The Swiss Filmmaker Felice Zenoni, a native of Altdorf, Uri, Switzerland, just released a new movie called “Namaste Seelisberg.”

Village of Seelisberg

High above the Rütli Meadow and Lake Lucerne, the site of the Rütlischwur (Ruetli Oath), the oath that laid the foundation of the original Swiss Confederacy in 1281, lies the idyllic village of Seelisberg.
In 1971, the Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi seized the village, along with two historic hotels, for himself and his movement, which was widely considered a cult at the time.
The locals protested vehemently, even appealing to the Federal Council for help. In vain, Seelisberg became the headquarters of the “Transcendental Meditation Movement” (TM), which attracted celebrities such as The Beatles, Mia Farrow and David Lynch; Mike Love (The Beach Boys) and Clint Eastwood, both long-time practitioners and adherents attending TM. Clint Eastwood was frequently cited as one of the major stars who sought “enlightenment” through the movement’s teaching led by the Swiss headquarters.
Soon, the culture clash in the idyllic Canton URI Alps was impossible to ignore-thousands of followers of the shrewd, financially powerful guru flocked to Seelisberg.
Today, 55 years later, the village is once again facing profound change: In 2026, the movement left Seelisberg.
The historic hotels have been sold, and a Swiss real estate company plans to restore the iconic buildings as part of a 200 million Swiss franc project and open them to the public.

In the movie “Namaste Seelisberg”,

Director Felice Zenoni

Renowned Swiss director Felice Zenoni delves into the events that made the mountain village famous far beyond Switzerland. He illuminates the cultural conflict surrounding the TM movement from various perspectives. Residents, followers, and former employees of the guru all have their say.
Combined with breathtaking landscape shots and astonishing, partly previously unreleased archival footage, a multifaceted picture emerges of a conflict between tradition and contemporary spirit with universal significance.
A subtle, visually stunning, and moving documentary gem.

Published by Urner Zeitung, Yann-Alexander Hage

Elaborated by Ulrich Koepf

Location of Temple

If Swiss history and hearty comfort food had a lovechild, it would probably be the experience you get when visiting the Burgruine Attinghausen and then descending to enjoy a meal at Pouletburg right below its rugged hilltop ruins.

⛰️ A Castle Born Around 1100

Perched on a rocky rise in the village of Attinghausen (canton Uri), the Burgruine Attinghausen stands as a tangible echo of medieval times. The earliest fortified structure here dates back to before 1100, and by the 13th century, the mighty stone castle — complete with a large tower and defensive ring walls — dominated the village skyline.

Visitors today can still climb around the ruins and imagine how life might have been inside those thick walls — from the hearth-warmed rooms with ornate tiled stoves to the panoramic views that once scanned the Reuss Valley below. Archaeological digs have turned up fascinating relics from daily life in the castle as well as hints of its dramatic past, including layers of burnt debris suggesting a fire might have brought its end around the mid-1300s.

The founders of  Attinghausen Castle are unknown. Around 1240, the barons of Attinghausen/Schweinsberg, originally from the Emmental region, took over its construction. Prominent members of the family were Knights Werner II and Johannes. Both also served as Landammanns (chief magistrates). From 1337, Johannes held the Imperial Court in Flüelen. Another branch of the family resided in the nearby Schweinsberg tower house. The tower was built around 1200, and the palace and the surrounding wall approximately 50 years later. During excavations in 1887/99 and 1979, numerous archaeological finds were collected and compiled. The finds are now exhibited in the Historical Museum of Uri, Altdorf. It encompasses the thematic groups of weapons, household goods, crafts, clothing, and pouches. Most of the finds could be classified and dated to the castle’s main construction phases around 1100 and 1200 to 1250. The core of the complex is the 11.6×11.6 meter tower, which formerly had a high entrance. <the tower was probably once at least 22to 25 meters high.

