Showing posts with label mountain inn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mountain inn. Show all posts

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Up To A Cozy Alp


Once you leave Berghaus Forelle, you enter a cool forest and start zig-zagging up the hill. You soon rise high above the Seealpsee, and get a great view of the valley below (That's Forelle on the small spit of land sticking out into the lake).

Next, you end up on a narrow trail that passes under the cliff above. Only slightly rocky, this is a great uphill climb - with handholds anywhere that they are required.


A final climb and you come out onto the hanging valley that holds Meglisalp. The farm and mountain inn sit nestled in amongst the mountains in a very picturesque setting. There's even a pretty little alp chapel to explore.

Behind the cluster of buildings, you'll find the rocks alive with marmots. Go for a quiet afternoon walk and keep your eyes peeled for these shy creatures.



The view from the edge at Meglisalp is breathtaking. Here's a look back at the Seealpsee and the steep cliffs that make up the Alpstein.



Another great reason to spend a night at Meglisalp are the beautiful old-fashioned rooms. Pine paneled walls, old washstands, and soft lighting make this a very romantic inn. And, the restaurant is outstanding - with great meals being served and lots of camaraderie.

Monday, August 4, 2008

A Quiet Alp And Mountain Inn


After following along below the ridge, and scrambling up through a few cuts, you see the welcoming sight of Mesmer below you. A small alp (summer farm) and mountain inn run by the Mesmer family.

As with many of the mountain inns (Berghaus) in Switzerland, Mesmer is a working alp. Alps are situated amongst the high alpine meadows and allow the cows, goats, and sheep to graze the high meadows and produce rich milk for alp cheeses. After the Swiss mountains were "discovered" by British mountaineers, these alps also started catering to hikers and mountain climbers - giving us great places to overnight and enjoy hearty mountain meals.

Comfortable rooms and good, hearty mountain fare await you. While enjoying an alp dish like bratwurst smothered in onion gravy, and sipping a large glass of red wine, you see the beautiful sky as night falls on the mountains. Be sure to go for a postprandial stroll in the quiet of evening.

The next morning, large bowls of Milchkaffee (milk coffee) and a hearty breakfast will get you ready for the rocky trail down to Seealpsee.