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2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise
  • Heinz Imhof

2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise

On this trip, we are joining a group of Swiss friends for a week of hiking in the Lake Lucerne region of Switzerland, followed by a 9-day round-trip river cruise to Budapest, Hungary. Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 25, 2025
    Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler

    DFW Departure -> Zürich

    June 25 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    I just finished packing – everything fit into my small suitcase (summer clothes) and black backpack. Even two bottles of whiskey and a pack of dates found space. Hopefully, I didn’t forget anything. Our neighbor and friend Mike is coming to pick us up at 10:45 AM.

    Knowing him, he will arrive 5 minutes early 😂. It is getting exciting!

    American Airlines flight 1781 should take off at 1:15 PM -> Philadelphia -> Zürich. Arrival in Switzerland around 8:50 AM tomorrow.

    Switzerland is experiencing nice, warm weather at the moment. Let's hope it continues that way ✈️.    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    My younger sister Elisabeth
    Wooden bridge over the Rhine RiverRIP Gerhard KneppeckChicken curry dinner in the making

    Day 1 – Arrival in Zürich, Switzerland

    June 26 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Day 1 – Arrival in Zürich, Switzerland

    Our summer adventure began with a bit of travel drama. Due to thunderstorms in the Washington, D.C. area, our plane couldn’t land in Philadelphia on time. Once we finally touched down, we sprinted through the airport to catch our connecting flight at Gate A6. Luckily (and unluckily), that flight was also delayed, giving us just enough time to make it. After sitting on the runway for 40 minutes, waiting for permission to take off, we finally landed in Zürich at 10:45 AM, instead of the scheduled 8:50 AM. A little late, but safe and sound — and that’s what counts.

    From there, things got interesting. Our VW Polo rental car gave us some unexpected grief on the drive to Säckingen, Germany. Warning signals and flashing orange lights continued to go off every few seconds. Turned out it wasn’t a mechanical issue — just a heavy suitcase placed on the back seat triggering the seatbelt alarms. Classic rookie mistake!

    We arrived at my sister’s place, a cozy 2-bedroom condo on Hugo-Herrmann-Strasse, where she welcomed us with open arms. It felt so good to see her again after all this time.

    The weather was warm and slightly humid — just right for a gentle stroll. After enjoying a refreshing mixed green salad with Mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, I snuck in a quick nap before we took a walk through the neighborhood. We followed the path along the Rhine River and visited the Old Catholic cemetery where my sister’s husband, Gerhard, is buried. He passed away five years ago after a long and difficult battle with Parkinson’s — a quiet, moving moment.

    Later in the evening, we gathered around the table for a delicious curry chicken dinner. In between all the good food and a second mini-nap, we stayed up late talking, laughing, and catching up on life.

    I’m especially excited for tomorrow — more Imhof and Kneppeck family members are arriving, some of whom we haven’t seen in years. The reunion is just beginning!    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler

    Day 2 - Säcking, Germany

    June 27 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌙 70 °F

    Today wasn’t filled with big adventures, but it was rich in the kind of moments that make a trip truly memorable.

    My brother and his wife joined us for a leisurely lunch at my sister’s condo. We settled into the shaded patio and let the afternoon drift by in deep conversation, savoring cool drinks while hearing the occasional sound of garden birds — simple, perfect family time.

    As evening approached, we strolled to a restaurant in the charming old town. Dinner was classic German Wiener Schnitzel with fries and a cold Weissbier, enjoyed outdoors as the buzz of the annual Bridge Festival filled the cobblestone streets.

    The old town was alive with festive energy, and the sound of music in the near distance was in the air. We navigated through the crowds, and the ladies had to make a mandatory stop at the town’s famous ice cream shop. 🍦

    Later, we joined the large audience at the central plaza in front of the cathedral, where a rock band was playing. Kids danced, ladies swayed, and the whole scene resembled summertime joy.

