JUF, 2126 meters above sea level, at minus 14 degrees Celsius.

Here in Graubünden, in the Averstal, lies the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. Dorli Menn’s father was the first to stay up here in winter in 1948. What makes Juf special, then and now: the solidarity, the fresh air, the many opportunities in nature. Dorli lived and worked in Zurich for years, but returned in the mid-80s. In addition to her office job, she was a post bus and coach driver for many years, including on the Andeer-Juf route, which her father had already driven.
Her 19-year-old niece Julia is currently completing her apprenticeship in the Alpenrose restaurant, one of two restaurants in the village. “After my apprenticeship, I want to see something different and have new experiences.” : Even to Chur, a city of around 42,000 people, it takes just about 2 hours by post bus.

40-year-old immigrant Kasimir welcomes such plans because you can tell when people have never left the high valley. Some people still look at him with suspicion. The clubs in the area are essential in order not to become lonely. Because: “It’s not easy to make friends up here.” The primary school in Cresta, a neighboring village, another hamlet in the Averstal, often has no more than a dozen schoolchildren, spread across all six grades. “You don’t have much choice, and so friendships often develop across grades.” Nevertheless, 171 people live here, in this isolated high valley, because they want to.

Here you can read about the smallest village in Switzerland, in one of my previous posts

Original text by Carolin Teufelberger

Heidiland, often referred to as Switzerland’s “storybook paradise,” is a region in eastern Switzerland that brings to life the world of Johanna Spyri’s beloved novel Heidi. It’s a blend of breathtaking alpine scenery, traditional Swiss charm, and a nostalgic trip into a literary classic.

Where is Heidiland?

Heidiland spans parts of the canton of St. Gallen and the canton of Graubünden, with highlights like Maienfeld, a quaint village often referred to as the heart of Heidiland. It’s located along the eastern shore of Lake Walen (Walensee) and stretches into the picturesque Bündner Herrschaft wine region.

Heidi Village in Maienfeld

Maienfeld is the crown jewel of Heidiland. Here, you’ll find the Heididorf (Heidi Village), which is essentially a living museum recreating Heidi’s world. Visitors can:

• Tour Heidi’s House: A charming 19th-century farmhouse, set up as if Heidi and her grandfather might walk in at any moment.
• Meet the Goats: You can interact with goats just like Heidi did. Perfect for kids or anyone seeking a wholesome countryside experience.
• Explore the Heidi Trail: A gentle hike that takes you through the idyllic landscape described in Spyri’s book. Think rolling meadows, rustic wooden huts, and postcard-perfect alpine views.

Scenic Beauty and Activities

Heidiland isn’t just about literary nostalgia; it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Lake Walensee: A stunning lake with turquoise waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just enjoying a boat ride surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.
• Thermal Baths in Bad Ragaz: For those looking for relaxation, the nearby town of Bad Ragaz offers luxurious thermal spas that perfectly complement a day in the mountains.
• Skiing and Hiking: In winter, Heidiland turns into a snowy wonderland. In summer, it’s a hiker’s paradise with trails for all skill levels.

Heidi Wines and Local Cuisine

This area is also part of the Bündner Herrschaft wine region, famous for its Pinot Noir wines. You can visit wineries for tastings and even take vineyard tours. And for foodies, don’t miss traditional Swiss dishes like Rösti, Älplermagronen (Swiss-style mac and cheese), or locally made cheese and bread.

Fun Fact:

Johanna Spyri wrote Heidi in the 1880s, and though she was inspired by the Swiss Alps, she never specified an exact location in the book. The association with Maienfeld came later when the village embraced its literary connection.

Whether you’re a fan of the book, a lover of nature, or simply someone who wants to soak up Switzerland’s alpine charm, Heidiland offers something magical. It’s where fiction meets reality, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

Your Blogging Friend Ulrich Koepf

that combines ancient history, vibrant culture, and a food scene that’ll leave your taste buds singing. As the oldest city in Switzerland, Chur is a must-visit for anyone who loves cobblestone streets, panoramic mountain views, and hearty Swiss cuisine. Let’s take a journey through this charming destination and uncover its cultural and culinary treasures.

A Walk Through History

Chur’s history stretches back over 5,000 years, dating back to 1215 when the Kelts, Romans, and Franks occupied the site, making it a dream destination for history buffs. The Old Town, free of cars and full of character, feels like stepping into a living museum. Wandering through its narrow alleys, you’ll stumble upon:

• St. Martin’s Church: With its striking stained-glass windows by Swiss artist Augusto Giacometti, this 8th-century marvel is a testament to Chur’s rich heritage.
  
