Peter’s brother, Freddi, whom I met for the first time. He’s a retired business executive with a career spanning several countries, including the United States and Canada, and now resides near Lausanne in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

    Tomorrow, we’re gearing up for a hike up to and around Lünersee, which sits at an elevation of 6,463 feet.
    Read more

  • Lünersee, Austria

    September 3, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    Today, we hiked up to the stunning Lünersee and followed a trail that circled the picturesque blue lake.

    The Lünersee lake dam was built in the 1950s. It collects water from the surrounding mountains, which is then used to generate hydroelectric power, contributing to the region's renewable energy supply.

    Four of the more experienced hikers—Peter, Jörg, Freddi, and Bernhard—took on an extra challenge, adding a side loop to the Totlalphütte at 7,824 feet. They later rejoined us at the Lünersee Dam restaurant.

    We were fortunate to have a semi-sunny day, just perfect for this adventure.

    Dinner this evening was at Heuboda, a charming restaurant in the town of Brand.
    Read more

  • Mountain MapleRed BeechwoodSpiky tires to handle the steep terrainBack at Brand Base-Station

    Brand - Glingaweg -> Panoramaweg

    September 4, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    This morning, six of us hit the trail early, knowing rain was in the forecast for the afternoon.

    We took on the steep Glingaweg trail, which winds through a gorge with waterfalls, and made our way up to Melkboden Alp, where we treated ourselves to some delicious apple strudel and cider.

    From there, we followed the Panoramaweg towards Parpfienzalp.

    The well-marked trail climbed along a small creek through the forest before leveling out and leading us to our destination, where the rest of our hiking group was waiting.

    Along the way, Jörg and I spotted edible wild mushrooms and started collecting them. Jörg, an avid mushroom hunter, always carries a bag and a Swiss Army knife in his backpack—just in case.

    The total five-hour hike was stunning, with nice views of the Brand valley—and not a single drop of rain! Unfortunately, my arthrithis knees started hurting badly and we wrapped up the adventure by taking the free gondola down to the Village.

    Tonight, we’re splitting up for dinner. We’ll be joining Wally and Marli, who are saying googbye to us tomorrow. Wally reserved a table at Restaurant M75, and the menu looks promising!
    Read more

  • Panoramaweg #2

    September 5, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    At 9:40, we gathered at the main bus stop for today’s adventure. We started by taking the regular bus, then switched to a smaller one that navigated a long, narrow, winding road up to Tschengla, where our 3.5-hour hike began.

    The trail along the gently ascending Panoramaweg led us to Burschasattel, once again offering breathtaking views. Along the way, Peter’s brother Jörg continued adding wild mushrooms to his growing collection—a wonderful gift from nature if you know what to pick!

    We passed cows grazing on steep alpine fields, meadows, and ski slopes. The thought crossed my mind: how much longer will I be able to snowboard, given my worsening knee problem?

    Almost at the top, we stopped at the Frööd restaurant and enjoyed an assortment of delicious pastries and refreshing drinks. Afterward, the more adventurous hikers continued to the summit of Loischkopf, while the rest of us took the gondola down to the Brand base station.

    Back at the hotel, I relaxed with another sauna session and rested my knees before we all headed to a rustic hut above the local golf course for a BBQ dinner.

    A light evening rain cooled things off but had stopped by the time we walked back to the hotel in the dark for a good night’s sleep.
    Read more

  • Hiking high above Lech

    September 6, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Today, Peter drove us to Lech, Austria, a destination often compared to the prestigious St. Moritz in Switzerland.

    We started by taking a gondola up to Oberlech, followed by a chairlift to Petersboden, where our hike began.

    The ascent to Kriegeralpe was a gentle climb along a pleasant gravel road, and we couldn’t resist stopping at the alp restaurant to indulge in a delicious prune tart topped with whipped cream. The weather was ideal—sunny with a few clouds and temperatures in the 60s—perfect for hiking.

    Afterward, we hiked for another hour, reaching a stunning viewpoint before splitting into two groups. One group made their way back down to Lech, while the more adventurous hikers continued to Buzensee before looping back to meet everyone in Lech. The hike once again offered breathtaking views of the valleys below and the surrounding mountains.

    Dinner tonight was at Romantikhus, where we enjoyed the best culinary experience we've had in Brand so far—a generous treat from our friends Bernhard and Elisabeth.
    Read more

  • Climbing higher and higher!Resting at WandfluhhütteView from just below Alpe BreithornI just couldn't resist this snapshot!

    Stein in Walsertal, Austria

    September 7, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Today, we ventured into the beautiful Walsertal, starting with a gondola ride from the charming village of Sonntag across the valley to Stein.

    From there, a rather steep trail led us through lush alpine pastures and small pine forests, winding ever higher until we reached the Wandfluhhütte.