    We capped off the night back home on the patio, talking and sipping until almost midnight. No significant sights, no long drives — just a day full of warm family time, reconnecting with the past years, and silently wishing we could do this more often.    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    watering Gerhard's resting placeSasha, Annamarie,Mila,Ursula,Elisabeth,Herbert,JoachimHerbert - Me - Joachim

    Day 3 – Säckingen & more Family Time

    June 28 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Säckingen hit a sweltering 97°F (36°C) today, and without air conditioning, it felt nearly unbearable. Ursula, ever thoughtful, turned on the water hose and gave Elisabeth’s garden a good soak to help the plants cope with the heat.

    Just before lunch, my nephew Joachim joined us. It had been nearly eleven years since we last met. While he looked much the same, I was amazed at how his daughters, Sasha and Mila, had grown into confident, beautiful teenagers.

    On our way to town, we stopped by the cemetery where the girls watered Gerhard’s grave. Then we took a stroll through the old city and did some window shopping. Ursula found a perfect summer dress. Mila was obsessed with a trendy body spray that she wanted to purchase at Mueller’s department store.

    And yes, we couldn’t resist another stop at La Grutta Mona Lisa for ice cream.

    Back at Elisabeth’s condo, the afternoon eased into evening with more conversation, laughter, and relaxed family time. Jet lag still lingered, so I slipped away for a quick nap before rejoining the group for the rest of a warm, meaningful day and evening.    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    My sister Elisabeth Kneppeck
    Having drinks at restaurant BergseeInside Säckingen ChruchRhine River

    Day 4 – Säckingen

    June 29 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    The heat wave isn’t letting up—today was another scorcher! So we did what any sensible traveler would do: escaped to the shade of the forest and found our way to Bergsee, a hidden lake just outside Bad-Säckingen.

    We grabbed cool drinks at a laid-back little lake restaurant run by a friendly family from Kosovo. With an occasional light breeze off the water, it was the perfect spot to hang out.

    We then walked the peaceful trail that loops around the lake before heading back into town. With just an hour to spare before closing, we landed at a cozy restaurant in the old town and treated my sister to a lovely dinner.

    Tonight is our last in Bad Säckingen. Tomorrow around noon, we’re off to Switzerland for a 5-day hiking adventure with friends. Time to trade lakes for mountains!    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler

    Day 5 – Arrival in Sachseln, Obwalden

    June 30 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    After a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, we packed our few belongings and bid a warm farewell to both Germany and Elisabeth. Parting wasn’t easy. Over these past three days, my sister and I shared more about ourselves than I would have thought possible—an experience I’ll treasure.

    With Google Maps guiding us via Apple CarPlay, the drive into Switzerland was smooth and scenic. Traffic flowed easily, and within just an hour and a half, we arrived in the picturesque village of Sachseln, nestled on the shores of Lake Sarnen in the canton of Obwalden.

    Sachseln welcomed us with drizzle and sticky humidity. To our surprise, Hotel Krone, where we’re staying, had just transitioned to an “e-Hotel” the week before—no reception desk, only an electronic check-in system. It took a little figuring out, but we managed to pay and activate our room cards. Room 204 is spacious, with a sleek, modern bathroom and two windows that open toward the lake. This will be home for the next five nights, with breakfast included.

    At 5 PM, we gathered with our hiking group for an orientation led by our guide, Peter Ulli. Peter is knowledgeable about the region, approachable, and flexible. He outlined a variety of hiking options for the week, adjustable to both the weather and each person’s abilities.

    By the time we finished dinner at the hotel, the skies had cleared. A soft evening light broke through, casting a gentle glow over the lake and the surrounding mountain peaks.

    It feels like the perfect beginning to our alpine hiking adventure.    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    8-Mile Hiking Route
    Entrance to Military FortificationSarnen village squareLake Sarnen2Locals cooling off in the Lake

    Day 6 - Hiking Alpnach-Sachseln

    July 1 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    After a restful night, I found myself wide awake at 5:00 AM—far too early! I opened the windows to let in the cool morning breeze and managed to doze off again for a bit.

