Switzerland Vol 2

2 minute read

Urnäsch

After a three-hour drive winding up, down, and through the mountains, we finally made our way to Urnäsch—a charming little farming town known for its traditional customs and rich culture. Our route took us past the Liechtenstein border and through the fog-heavy countryside. As we gained altitude, we reached the end of the fog, revealing its thick blanket covering the region below.

NOTE: This photo is taken from the top of a mountain, there is a significant drop which is fully masked by the fog (which in this photo looks like a lake)

We stayed in a quintessential Swiss home with a cozy living and dining room, heated by a wood-burning fireplace. The room was centered around a comically steep and narrow staircase that required a basic bouldering skillset to reach the upstairs bedrooms.

After a long day of travel, we were all pretty exhausted, so we indulged in some pesto pasta, lit a few firecrackers to celebrate Tuia’s brother’s birthday, and settled in for an early night. The next morning, we were up bright and early for a short hike to take in a view of Urnasch that our host had recommended. The trail wound through a charming farm with cattle barns, snow-dusted forests, and stunning scenery. At the summit, we discovered a cozy restaurant with a spectacular view. Despite the chilly air, we braved the outdoors to enjoy the breathtaking surroundings and sample some local specialties—cheese pasta with applesauce and tripe in tomato stew.

What followed was a final full-family photo shoot and some quality time exploring the forest.

After returning to the house and relaxing for a bit, we headed over to the nearby village of Appenzell for dinner. Tuia’s father took us around the town center, explaining that in the Swiss cantons, it’s common for people to gather regularly to vote on local matters by raising their hands. This direct form of democracy ensures that the community’s voice is heard. While no system is perfect, the more I learn about Switzerland’s political structures, the more I appreciate them.

After touring the town and hearing more about the lives Tuia’s family had lived, we enjoyed a hearty dinner of schnitzel and rösti. On our walk home, we overheard a group of men from Urnasch participating in their pre-Silvesterchlausen yodelling tradition. Silvesterchlausen is a one-of-a-kind New Year custom in Urnasch, where men and boys section themselves into the “uglies”, “pretty-uglies” and “pretties” (based on their chosen outfit), then walk around town in colourful masks, traditional robes, elaborate headdresses, and cowbells. It’s an experience you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.