• The Rätisches Museum: Housed in a 16th-century patrician house, this museum showcases the region’s fascinating history, from ancient relics to Alpine traditions.
  
• The Bishop’s Palace: A nod to Chur’s ecclesiastical significance, this impressive structure is one of Switzerland’s oldest episcopal buildings.
  

Art lovers will appreciate the city’s galleries and street art, while culture enthusiasts can dive into local festivals like the Churer Fest or the Quaderwiese open-air concerts.

The Food Lover’s Paradise

Chur’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Swiss fare and modern gastronomy. Here are some must-try experiences for foodies:

• Capuns: A signature dish of the Graubünden region, these Swiss chard-wrapped dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of spätzli dough and dried meat, then baked in cream.
  
• Bündner Nusstorte: A rich and nutty caramel-filled tart that’s as addictive as it sounds. Perfect with a cup of coffee.
  
• Maluns: A rustic dish made from grated potatoes, fried in butter, and served with applesauce or cheese. Comfort food at its best.
  
• Visit the Marisöll Restaurant, where a talented SriLankan Chef creates great fare

For an authentic experience, head to local favorites like Marsöl for traditional fare or explore trendy spots like Werkstatt Chur for innovative twists on Swiss classics. Don’t miss the farmer’s market on Alexanderplatz for fresh produce, regional specialties, and the chance to mingle with locals.

Travel Tips for Your Chur Adventure

• Getting There: Chur is easily accessible by train, with scenic routes like the Glacier Express passing through. It’s also a gateway to the Alps, making it a perfect base for exploring nearby ski resorts or hiking trails. The Train Ride from St.Moritz to Zermatt takes 7 1/2 hours
  
• When to Visit: Summer offers lush landscapes and vibrant cultural events, while winter transforms Chur into a snowy wonderland.
  
• What to Do:
  • Take a guided walking tour of the Old Town to uncover hidden gems and local legends.
    
  • Ride the nearby Arosa Line, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque train journeys.
    
  • Visit local wineries in the nearby Bündner Herrschaft region for a taste of Swiss wine.

Chur isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. From its ancient streets to its modern dining scene, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a foodie on the hunt for your next culinary adventure, Chur delivers in spades. So pack your bags, grab your appetite, and prepare to fall in love with Switzerland’s oldest—and arguably, most charming—city.

Your Swiss adventure awaits in Chur!

Once upon a time, around 15 BCE, Roman legions strolled into the Alpine regions of Raetia( Grison, Graubünden), probably mesmerized by the stunning views and the prospect of cheese fondue. They left behind more than their military outposts and road systems; they planted the seeds of a new language. This Vulgar Latin mingled with local Celtic and Raetian tongues, resulting in Romansh—a language so unique that even Romans would squint and ask, “Is this ours?”

By the early Middle Ages, Romansh was the star of the Alps, spoken widely across eastern Switzerland. If medieval farmers had podcasts, they’d probably have been in Romansh, featuring thrilling topics like “How to Build a Better Haystack.”Over centuries, this Vulgar Latin mixed with local Celtic and Raetian dialects, creating a unique language distinct from Italian, French, and German. Romansh was not just a language but a cultural bedrock for the communities nestled in the Alps.

From Dominance to Defense: Cultural Significance Through History

Romansh enjoyed its heyday until German-speaking folks started expanding their influence. Towns like Chur began throwing shade at Romansh, favoring German as the cool new kid in the linguistic classroom. The Protestant Reformation only worsened things, with religious texts and education often arriving in German, leaving Romansh scratching its head and muttering, “Was ist los?”

Despite this, Romansh dug in its heels—or maybe its hiking boots—and held on. It became more than just words; it was the soul of Alpine communities. Imagine villagers singing ancient ballads about love, loss, and the eternal quest for a perfectly aged Bündnerfleisch. (air-cured beef) Romansh was—and still is—the language of resilience, a cultural glue binding together generations of hardy mountain folk.

Click on the picture

Modern-Day Challenges: A Language on the Brink

Fast forward to the 19th century, and Romansh found itself boxed in. Industrialization brought people to cities, leaving rural villages quieter than a marmot in winter. Yet, the language didn’t go quietly. Switzerland, ever the champion of multilingualism, recognized Romansh as a “national language” in 1938, which was like giving it a warm hug and saying, “You matter, too!”