    By 7:00 AM, we were downstairs having breakfast with Beni and Elisabeth in the hotel restaurant. At 9:15 AM, we caught a train to Alpnach, where we met up with the rest of our hiking group.

    Peter had chosen a gentle, mostly flat trail for our first official hike—a perfect warm-up. The route followed the Wichelsee, a man-made lake and nature reserve near Kägiswil, then continued along the Sarner Aa River toward the town of Sarnen. The trail, also popular with cyclists, required us to stay alert for bikers coming from both directions.

    In Sarnen, we stopped to refill our water bottles and welcomed another hiker, Hans Vogler, who joined us for the final stretch. The last leg took us along the scenic shores of Lake Sarnen back to our hotel in Sachseln. The lakeside path was especially picturesque, dotted with locals taking a dip to cool off in the summer heat.

    After returning to the hotel, a few in our group grabbed beach towels and headed straight for the lake. Ursula and I opted for a refreshing cold shower and some well-earned downtime before dinner, scheduled for 7:00 PM.

    Tomorrow’s plan: a hike in the Brüning–Hasliberg–Reuti region. Looking forward to it!    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    2214

    Day 7 – Hike from Mägisalp to Käserstatt

    July 2 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌙 57 °F

    Today’s adventure began with a scenic ride on the cogwheel train to Brünig-Hasliberg, followed by a postal bus up to Reuti. From there, a gondola whisked us high above the valley floor to Mägisalp, where our hiking groups set off in different directions.

    Group 1—Heinz, Ursula, Margaret, and Elisabeth—chose the gentler route: a 2.5 km trail with stunning alpine views that led us to Käserstatt. There, we rewarded ourselves with refreshing drinks and a satisfying meal, all while soaking in the scenery. A hammock in the kids’ playground turned out to be the perfect spot for a quick post-lunch nap!

    Group 2—Peter, Bernhard, and Hans—opted for the more challenging hike up to Planplatten at 2,250 meters. Their four-hour trek was well worth the effort, with sweeping panoramic views of the Alps as their reward.

    After our hikes, each group made their own way back to their respective hotels.

    In the evening, Ursula and I had the pleasure of reconnecting with our friends Werner and Karin over dinner at Gasthof Engel. The last time we saw them was during a surprise visit in Dallas around Christmas, with their nice Mercedes camper van. As it happens, they’re currently on a travel pause and are staying not far from our hotel in Sachseln.

    Looking ahead: our guide Peter will meet us in the hotel lobby tomorrow morning with a few hiking options, depending on the weather—currently showing a 55% chance of rain.    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    242

    Day 8 - Stockhütte to Klewenalp

    July 3 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    With rain in the forecast, our guide Peter wisely chose a route above Lake Lucerne near Beckenried, where the weather promised to be more forgiving.

    We set off in two cars toward Emmetten and took a gondola up to Stockhütte — the trailhead for today’s adventure. The sky looked encouraging, with patches of blue and no sign of the looming showers.

    The first stretch of our hike wound its way uphill in a zigzag through the forest, offering welcome shade and cool mountain air. We paused midway for a satisfying and straightforward picnic. Peter shared bread, sausage, and cheese. Ursula and I split an apple while Margaret passed around fresh kiwi and apricots.

    As we moved into the second half of the hike, the terrain opened up into rolling alpine pastures, with gentler inclines and panoramic views. Just as we reached trail marker #4, the rain finally caught up with us. Thankfully, it was only a light rain, just enough to cool us down as we slipped into our rain gear and carried on.

    We reached Klewenalp just in time to warm up with coffee and hot chocolate. Hans Vogler joined us for the break, and Bernhard and I gave in to temptation with a caramel flan and a slice of prune cake, both topped with generous dollops of whipped cream.