Part of what makes Attinghausen special isn’t just its stone ruins, but that the castle isn’t isolated on a distant hilltop — it literally watches over the village and all who pass under it.

🍗 A Name With Local Flair: Pouletburg

Just a short stroll from the ruin’s base, you’ll find Pouletburg, a restaurant whose name is a playful nod to the old castle (“burg” means “castle” in German, and “Poulet” means “chicken”). It’s as if locals and visitors alike have taken the spirit of the place — historic, communal, rooted — and given it a deliciously modern twist.

Pouletburg has been welcoming diners for decades with its signature dish: traditional Poulet im Chörbli — chicken served in that famous Swiss-style basket with the sauce that has become something of a culinary institution in Uri.

This founding year (1905) comes from directory data — it may reflect when the business entity was established in some form, but detailed historical background (like when it first started serving its iconic Poulet im Chörbli) isn’t widely documented online in authoritative sources.

Many travel and review sites focus on the tradition and decades-long popularity of the restaurant’s chicken specialty rather than its precise history. Some external travel/food blogs mention it’s been serving its signature dish for around 60+ years, but they don’t cite formal founding documents.

Whether you’re stopping by after a day of hiking or simply exploring central Switzerland, it’s hard to resist the combo of storybook scenery and comfort food.

🪵 A Perfect Day Out

Here’s how you might plan your visit:

1. Morning at the Ruin: Wander the ruins of Burgruine Attinghausen, explore the old tower remains, soak up views of the valley and the Alps, and maybe even have a little picnic on the grassy spots beside the old walls.

2. Afternoon Feast at Pouletburg: Walk down to Pouletburg — the walk itself is a gentle reminder of how life has moved downhill from castle defenses to laid-back meals. Feast on classic poulet dishes in cozy dining halls (or on the terrace when the weather’s right).
3. Explore More of Uri: With plenty of other landmarks nearby — from lakeside trails to local museums — your day can easily stretch into an unforgettable Swiss adventure.

📸 Why This Pairing Works

What makes this combo unique is the juxtaposition:

• 👑 Ancient history — stepping into a ruin that once housed knights and nobles.

• 🍽️ Laid-back tradition — ending up in a local restaurant where generations have shared chicken dinners and good stories.

It’s a reminder that history isn’t just preserved in stone — it’s carried on in local food, names, and community traditions too.

Where & When

• Address: Kirchweg 6, 6468 Attinghausen, Uri, Switzerland

Hours: Open daily from early morning (around 09:00) with warm kitchen service typically from about 11:30 – 22:30. Tel. +41 41 870 21 84

Pouletburg Website

The place is often busy on weekends, so reservations are recommended if you want a better seat.

Your blogging friend Ulrich Koepf

Here are some comments of a friend of mine he experienced through his travels:

Wandering through markets, pointing at menus, tasting authentic dishes. But sometimes, the dream collides headfirst with reality… and reality looks a lot like a waiter struggling to balance an entire roasted pig you accidentally ordered.
Culinary missteps are part of the travel experience, and in hindsight, they make the best stories. Here are a few of my friends greatest (and most edible) failures abroad.

The Pig That Wasn’t a “Slice” – Spain

I thought I was ordering a neat little slice of pork, something you might balance on a plate with a side salad. The waiter smiled, nodded, and twenty minutes later proudly wheeled out… an entire pig. Trotters, ears, snout, and all. The table next to me broke into applause, while I sat frozen, wondering how to politely ask if anyone nearby wanted to share.

Soup by the Gallon – China

All I wanted was a small, warming bowl of soup. What I got was a cauldron-sized hotpot large enough to feed an entire wedding party. The restaurant staff even brought an extra chair—for the soup. By the time I fished out the last noodle, I was sweating, dizzy, and halfway convinced I had absorbed the spirit of Sichuan peppers into my bloodstream.