The 20th century saw efforts to standardize Romansh with Rumantsch Grischun. Think of it as a linguistic glue to unite the five dialects: Sursilvan, Sutsilvan, Surmiran, Puter, and Vallader. It’s like herding cows across a steep Alpine meadow—not everyone agrees on the best path. Some purists grumble that Rumantsch Grischun feels about as natural as yodeling in a disco. But hey, progress is progress.

Today, around 60,000 -70,000 people speak Romansh. That’s roughly the population of a small Swiss town—or one packed ski resort in high season.😁

This little village has a special, personal meaning to my entire family, back in 1996 one of my wife’s sisters, married to a Swiss, decided to emigrate from the USA back to Switzerland with their 3 children and settled in this little Village of 250 people.

After living in South Florida for many years, the move to Switzerland, and especially to this little village in the middle of  Central Switzerland, was an amazingly, gutsy move, for which I still admire them today.

My son spent many holidays in this village, during his summer and winter vacations he used to come to Switzerland to spend time with his cousins.  I decided to visit Lieli a few days ago with my son, we parked the car in the village and walked up the hill towards the ruins of Castle Nünegg, as my son was sitting in one of the windows of the ruins, reminiscing, how he used to play around the ruins of this castle with his cousins, I decided to explore the remains of this 13th century Castel.

LOCATION

The village is located on the western slope of the Lindenberg – about 4.5 km north of Hochdorf, (the nearest city of 10,000 people), in the Luzernian part of the Seevalley. The village is crossed by the Scheidbach, which flows into Lake Baldegg.

In addition to the main settlement, there are two groups of houses in the former municipal area, namely Burghof (720 m above sea level) and Berghof (784 m above sea level). Just above the village are the ruins of Nünegg Castle.

POPULATION

The majority of the village area is used for agriculture, 68.6%. 27.6% are covered with forest and wood and only 3.8% of the settlement area.

The village has remained a small farming village due to its location to this day. The population decreased by 22.8% between 1860 and 1900 as a whole. Over the next two decades, it grew and then stabilized for a long time in the size of 190-200 people. It fell sharply in the 1960s and remained at this level until 1980. Since then, it has been growing slowly again, today its population is between 250 – 300 people.

HISTORY

Lieli or Lielae (from the Old High German name for the forest vine) is first mentioned in 893 in an interest toboggan of the Fraumünster abbey. The Beromünster Monastery and the Muri Monastery in the canton of Aargau also owned the property. Later, the dominion of the village passed to the Counts of Kyburg back in Lieli, Kanton Luzern in whose name the Knights of Lieli ruled. When the Kyburgs died out, the Habsburgs inherited their rights. Nünegg Castle was destroyed by the People of Lucerne in January 1386. The heirs of the knights of Lieli, who died out in the 14th century – for the time being, the Alsatian noble family of Schönau, then the lords of Grünenberg – had their property to be divested to the Lordship of Heidegg in 1431. The lordship of Heidegg belonged to the Free Offices and did not come to the canton of Lucerne until 1803. Since then, Lieli has been at the Hochdorf office.

Filmed by Ulrich Koepf

I realized over the last couple of years, that the majority of the 12 million tourists, visiting Switzerland every year, tend to visit key attractions such as Basel, Zurich, Bern, and Geneva, from there they usually undertake excursions to the mountain-area tourist attractions such as the Titlis, Zermatt, Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Pilatus, and Rigi, etc, but they do not experience places nestled away in different parts of the country such as Canton of Uri, for example, with its ski resort Andermatt, or the Gotthard Pass, the main passage from the south in Italy to the north, or the well-known history of the Swiss hero, Wilhelm Tell born in Bürglen, Canton Uri. I​f you like to experience a traditional Swiss hospitality environment, then you should consider this hidden jewel, situated in the Canton of Graubünden (Grison) called Guarda Val, this unique hotel is allocated within 11 huts and barns that are up to 300 years old. Located 1600 meters above sea level in the hamlet of Sporz, directly above Lenzerheide, which is only a 30-minute bus drive away from the city of Chur. The hotel skillfully offers luxury, personal service, pleasure, and Swiss authenticity through a combination of a contemporary concept of Alpine design and a modern lifestyle. You will enjoy the Guarda Sana with its Peeling room, Wooden barrel bath, Hay bath, Massages, Sauna with outdoor terrace, Gym, and Cosmetic treatments.