    By the time we stepped back outside, the rain had moved on, and the sun returned to wrap up the day on a high note. Warm, dry, and full of mountain sweetness — I’d call that a successful hike!    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    Postal BusWooden ram sculptureLeft side top - BonistockBernhard and HansTannenseeAlpine Ladies Mantle1Elisabeth and UrsulaArnica (Mountain Tobacco)Tannensee Chaple

    Day 9 – Stöckalp - Melchsee-Frutt

    July 4 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    We kicked off the day with the 9:29 AM train to Sarnen—punctual, of course, in true Swiss fashion. From there, a scenic postal bus ride brought us to Stöckalp, the base station for the gondola up to Melchsee-Frutt.

    Perched at 6,300 feet, Melchsee-Frutt is a stunning alpine resort village nestled on a high plateau, surrounded by dramatic peaks and serene mountain lakes. A perfect spot for our final hiking day—thank you, Peter, for picking such a gem!

    Our hike began with a climb to Bonistock, a spectacular cliffside viewpoint at 7,086 feet. With lunchtime approaching, we happily settled in for coffee and a surprise treat: pastries that magically appeared from my backpack—delicious!

    From Bonistock, the group split:
    Group 1 (those with tender knees) took the gondola down to the valley and followed a gentle trail past Melchsee to Tannensee and on to Tannenalp at 6,476 feet. Heinz, listening to his body, bailed out halfway for a long, restful nap on a bench. When awake, he admired the trout fishermen and took photos of wildflowers.

    Group 2, our sure-footed mountain goats, tackled the steep descent by foot from the cliffs to Tannenalp, eventually reuniting with Group 1.

    The weather was cool and refreshing—a welcome change. While passing clouds occasionally blocked the view of the mountains, we were spared any rain—a memorable final hike in a truly magical setting.    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    22

    Day 10 – Tour of Lungern (Hans)

    July 5 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    This morning, we said goodbye to our cozy hotel in Sachseln, which had been our home for the past five days. Initially, we had planned to head toward Zürich and spend our final day there before the river cruise. But when our friend Hans Vogler invited us to stay an extra day so he could give us a personal tour of his hometown, Lungern - how could we possibly say no?

    Hans welcomed us at Matti, his rustic mountain cabin perched high above Lungern, accessible only by a narrow dirt road. The cabin, with its two bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom, sits in a picture-perfect setting at the edge of the forest and alpine meadows, and the gentle sound of cowbells in the distance.

    After a short break, Hans loaded us into his off-road Rubicon Jeep and took us even higher into the mountains. From there, we continued on foot for about 45 minutes through peaceful alpine pastures, eventually arriving at a remote hunting cabin and lookout point, with a spectacular view over Lungern and its emerald-blue lake below.

    Hunger caught up with us on the way back, so we stopped at the Bahnhof Restaurant in Lungern for a late lunch. I had a small mixed salad topped with a pair of Wienerli sausages, served with mustard and fresh bread - simple, flavorful, and just what I needed.

    In the afternoon, Hans took us on a personal memory tour. We visited the homes of the original baker, butcher, dairy, attorney, hairdresser, plumber, saddler, carpenter, and where he grew up. Nestled right on the lake was the home of his brother Hans-Sepp. It was a warm, sunny Saturday, and the Lungernsee was alive with activity - swimmers, kayakers, and paddle-boarders enjoying the pristine waters.

    Our final stop was Gasser Felstechnik AG, one of Lungern’s industrial gems. Specialists in rock and tunnel engineering, they’re known for their ambitious alpine construction projects.

    Hans gave us a peek into one of their most fascinating endeavors - Brünig Indoor, a massive underground complex carved into the mountain. Part of it serves as a sophisticated shooting range for military and sporting use, while another section houses a gourmet restaurant. Good white wine, grilled veal sausage, and mixed salad satisfied our dinner appetite.