The Fondue Fiasco – Switzerland  

Being Swiss, I should know the golden fondue rule: it’s meant for sharing. Instead, I arrogantly ordered a whole pot for myself. The waiter raised his eyebrow so high it almost scraped the chalet beams, but said nothing. Halfway through, I realized that drowning in cheese is less of a fairy tale and more of a slow, sticky defeat. I surrendered, beaten by Gruyère.  Maybe next time I try Raclette instead of Fondue!    (see here about the Canton of Gruyere)   

All the Pastas – Italy

In Rome, I tried to order “some pasta.” My Italian grammar failed me, and apparently, I had just asked for all the pastas. The waiter took me literally. Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana—dish after dish piled onto the table. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I was eating or participating in a gladiatorial pasta contest. At least it was a delicious way to go.

Sweet but Not Sweet – Japan

I once spotted what looked like a tray of chocolate truffles. I bit in eagerly, expecting cocoa heaven. Instead, I got a ball of red bean paste rolled in bitter matcha powder. My polite traveler smile quickly melted into a choke-laugh that sent green dust flying across the table. Lesson learned: never assume dessert is what it looks like in Japan.

The Moral of the Menu

Food fails are inevitable when you travel. But they’re also the best souvenirs—the kind you can retell around the dinner table long after your trip is over. After all, Instagram-worthy meals are nice… but it’s the story of how you ended up with a farm animal on your plate that people remember.

Now the joke is on me since I am, apparently, more German than they are!

Now I would have to travel to Munich, the main city hall and archives, to get more info as to why, how, and when he emigrated here, and why we landed and settled in Switzerland.

That’s Karma!

Ah, Switzerland.

The land of majestic mountains, shimmering lakes, chocolate that could make you cry, and trains that run like they were scheduled by Swiss-made atomic clocks. But before you pack your finest hiking boots and a pocket full of francs, let’s pull back the velvet curtain.

Because while Switzerland is beautiful, clean, and organized to the point of obsession… It’s not all fondue and yodels. Here are the most negative things tourists should know before stepping into this Alpine wonderland — or risk finding yourself broke, bored, and bewildered.

💸 1. You’ll Spend a Fortune Just Breathing

Switzerland is expensive. Ludicrously expensive. Want a casual lunch? That’ll be 30 francs. A night in a budget hotel? Maybe 200 francs. Need water at a restaurant? That’s extra. Want a paper bag at the grocery store? Yep, you’ll pay for that too, and you will pay for the Ketchup with your Burger!

Pro tip: Budget generously. Then double it. Then maybe cry a little, or have another drink! 😁

🕰️ 2. Sundays = Apocalypse

Planning to go shopping on Sunday? Cute. You’ll quickly discover that the country collectively takes the day off. Shops, supermarkets, even many restaurants—closed tighter than a Swiss bank vault. You’ll feel like you wandered into a beautifully landscaped ghost town.

Survival tip: Stockpile snacks on Saturday like it’s 1999.

🚫 3. Rules Are Sacred

Switzerland is a rules utopia. No jaywalking. No loud talking on trains. No flushing your toilet after 10 p.m. in some apartment buildings (seriously). And woe betide the tourist who recycles incorrectly. The locals will spot it, and they will judge.

Advice: Don’t rebel. Just quietly conform.

🧊 4. The People Are… Efficiently Distant

The Swiss are polite, reserved, and impressively neutral (see: entire national identity). They won’t bother you, but they probably won’t invite you to their BBQ either. For some, it comes off as cold or aloof; however, don’t be offended, it is as common amongst Swiss families!

Social tip: Don’t take it personally. This isn’t Italy. Just enjoy your personal space and the sound of cowbells.

🥱 5. Nightlife? What Nightlife?

If your ideal vacation includes cocktails at 2 a.m. and dancing till dawn, Switzerland may disappoint. Most bars close early, and clubs, where they exist, are often hard to find and expensive. The country goes to bed early, probably with a mug of herbal tea.