    After a well-earned rest, some of us continued on to Alpe Breithorn, where we enjoyed local snacks while soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. On this sunny Saturday, the trails were bustling with fellow hikers and tons of mountain bikers.

    On our way back to Brand, we made a quick stop in Bludenz for some shopping before returning to the hotel for a refreshing shower. We ended the day with yet another delicious dinner at Guffer55, a perfect closure to the hiking portion of our trip.

    Tomorrow, we embark on a 9-day road trip through southern Tirol, northern Italy, and back to Switzerland to reunite with Wally, Marli, and meet up with Anina and Jeremy. Adventure awaits!

    Looking ahead, I wonder where we will all meet next year for a new hiking adventure.
    Read more

  • Start of our 8-day Road Trip

    September 8, 2024 in Austria ⋅ 🌧 63 °F

    This morning, we bid farewell to our hiking friends and embarked on our 8-day road trip.

    Our first stop was Innsbruck, where we explored the Swarovski Visitor Center and exhibition. It was fascinating to see the various creative uses of glass and man-made crystals. (Check out the pictures below!)

    As rain clouds rolled in, we decided to head towards the Brenner Pass and find a place to stay for the night. Google Maps led us to Gasthof und Pension Schützenwirt in Steinach.

    Our double room in this beautifully renovated farmhouse was simple but charming. For dinner, I had a delicious beef goulash, while the mixed salad, made with fresh ingredients straight from the farm’s vegetable garden, was a real treat. Ursula opted for a classic Wiener Schnitzel with Pommes.

    The evening became even more memorable when the restaurant owner, Mr. Klotz, joined us at our table. We shared stories from our lives, making for a delightful and enriching conversation.

    Tomorrow, despite the forecasted rain, we’ll be making our way towards South Tirol and the Dolomites. Adventure continues!
    Read more

  • Zuoz, Switzerland

    September 9, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F

    This morning, we had to adjust our travel plans due to poor weather conditions across the entire Tirol region, expected to last for the next four days.

    Instead, we opted to head west towards Zouz in the Engadin valley of Switzerland. It turned out to be a great choice, with the occasional rays of sunshine and glimpses of blue sky greeting us upon our arrival.

    What could have been a 3-hour drive stretched into a 6-hour adventure as we stopped to explore a few picturesque villages along the way. One such stop was Tarasp, home to a charming castle perched atop a hill. Unfortunately, the castle was closed for visits on Mondays, and so were all the local restaurants. However, the kind owner of the Schlosshotel Chastè took pity on us and graciously served us cappuccinos in a 500-year-old room that was once the living space of a farmhouse, now part of this exclusive hotel. It was an unexpected, nice guesture - not typical Swiss.

    Our destination for tomorrow is Locarno where we meet Bernhard & Elisabeth for dinner.
    Read more

  • Locarno, Switzerland

    September 10, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    This morning, peeking out of our hotel window, we noticed the mountain peaks dusted with a light layer of snow. After indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet, we wandered through the streets of Zuoz, admiring the stunning old buildings, many dating back to the 12th century. The thick-walled structures are characteristic of the Engadin valley. In this community of around 1,200 people, 40% speak German, 44% Rätoromansch, and 16% Italian. The town's center is paved with cobblestone streets, and the church bells chime on the hour and half-hour, adding to the charm.

    We left Zuoz mid-morning and made our way up the valley to St. Moritz, stopping several times to take in the breathtaking views of the lake and the grand hotels frequented by the rich and famous.

    Shortly after passing through St. Moritz, we veered right to cross the Julier Pass. A few hours later, we traversed the San Bernardino tunnel, eventually descending into the Canton of Ticino and arriving at our final destination, Locarno. The journey was long, filled with winding hairpin turns, tunnels, and bridges, and the scenery was absolutely stunning.

    Tonight, we met our dear friends Bernhard and Elisabeth. We’ve been close friends since 1973. Dinner was at a lovely Italian restaurant called MammaMia. By chance, they were visiting Locarno at the same time as us—what a wonderful coincidence!
    Read more

  • Locarno, Switzerland

    September 11, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    Not much to write about today, but we decided to stay in Locarno for another day despite the weather forecast predicting a 65% chance of rain.

    Once again, luck was on our side—the rain didn’t start until we were having dinner at an Italian restaurant between 6 and 7 PM. We had a dry day up until then.

    After a good night's sleep, we took a cable car, gondola, and chairlift up to Cimetta Mountain, sitting at 1,671 meters above sea level. The view from the top was beautiful, overlooking Locarno and Lago Maggiore, though the incoming bad weather made it less crisp and clear than we’d hoped (see attached photos).

    We returned to the hotel around 1:30 PM and I took a nap while Ursula went window shopping.