    What a day - full of natural beauty, local pride, and unexpected discoveries. Lungern, through Hans’s eyes, became a place of many insights, charm, and history dating back to the year 1291. 🇨🇭    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    Lake Lucerne - view from Brunnen

    Day 11 – Farewell to the Mountains

    July 6 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Today marked a transition—from alpine serenity to our next adventure.

    We said goodbye to the stunning mountain scenery of Lungern and began our journey toward Zurich, driving along the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne.

    Midway through our road trip, we stopped in Brunnen, a charming lakeside town rich in Swiss history, located near the site where Switzerland was founded in 1291. It offered the perfect backdrop for a light lunch and a final breath of mountain air.

    By early afternoon, we reached our stopover point: the Holiday Inn Express near Zurich Airport. It’s a practical and comfortable base for the night.

    Tomorrow at 8:30 AM, a bus will take us to Passau, Austria—the starting point of our 9-day Danube River cruise.

    Next Destination: Budapest, Hungary!    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    1

    Cruise Day 1 - Passau, Germany

    July 7 in Germany ⋅ 🌧 59 °F

    Today, the rain finally caught up with us.

    Our bus departed Zürich Airport right on time at 8:30 AM and transported us to Passau, Germany, where our river cruise began. The ride itself was uneventful—smooth and comfortable, but with limited views thanks to the rain. Many passengers were dozing, others getting acquainted with their fellow travelers. And even though the bus had Internet, hardly anyone used their electronic devices. We made just one rest stop and a quick lunch break, arriving in just under six hours.

    Funny, the restrooms at the rest stop were payable (75 cents), but if you purchase something at the shop or food court, they reimburse you 50 cents 😅.

    We’re a group of eight among 71 passengers on board - most are 55+ like us. The Excellence Empress is a sleek, modern river cruise ship launched in 2020. It can accommodate up to 178 guests in 89 cabins, with a crew of 46 attending to our needs.

    Once on board, we were welcomed with a champagne toast, followed by the captain’s greeting and safety briefing. Then came dinner. In my case, I started with spicy beef tartar, followed by sea bass with vegetables and couscous. Everything was delicious, and the service was top-notch. The ice cream dessert was an excellent finish.

    There are two musicians & singers on board for our entertainment 🎼.

    Tonight, the Excellence Empress will cruise toward Linz, Austria, with arrival expected around 1:30 AM.

    Unfortunately, tomorrow’s forecast shows a full day of rain. Let’s see what it brings.    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    Classic Linzer TorteCrew during Emergency ExceriseLinz - Market Square2Hitler gave a speech from this Balcony3View from the ARS Electronica Center

    Cruise Day 2 - Linz, Austria

    July 8 in Austria ⋅ 🌧 61 °F

    It rained nonstop today, the 2nd day of our round-trip river cruise to Budapest, Hungary.

    While many passengers decided to stay on board our vessel, Excellence Empress, I initially thought I wanted to brave the weather. I put on my raincoat, grabbed an umbrella, and stepped off the ship… only to find my pants and shoes starting to get wet within minutes.

    At that point, I decided: no, thank you—today’s city tour of Linz wasn’t worth sticking to my bravery! However, Ursula left with the rest of the group, even though she wasn't feeling well this morning. 🇨🇭Power to Ursula!

    Instead, I stayed cozy on board, read up on the town’s fascinating history online, and snapped a few moody photos through the rain from our cabin window, while Ursula toured the old city with the group and visited the ARS Electronica Center.

    Fingers crossed for sunshine tomorrow!    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    1The famous Sacher Torte2

    Cruise Day 3 - Vienna, Austria 1

    July 9 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Last night, our cruise director, Christopher, gave us a lively and informative introduction to Austrian history and culture, preparing us for our two days in Vienna.

    I already knew Austria had a rich and powerful past—centuries of empire, art, music, and influence—but I didn’t realize just how central it was to European history. At the heart of the Habsburg Empire, Austria dominated large parts of Central Europe for centuries. Rather than expanding through conquering new territories and war, Austria used strategic marriages to grow their empire. One surprising fact - Archduke Maximilian of Austria became Emperor of Mexico in the 1860s. As they say, you’re never too old to learn something new.