Night owl tip: Pack a book or get into stargazing.

🗣️ 6. Language Roulette

Switzerland has four official languages—German, 62.5%, French, 23%, Italian, 9%, and Romansh, 5.5%. Depending on where you are, the language (and even the flavor of that language) changes. Swiss-German alone can sound like Klingon to standard German speakers. Is English common in cities, but in small towns? Less so.

Communication tip: A few local words go a long way—and Google Translate goes even further.

🛍️ 7. Early Closing Hours Will Break You

Shops close early. Like 6:30 p.m. early. Weekdays, all retail shops close from 12 noon until 2 pm, on Sundays closed all day, miss that window and you’re out of luck. Pharmacies, post offices, and even bakeries keep hours that suggest they moonlight as hobbits.

Planning tip: Be efficient, or be hungry.

🏞️ 8. Nature Is Not a Suggestion

Switzerland lives and breathes the great outdoors. If you don’t enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, or pretending you enjoy hiking, biking, or skiing, you might run out of things to do. Museums and culture exist, but they take a backseat to peaks and pastures.

Reality check: Bring boots or books. Or both.

🚬 9. Smokers Are Still Among Us

Despite its clean image, smoking is still common, especially on café terraces, outside stations, and in certain public areas. If you’re sensitive to smoke, prepare to dodge it like a fog of social awkwardness.

⏱️ 10. Time Is Sacred

Swiss punctuality isn’t a stereotype. It’s a moral code. Trains leave on the dot, and being late (even by a few minutes) is a crime against society. Don’t keep a Swiss person waiting.

Pro tip: Set your watch. Then set your soul to “on time.”

Final Thoughts

Switzerland may be stunning, but she’s not trying to be your cheap, wild, spontaneous best friend. She’s the elegant, rules-loving, expensive aunt with impeccable taste and no time for nonsense. Respect her ways, budget wisely, and plan like a Swiss train conductor, and you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery, world-class cheese, and a sense of peace only slightly undermined by the price of lunch.

Switzerland is beautiful, clean, organized, and expensive, but as we all know, beauty costs money!

Landscape Flüeli-Ranft

At the heart of Switzerland,

Located between Lucerne and Interlaken and surrounded by rolling hills and graceful mountains, you find everything you ever dreamed of, whether traveling alone, with a family, or as a group. The village of Flüeli-Ranft presents a feast for the eyes and a key to enjoyment for both your body and soul. Take a deep breath; yes, this is for real, and places do still exist where you can replenish resources in magnificent countryside, far from the hustle and bustle. Sachseln, ideally situated on the lake, is also known for its excellent cuisine and typical Swiss hospitality that invite you to relax and enjoy. When’s your turn to delight in a special break?

Flüeli-Ranft

It’s more than just a picturesque village—it’s a place where nature, legend, and spirituality intertwine. Known as the home of Brother Klaus (Niklaus von Flüe), Switzerland’s patron saint, this hidden gem offers a journey through time, breathtaking landscapes, and trails that make you feel like an explorer in a sacred land.

Not far from the village stands the Paxmontana Hotel. The Hotel was built as the  Kurhaus Nünalphorn in 1896 by the 31-year-old local hotel pioneer Franz Hess-Michel. In 1898, the veranda was added, and in 1906, the building was extended to its current size in Art Nouveau style. The Hotel has 86 Rooms, a 100-seat Veranda, a Hotel Bar-Cafe, a Kiosk, and banquet facilities for 400 people.

See the Hotels Website here

Franz Hess-Michel

ran a self-sufficient farm with cows, horses, pigs, and bees, a dairy, bakery, cider press, and sawmill. He created an extensive network of walking paths and specially made excursion maps of the surrounding area. The hotel’s cricket and tennis courts, a gymnastics field, and the foyer were available to guests for physical exercise.