    Our plan for tomorrow is to visit the Market in Feriolo, Italy.
    Read more

  • Re, Piemont

    September 12, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Our visit to Feriolo, Italy, was delightful, though we discovered that the open market no longer operates. Locals informed us that it only runs during July and August. Nevertheless, the scenic, winding drive along the shores of Lago Maggiore was both picturesque and captivating.

    After indulging in some ice cream on the beach, we decided to head toward Domodossola and explore a steep side valley leading to a ski resort. Along the way, we passed numerous small mountain villages, most of which appeared deserted. After about half an hour, we felt we'd seen enough of the somewhat desolate area and decided to turn back.

    Tonight, we're staying at the Albergo Ristorante Bellavista in Re, a small mountain town in the Vigezzo Valley, home to the famous Madonna del Sangue Basilica. Upon our arrival, the owner's mother informed us that their restaurant had closed two years ago, so we would need to find another dining option in Re, about a 15-minute walk away.

    For tomorrow we plan to eplore the Centovally valley and visit the open market in Connero on lake Lago Maggiore.
    Read more

  • Lake Como

    September 13, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    The people we encountered at the hotels, shops, and restaurants were nice and friendly, which has definitely added to our positive vacation experience so far.

    A 24 mph wind swept through the Vigezzo Valley as we headed towards the Centovalli—definitely a route for experienced drivers who can handle the hairpin turns and narrow bridges. I was so relieved we made it through without a scratch!

    In Cannero, we easily found the *piccolo mercato* (small open market), which was fantastic. We bought a bag of delicious grapes and dried fruits, and Ursula scored another beautiful leather handbag, while I found a pair of shoes—both at bargain prices!

    We then continued our journey towards Lake Como via Lugano. The GPS malfunctioned a few times, sending us on detours, but we didn’t mind as we weren’t in a rush. The road along Lake Como’s shoreline was quite narrow, requiring extra caution when buses or trucks approached from the opposite direction. At one point, the GPS unexpectedly suggested we take a ferry from Cadenabbia to Bellagio, which turned out to be a great option.

    We finally arrived at our hotel on the outskirts of Como around 5:30 p.m. The hotel owner recommended his sister’s restaurant, just 2 km away—and it was absolutely fabulous!
    Read more

  • Cavalese, Italy

    September 14, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Today's drive from Lake Como to South Tyrol took nearly five hours.

    Traffic was smooth, mostly along highways, but our GPS threw us off course just north of Milan, only to correct itself when we were almost halfway to Venice—quite the hassle, though luckily we weren't in a rush.

    Heading east, the landscape was rather dull, with not much to catch the eye. But once we veered north into the valley toward Bolzano, things got more interesting. The valley, with its fertile soil, stretched out with vineyards as far as the eye could see. Apples and pears also thrive in this region.

    We decided to leave the highway at one point, taking local roads to explore the countryside and pass through small villages. Naturally, we had to stop for a break and enjoy a glass of local Chardonnay.

    In Ora Auer, we took a right onto Route SS48, which led us to the mountain town of Cavalese. We're staying at the Park Hotel Azalea here, surrounded by high mountains perfect for hiking and skiing.
    Read more

  • Tirol Mountains, Italy

    September 15, 2024, Arctic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 18 °F

    Check out more photos in yesterday’s blog which got messed up because of Internet failure.

    After breakfast and some helpful tips from the hotel manager, Alex, we took a gondola up to Alpe Cermis, where we caught part of the International Women's Rollerski World Championship race.

    With the foothills of Tyrol behind us, we decided to head into higher elevations and embark on a tour of the Dolomites. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking.

    The drive required careful navigation, as we crossed three snow-covered mountain passes with countless hairpin turns. The stick shift stayed mostly in second gear, occasionally in third. The roads were full of cyclists and mountain bikers—clearly, the Dolomites are a paradise for them.

    After a quick stop for cappuccino and a speck lunch, we tackled one more mountain pass before descending into a lower valley, where we found Hotel Ingram for the night. Their four-course dinner menu looks very promising.

    It was a prefect 79th birthday 🎂!
    Read more

  • Return to Brand, Austria

    September 16, 2024 in Austria ⋅ 🌫 46 °F

    We left the Tirol mountains this morning under a stunning blue sky on a beautiful sunny day. It would have been nice to stay longer, maybe take a gondola ride up the mountain or enjoy a scenic hike.

    A few days ago, we received a note from the hotel in Brand, Austria, where we stayed a week ago, informing us that we had left behind some clothes and a jacket in our room. It’s hard to believe, as we usually double-check everything before leaving, but things happen! So, we decided to make a reservation at the same hotel in Brand on our way back to Wally and Marli in Thurgau, Switzerland.