    Our ship docked in Vienna shortly after breakfast. A bus took us into the historic city center, where we started a guided walking tour. The weather wasn’t the best—cloudy and a bit windy—but thankfully, it stayed dry. We passed by many grand old buildings, monuments, and wide boulevards that reminded us just how majestic this city once was (and still is).

    One of the highlights of the day was a stop at the famous SLUKA Coffee House, where our friend Hans treated us to hot chocolate and a slice of classic Sacher Torte - delicious.

    Back on board, we had a light lunch, then spent the afternoon unwinding on the upper deck, enjoying the peaceful view until it was time for dinner.

    A leisurely evening walk along the Danube riverbank completed our first day in Vienna.    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    Prater - Ferris Wheel
    NaschmarktNaschmarktNaschmarktSubway U1 to Vorgartenstrasse1Lunch - Fish with Kohlrabi & red mashed PotatoSun Decck - AperoApproaching SloveniaSushi Dinner3Rice Panna Cotta with Mango Sorbet

    Cruise Day 4 - Vienna 2

    July 10 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Today, no scheduled excursions appealed to us, so we decided to head out on our own to explore Vienna on foot. Beni, Elisabeth, and Hans joined us for the adventure.

    Our destination was the famous Naschmarkt, about a 72-minute walk from the Danube. Along the way, we noticed how clearly marked the pedestrian and bike paths were—and how disciplined you need to be to navigate them properly. Crossing the street without waiting for the green pedestrian light can cost you a €30 fine! The roads were impressively clean, well-maintained, and organized.

    At one point, we passed through a neighborhood filled with Japanese, Korean, and Thai restaurants - a tempting area for food lovers. However, when we finally reached the Naschmarkt, we were somewhat disappointed. Instead of a vibrant, local market, we found rows of tourist-focused restaurants and shops selling sweets, spices, cheese, olives, and souvenirs. It felt more like an Austrian version of the Zouk market in Marrakesh than the authentic Viennese experience we had hoped for.

    Just as we were deciding what to do next, it began to rain. Fortunately, we found a nearby subway station and made our way back toward the cruise ship, arriving just in time for lunch.

    Later in the afternoon, after a short nap and catching some of the Wimbledon semi-final between Sabalenka and Anisimova on TV, the skies cleared. We joined fellow passengers on the sun deck to watch our ship pass through a lock. A two-man band played and sang as we observed the fascinating process. So far, we’ve passed ten locks on this journey, most of them at night while we were sleeping.

    This evening, Ursula signed us up for a sushi dinner in the lounge. Only about two dozen passengers joined in, making it a cozy and relaxed affair. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. As we dined, the Excellence Empress quietly crossed the border from Austria into Slovenia.

    By the time we wake up tomorrow morning, we’ll be docked in Budapest, Hungary—a new country and a new chapter in our river journey.    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    St. Stephan's BasilicaInside the BasilicaView from Buda to Pest2Hop Tree

    Cruise Day 5 - Budapest 1

    July 11 in Hungary ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    At 8:00 AM, we gathered on the sun deck for a brief introduction to Budapest by our cruise director, Christopher. Over the next two days, we’ll be exploring Hungary’s capital—a city with a fascinating but complex history.

    Budapest was officially established in 1873 with the unification of Buda (on the west bank of the Danube) and Pest (on the east bank), now connected by ten bridges. After World War II, Hungary came under Soviet occupation and endured decades of economic hardship. Although the country gained independence in 1989 and joined the European Union later on, it has struggled to reach the prosperity levels of its Western neighbors.

    Hungary still faces challenges such as low wages, a growing urban-rural divide, and demographic decline. Corruption, dependence on foreign investment, and reliance on imported energy further complicate long-term growth. Many young Hungarians are seeking better opportunities abroad, especially in Austria, Germany, and the UK.