This past is all too evident: the unique arcade (avenue) to the hotel, the facade with the towers, the olive-colored stucco work with gold leaf on the ceilings, the beech parquet floors with walnut friezes, the neo-Renaissance pictures in the veranda are just a few witnesses to contemporary history.

The unique Art Nouveau Hotel Paxmontana is detached on a hilltop with a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Sarnen and the Obwaldner mountains.  The hotel is now a listed building and a protected object of regional importance. Hotel Paxmontana AG has owned the Art Nouveau hotel since 1953. History and culture, peace and relaxation. Walk in the footsteps of the past, through the place of power Flüeli-Ranft, through the Pergola, and our historic Art Nouveau Hotel. Step inside and let yourself be enchanted.

Read about it on WIKIPEDIA here

Walking in the Footsteps of a Saint

I remember my first visit to Flüeli-Ranft—expecting a quiet village with some old chapels, maybe a scenic walk or two. What I found was something else entirely. The story of Brother Klaus is woven into the land itself. Standing outside his childhood home, it was impossible not to imagine the life he left behind—a respected farmer, soldier, and judge who chose silence and solitude over power and wealth.

Descending into the Ranft gorge, the hermitage appears like a scene from another time. The simple wooden dwelling and the tiny chapel beside it carry an undeniable sense of peace. Whether or not you believe in saints and visions, there’s something about this place that makes you stop, breathe, and listen to the wind, the water, and maybe even your own thoughts.

Hiking Through Sacred Beauty

The best way to experience Flüeli-Ranft is on foot. The Brother Klaus Way takes you through meadows, forests, and dramatic cliffs, following the paths once walked by pilgrims. It’s the kind of trail where every turn offers a new postcard-worthy view—rolling green hills, a shimmering Lake Sarnen in the distance, and the jagged peaks of the Swiss Alps framing it all.

One of my favorite moments was reaching a quiet clearing halfway through the hike. The sun filtered through the trees, birds called out from the valley below, and for a brief moment, everything felt perfectly still. (Except for this farmer clearing his field of leaves with a motor blower,😃) There’s something about being in a place so deeply tied to reflection that makes you slow down, even if just for a minute.

Legends and Mystical Encounters

Locals say the Ranft Gorge has an energy that can’t quite be explained. Some visitors claim to feel an overwhelming sense of calm; others describe an eerie presence, as if history itself lingers here. I won’t lie—there was a moment, standing near the chapel, when the air felt thick with something I couldn’t put into words. Was it the power of belief? The weight of centuries of prayer? Or is it just my imagination running wild? Who knows.

What’s certain is that this is a place where people have sought answers for centuries, whether through faith, nature, or quiet contemplation. Maybe that’s why it feels different from any other Swiss village.

More Than Just a Pilgrimage

Vop Rotz Rasthaus

Of course, no Swiss adventure is complete without food. During our hike, we reached a Village called St. Nicklausen, with a population of about 2300, there we saw this shop, the sign said “Alp Cheesery and Wood Carvings”, as we entered the shop the smell of fresh mountain cheese hit us,  and as we were hungry we decided to purchase a nice piece of Procini-Cheese and a Deer Smoked Sausage! all homemade by the owner of the shop, who attended us. During our descent to Flüeli-Ranft, we found a table and benches right in front of a Chapel, where we enjoyed the delicious countryside specialties. I couldn’t help but wonder what Brother Klaus would think of visitors like us, seeking meaning while enjoying lunch in the same hills he once called home.

Why Visit?

Flüeli-Ranft isn’t just for pilgrims or history buffs—it’s for anyone seeking a journey beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re drawn by adventure, the serenity of nature, or the echoes of the past, this Swiss treasure is bound to leave a lasting impression. And who knows? You might just leave with more than stunning photos—you might leave with a new perspective.

Address: PAXMONTANA, 6073 Flüeli-Ranft, Obwalden, Switzerland

Tel: +41 41 666 24 00

Your Blogging Friend Ulrich Koepf

February 2025