Quinten: in the village of Quinten, a secret village close to Zurich, Switzerland

Quinten: Unveiling Switzerland's Hidden Gem – A Journey to the "Riviera of Lake Walen"

(in the village of Quinten, a secret village close to Zurich, Switzerland)

(Image: A breathtaking panoramic shot of Quinten from the lake, showing vineyards, colourful houses, and the turquoise water, with dramatic cliffs in the background.)

In a pristine alpine landscape and yet blessed by a microclimate that feels like the Mediterranean, Quinten reveals itself as a true marvel on the shores of Lake Walen. Known as the "Riviera of Lake Walen", this car-free village is a testament to sustainable living and breathtaking natural beauty. Just a stone's throw from Zurich, it offers an escape unlike any other. Come, let's explore this enchanting paradise! 🏞️

Getting There: An Adventure in Itself

Have you ever dreamt of a place so secluded that it can only be reached by boat or on foot? Quinten is precisely that! This car-free village offers a journey as picturesque as the destination itself. My day began with a scenic train ride from Zurich to Weesen or Unterterzen, two charming towns nestled at the western and eastern ends of Lake Walen, respectively.

From Weesen or Unterterzen, the real adventure begins: a breathtaking ferry ride across the glistening waters of Lake Walen. The journey itself is an experience, offering panoramic views of towering cliffs, lush forests, and the sparkling turquoise lake. The fresh alpine air, combined with the gentle sway of the boat, sets the perfect tone for the tranquillity that awaits in Quinten.

For those who prefer to earn their views, a challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike from Weesen or Walenstadt also leads to Quinten. This trail, winding through vineyards and offering continuous lake vistas, is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

Quinten Village: A Car-Free Oasis

(Image: A close-up shot of the charming narrow paths in Quinten, lined with colourful flowers and traditional houses, with no cars in sight.)

#Quinten #Switzerland #LakeWalen #TravelSwitzerland #TravelVillage #Eurogram #TravelSnapshot #SecretofSwitzerland

The Majesty of Stäubifall: in the beautiful valley of Schächental in Alp Äsch, Canton Uri, Switzerland

 🏔️ The Majesty of Stäubifall: Uri’s Best-Kept Secret

(in the beautiful valley of Schächental in Alp Äsch, Canton Uri, Switzerland)

While the shimmering shores of Lucerne often capture the spotlight, the true soul of Switzerland resides in the hidden alpine basins of the Canton of Uri. Nestled at the head of the Schächental Valley lies Alp Äsch, home to what many seasoned travellers consider the most breathtaking hidden gem in the region: the Stäubifall.

For those seeking an encounter with nature’s raw elegance, here is why the Stäubifall Äsch is an essential addition to your Swiss itinerary.

Rising 96 metres above the valley floor, the Stäubifall is a masterpiece of vertical water. Its name—derived from the German word for "dust"—perfectly describes the ethereal mist (Stäub) that dances in the air as the glacial waters plummet toward the lush meadows of Alp Äsch.

📍 The Journey from Lucerne

The transition from the urban charm of Lucerne to the rugged silence of Uri is seamless. A scenic train journey to Altdorf, followed by a local post bus to Unterschächen, brings you to the gateway of this alpine paradise. From there, a gentle hike through the valley leads you toward the roar of the falls.

📍 The Hamlet of Alp Äsch

Arriving at Alp Äsch feels like stepping back in time. This traditional Alpine settlement is a cluster of weathered wooden huts and grazing cattle, framed by a dramatic amphitheatre of sheer limestone cliffs. It is the epitome of the "Swiss Pastoral" ideal.

📍 The Power of the Mist

Unlike many waterfalls, where you are kept at a distance, a well-maintained path allows you to approach the base of the Stäubifall.

• The Experience: Standing at the foot of the falls, you feel the cool "breath" of the glacier.
• The View: On sunny afternoons, the light hits the spray to create vibrant rainbows, casting a cinematic glow over the entire basin.

📍 Beyond the Falls: The Schächentaler Höhenweg

For the ambitious hiker, the Stäubifall is a highlight along the Schächentaler Höhenweg, one of Switzerland's premier high-altitude trails. It offers panoramic views of the Glarus Alps and a bird's-eye perspective of the waterfall’s descent.

 

💡 Professional Travel Tips:

• Timing: The falls are most powerful in late spring and early summer (May to July) as the alpine snow melts.
• Photography: To capture the full scale of the 96-metre drop, a wide-angle lens is recommended. The best light for the valley floor usually occurs in the late morning.
• Sustainability: Alp Äsch is a delicate ecosystem. We encourage travellers to stick to the marked paths and support local alpine farmers by purchasing authentic "Alpkäse" (alpine cheese) directly from the huts.

The Stäubifall is a reminder that the most profound experiences in Switzerland are often found at the end of a quiet valley, away from the crowds and deep within the heart of the mountains.

#Staubifall #AlpÄsch #CantonUri #VisitSwitzerland #LucerneDayTrip #AlpineExploration #HiddenSwitzerland

The Gelmerbahn: in the beautiful town of Interlaken, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

 🎢 The Gelmerbahn: Europe’s Steepest Funicular Experience

(in the beautiful town of Interlaken, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland)

Located just a short journey from Interlaken, the Gelmerbahn is far more than a transit link—it is a feat of engineering and a "rollercoaster" of alpine proportions. Originally built to transport heavy construction materials for the nearby dam, it now serves as a gateway for adventurers.

📍 The Ascent

• The Gradient: Reaching a staggering maximum incline of 106%, this is officially the steepest open-air funicular in Europe.
• The View: As the carriage climbs backward toward the sky, you are treated to a panoramic reveal of the Haslital Valley. It is an "off-the-beaten-path" marvel that remains one of Switzerland's best-kept secrets.

📍 Lake Gelmer (Gelmersee)

Upon reaching the summit station at 1,860 meters, the turquoise brilliance of Lake Gelmer awaits. This high-alpine reservoir is encircled by rugged granite peaks, offering a stark, beautiful contrast to the lush valleys below.

• The Hike: A stunning circular trail leads you around the lake (approx. 2 hours), perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the silence of the Alps.

📍 The Backpack Fondue Experience

For a truly authentic Swiss moment, many hikers opt for the Scenic Backpack Fondue. Imagine dipping artisanal bread into melted cheese while perched on a glacier-carved boulder overlooking the crystalline water. It is the definition of "dining with a view."

📍 The Handeck Suspension Bridge

Before you depart, ensure you traverse the Handeckfall Bridge. Hanging 70 meters above the Säterichbach waterfall, it offers a dramatic perspective of the gorge and the roaring falls below—a perfect final photo opportunity for your Swiss itinerary.

💡 Pro-Traveler Tips:

• Booking: Tickets are timed and sell out rapidly during the summer months. Pre-booking online is essential.
• Access: Easily reachable from Interlaken via car or the Meiringen-Grimsel PostBus line.
• Weather: Even in peak summer, temperatures at the lake can be brisk. Pack a light windbreaker.

Switzerland is often defined by its serenity, but the Gelmerbahn reminds us that it is also a land of vertical extremes. Don't just visit the Canton of Bern; conquer it.

#Gelmerbahn #SwissAlps #Interlaken #VisitSwitzerland #HiddenGems #TravelLuxury #AlpineAdventure