    A bus took us into the heart of the city, where we explored several landmarks on foot, including the impressive St. Stephen’s Basilica. From a visitor’s perspective, Budapest felt less vibrant than some of the other cities we’ve seen on this trip. It was also evident that economic constraints are a reality here. The official language is Hungarian—famously difficult to learn—and the currency is the Forint (current rate: approximately 342 Forint to 1 US dollar).

    After lunch, I felt low energy, and my knees were bothering me, so I opted for a restful nap while the others in our group visited Margaret Island on the Danube.

    Tonight, we signed up for a special dinner in the ship’s aft restaurant. The menu is titled “Orient trifft Okzident”—“East Meets West”—curated by chef Moses Ceylan. It promises a fusion of Middle Eastern and European flavors and techniques. I’m curious to find out what culinary surprises await!

    (Dinner photos were added at 9:30 PM)    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    Hungarian Parliament Building
    Chain BridgeLiberty BridgeThe Great Market Hall1Leaving BudapestEsztergom Basilica - Largest Church in HungaryShrimp Cocktail Garni

    Cruise Day 6 - Budapest 2

    July 12 in Hungary ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    We skipped the official excursions today—none of the options really appealed to us, and Ursula wasn’t feeling well in the morning.

    So instead, I took the opportunity to visit the Great Market Hall, Budapest’s largest and oldest indoor market. Housed in a striking neo-Gothic building, it’s spread over three levels. The ground floor is packed with fresh produce, Hungarian paprika, sausages, meats, wines, and handmade souvenirs. Upstairs, I wandered through stalls selling traditional street food and local crafts. In the basement, I stumbled upon an Aldi supermarket and picked up some Italian plums—Ursula’s favorite!

    It was a great way to soak up some authentic Hungarian flavors and culture under one historic roof.

    I made it back to the ship just in time for lunch with the group. Ursula spent most of the day resting, while I enjoyed the sunshine on the upper deck. It was a beautiful afternoon to watch the ever-changing landscape and the lively Saturday buzz along the Danube as the Excellence Empress sailed upstream toward the Esztergom Basilica, en route to our next stop: Bratislava.

    Dinner began at 7:30 PM in the Excellence Restaurant, where Table 19 is reserved for our group: Peter, Hans, Freddy, Beatrice, Bernhard, Elisabeth, Ursula, and me.

    Tonight’s Apéro:
    • Unicum (the Hungarian cousin of Appenzeller)

    Tonight’s Menu:
    • Shrimp Cocktail
    • Salad
    • Duck Breast
    • Créme Bruleé with Raspberry Sorbet    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    Slovakia Government Building
    Impressive entrance to Bratislava CastleBratislava Castle (west view)Slovak National Uprising Bridge2Bratislava Opera/Theatre1

    Cruise Day 7 - Bratislava, Slovakia

    July 13 in Slovakia ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    We were jolted awake twice during the night, likely from the Excellence Princess nudging the sides of a lock as we passed through one of the many on this stretch of the Danube.

    By morning, the crew had tied us up at Dock 45 in Bratislava, just in time for breakfast.

    Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a compact and charming city with just under half a million residents. Tucked near the borders of Austria and Hungary, scenic vineyards, rolling hills, and peaceful forest trails surround it. The city’s 18th-century pedestrian-only old town is full of cobblestone streets, bustling cafés, and inviting little shops.

    From its perch above the Danube, the Bratislava Castle offers panoramic views of the city and river. It’s a striking sight—and one of the highlights of our visit.

    Interestingly, Bratislava is also a central hub for the automotive industry. Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Škoda, and SEAT all manufacture cars here, employing around 12,300 people in the city alone. Across Slovakia, additional factories build Jaguar, Land Rover, and Kia vehicles. The success of this industry stems from two major factors: lower labor costs compared to Western Europe and a strong tradition in technical education and engineering. The country currently enjoys a low unemployment rate of just 2.4%.