    Tonight, we are excited to dine at the same restaurant where we enjoyed a fantastic dish of smoked Norwegian salmon.

    The drive to Brand took nearly four hours. As we neared the Brenner Pass, rain from Germany swept in, dampening the journey, and by the time we crossed the Arlberg Pass, the rain had turned to wet snow.
    Read more

  • Feldkirch, Austria

    September 17, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Before leaving our hotel room in Brand, we made absolutely sure we hadn't forgotten anything.

    About an hour later, we explored the charming old town of Feldkirch and its bustling open market.

    From there, it was just a short drive to Wängi, Thurgau, where Ursula’s brother Wally and their friend Marli were waiting for us.Read more

  • Wängi Main Street
    Ursula and Marli going shoppingOn the left - Jeremy and Anina

    Wängi, Switzerland

    September 18, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Anina and Jeremy arrived today from California and joined us for a light dinner. They'll be spending the next eight days exploring Switzerland before renting a camper for a three-week tour through Italy.Read more

  • Appenzell main PlazaThis is where we ate lunchThe secret formula & herbs used in cheese makingSantis MountainRestaurant Krone in BaltereswilCalf's liver and Rösti

    Appenzell, Switzerland

    September 19, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    We met up with Kurt and Renata in the charming town of Appenzell, where we enjoyed a quick lunch before heading to Stein to explore the fascinating Appenzeller cheese production.

    Later, we made our way to Schwegalp for a scenic hike along a nature trail.

    The day ended with a delicious dinner at Restaurant Krone in Balterswil, renowned for its calf’s liver and Rösti potatoes.

    It was the perfect way to wrap up a memorable day in Eastern Switzerland.
    Read more

  • Konstanz, Germany

    September 20, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Anina and Jeremy kicked off their Swiss adventure today, with an exciting itinerary planned for the next five days. Afterward, they’ll head to Milan, where they’ll begin a three-week tour of Italy in a camper van.

    Meanwhile, Ursula and I went food shopping at Migros and later we all made our way to Konstanz, Germany, for a brief visit and a sushi lunch.

    To our surprise, we ran into Wally's longtime friends Käthy and Pedro at the same restaurant. What a coincidence! Käthy and Pedro, who operated a car repair and service business for many years, hired Wally as a mechanic when he returned from Canada in 1979, and they've been close ever since. They now split their time between Switzerland and their beautiful vacation home in Piedmont, Italy.

    It is 6:30 and Wally just served us a special white wine, made from red grapes. Cheers!

    A promising light dinner (green salad, bread, cheese, salami) is being prepared by Ursula and Wally.

    (A few of today's photos have been copied from the Internet)
    Read more

  • Stein am Rhein, Switzerland

    September 21, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Today's sightseeing took us to the charming town of Stein am Rhein, just a 45-minute drive from Wängi where Wally lives.

    The town is a gem, with beautifully preserved old buildings and narrow alleyways. I couldn’t resist snapping far too many pictures and videos!

    The highlight was visiting Hohenklingen Castle, perched high above the town, which truly made the day unforgettable.

    While we were out exploring, Wally stayed home, busy with laundry and baking a New York cheesecake. Tonight, we’ll be enjoying a classic Swiss fondue for dinner—can’t wait!
    Read more

  • Railroad bridge near Lütisburg, ToggenburgOur rental Peugeot 208Klöntalersee view from SchwammhöheMarli & UrsulaRoad decending to GlarusDinner in Sirnach TG

    klöntalersee, Switzerland

    September 22, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    Marli picked a bunch of fresh grapes from Wally’s garden, making for a delicious morning treat.

    Today, we decided to head to Glarus, a region of Switzerland we had never explored before. Our destination was the Schwammhöhe restaurant, perched above the stunning Klöntalersee.

    The location was perfect, and it made for a beautiful Sunday afternoon drive!
    Read more

  • Last day 🤪!

    September 23, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    I had a rough night battling a sore throat, runny nose, and a slight fever. Two Tylenols helped me get some rest and ease the throat pain, but my runny nose worsened throughout the day, and by late afternoon, a dry cough set in.

    Despite feeling under the weather, I did my best to make the most of my last day in Switzerland—packing and squeezing in some last-minute shopping the cheese Kaserei in Tufertschwil.

    In the evening, we were invited to Kurt and Renata's for a delicious rabbit stew. I felt terrible for the other guests having to endure my constant nose blowing and coughing. I'm so sorry, everyone!

    I really hope I can get some sleep tonight and feel better for my flight to Dallas tomorrow. Renata was very thoughful and handed me two face masks, just in case.

    This concludes our trip to and around the Austrian Alps. We explored many areas we had never seen before and had a wonderful time.

    Solong .... untile next time! 😎
    Read more

    Trip end
    September 24, 2024