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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. Weiterlesen
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  • Heinz ImhofReisender2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise

    DFW Departure -> Zürich

    25. Juni in der Schweiz ⋅ ☀️ 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 ✈️.    Weiterlesen

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  • Heinz ImhofReisender2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise
    My younger sister Elisabeth
    Wooden bridge over the Rhine RiverRIP Gerhard KneppeckChicken curry dinner in the making

    Day 1 – Arrival in Zürich, Switzerland

    26. Juni in Deutschland ⋅ ☁️ 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!    Weiterlesen

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  • Heinz ImhofReisender2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise

    Day 2 - Säcking, Germany

    27. Juni in der Schweiz ⋅ 🌙 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.    Weiterlesen

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  • Heinz ImhofReisender2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise
    watering Gerhard's resting placeSasha, Annamarie,Mila,Ursula,Elisabeth,Herbert,JoachimHerbert - Me - Joachim

    Day 3 – Säckingen & more Family Time

    28. Juni in Deutschland ⋅ ☀️ 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.    Weiterlesen

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  • Heinz ImhofReisender2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise
    My sister Elisabeth Kneppeck
    Having drinks at restaurant BergseeInside Säckingen ChruchRhine River

    Day 4 – Säckingen

    29. Juni in Deutschland ⋅ ☀️ 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!    Weiterlesen

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  • Heinz ImhofReisender2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise

    Day 5 – Arrival in Sachseln, Obwalden

    30. Juni in der Schweiz ⋅ ☁️ 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.    Weiterlesen

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  • Heinz ImhofReisender2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise
    8-Mile Hiking Route
    Entrance to Military FortificationSarnen village squareLake Sarnen2Locals cooling off in the Lake

    Day 6 - Hiking Alpnach-Sachseln

    1. Juli in der Schweiz ⋅ ☀️ 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!    Weiterlesen

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  • Heinz ImhofReisender2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise
    2214

    Day 7 – Hike from Mägisalp to Käserstatt

    2. Juli in der Schweiz ⋅ 🌙 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.    Weiterlesen

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  • Heinz ImhofReisender2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise
    242

    Day 8 - Stockhütte to Klewenalp

    3. Juli in der Schweiz ⋅ ⛅ 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!    Weiterlesen

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  • Heinz ImhofReisender2025 Hiking & Budapest Cruise
    Postal BusWooden ram sculptureLeft side top - BonistockBernhard and HansTannenseeAlpine Ladies Mantle1Elisabeth and UrsulaArnica (Mountain Tobacco)Tannensee Chaple

    Day 9 – Stöckalp - Melchsee-Frutt

    4. Juli in der Schweiz ⋅ ⛅ 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.    Weiterlesen

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