    We took a guided city tour this morning, and to our surprise, we enjoyed it even more than Budapest. The elegant homes nestled in the hills above the city boast breathtaking views of the Danube. The historic center was a delight to explore, with well-preserved architecture and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Our visit to Bratislava Castle was a treat as well. And yes, I couldn’t help but notice the Hunter sprinkler heads on the castle lawn—and Hunter drip irrigation tubing around the shrubs and flower beds. Some habits die hard!

    The ship's crew did a fantastic job serving a Gala Dinner.

    On the health front, Ursula started a new medication and is thankfully feeling a little better today. I’ve come down with a scratchy throat, though—hopefully nothing serious. Fingers crossed we’re both back to full speed soon again!    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    Daily Program - very tough, exhausting 😂!
    Inside the Main Chruch1View from Marillengarten farm2Visit to Lillis MarillengartenMarillen are a type of ApricotsPlease harvest me - I'm ripe and sweet!Tasting various Marillen productsPilar from Unterseen sipping Champagne with UrsulaMarillen Brandy DistilleryGöttweig Abbey - Built in 1083

    Cruise Day 8 - Krems and der Donau

    July 14 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Boy, are we getting spoiled today!

    This morning, we took a guided walking tour of Krems, a small town with a charming Old Town full of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the famous Steiner Tor city gate. It has a cozy, fairy-tale feel, and we were able to explore the main sights in under an hour. Our guide, as always, was excellent—though keeping up with all the names, dates, and stories over the EarPods is getting tougher at my age!

    After the town visit, our bus took us about 10 kilometers into the hills to Lillis Marillengarten, a family-run apricot farm. (Apricots are called Marillen in Austria.) The fruit was fully ripe, and we got to pick some straight from the trees—sweet, juicy, and delicious.

    Lilli, the owner, gave us a short presentation about the farm and how her family turns apricots into jams, schnapps, and other treats. You could tell she takes a lot of pride in their hard work. After a short film and tasting session, we moved to the little shop, where I picked up a nice souvenir to take home.

    We were back on board the Excellence Princess just before noon. Once everyone was accounted for, we set off toward our final destination: Passau, Germany.

    I skipped lunch and all the other offers on the program today—still full from last night’s big gala dinner—and spent most of the afternoon resting in our cozy cabin. Still dealing with a bit of a cough, so it was nice to relax and not be a nuisance to the other guests on board.

    The open-air concert with Gion & Claudio on the sun deck was fantastic! Gion plays the acoustic guitar and writes his songs and music. Claudio plays the electronic keyboard. The sound and echo as the Excellence Empress passed through the concrete walls of the lock in Melk was quite an experience!    Read more

  • Heinz Imhof2025 Hiking & Budapest CruiseTraveler
    Passau, Germany - Docking Station
    Lunch BreakArriving at the bus stop - Zürich AirportEvening view from our Hotel window

    Cruise Check-Out - Passau to Zürich

    July 15 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Cruise Check-Out – Passau to Zürich

    Well, everything has an end—except a sausage, which has two!

    Today marked the final day of our 9-day river cruise, and we’re heading home with a suitcase full of memories, laughter, and plenty of good meals shared with friends. True to form, everything went off like (Swiss) clockwork—smooth, efficient, and stress-free.

    The ship’s crew handled our check-out and luggage transfer with their usual precision. Before long, we were comfortably seated on Bus #2, beginning our journey from Passau, Germany, back to Zürich Airport.

    There’s little to report from the road—an easy 8-hour drive through peaceful countryside. Our cheerful driver, Lina, made two quick pit stops and a more extended break for lunch to keep us all comfortable and content.

    We’ve now checked into the Holiday Inn Express near Zürich Airport—a convenient and practical location, before the last two days of our journey.

    Tomorrow, we plan to visit friends in Winterthur, a perfect closing chapter before flying back on Friday.    Read more

    Trip end
    July 18, 2025
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