Geographic center of Switzerland

Day 12 Via Jacobi September 27, 2026 Flüeli-Ranft (OW) – Lungern (OW)

Once again, I could take a few days off and am sitting early in the morning on the train towards Flüeli-Ranft to continue my journey. The further I go into the interior of Switzerland, the more Asians share the compartments with me, enchanted by the beautiful mountain landscape. I feel the same and am very grateful and happy to be living in this beautiful privileged country. 

At exactly 9:00 AM, I set off in Flüeli Ranft and first visit the beautiful church that sits high above the village. And, as fate would have it, I walk right into a well-attended service! This time, however, no one seems to mind. To avoid disturbing the service with my rustling, I waited until they started singing and pressed my stamp into my pilgrim passport. I also participated a bit, as there is always something to do in Catholic services: finishing sentences, receiving the host, singing, etc. But before it was time to kneel, I discreetly slipped back outside since I had started a bit late due to my travels. 

The crazy part is that it was already after 9 AM, and the sun had yet to rise above the mountains. Everything was still in warm shadow. Of course, it was a great idea to have been out late the night before, considering I had to wake up at 4:30 AM. But the soul also needs to be nourished, right? ;-) .

On the way, I pass a bench with a love lock and a candle. “Fly high!” is written on it. Perhaps a hang glider or something who has passed away. “Fly high and flüüg hei!” I wish unknown to them and picture it in my mind. I am convinced that this person has done the same and is doing wonderfully now.

The path today is beautiful, and it is really nice that it isn’t always uphill. At the Sarnersee, my misophonia kicks in “full blast.” Two English people were walking behind me for a while. And the lady was using her trekking poles. Of course, without rubber tips, and they clacked with every step. Anyone who suffers from misophonia knows exactly what I mean. It is a sound sensitivity where an unreasonable anger erupts, and one truly suffers until the noise finally stops. Most people with misophonia struggle with chewing sounds or repeated clicking and similar noises. For me, it’s keyboard noises and clicking. Sounds ridiculous, but it isn’t because you want to explode with anger on the spot and tell the offending person all the shame to their face. I imposed a forced break on myself and let them pass. “Click-clack-click-clack…!” While passing, I would have liked to scream in her ear: “Put on rubber feet, or I’ll stick the poles for you…!” You know what I mean! Instead, I smiled as kindly as possible; she can’t help it! Once out of hearing range, the issue was immediately resolved, and I felt relieved and cheerful again. There are all sorts of crazy quirks, aren’t there? I need to get a grip because many people walk around with trekking poles before Santiago de Compostela. Luckily, I still have plenty of time.

When I walked through Sachseln, I felt a bit moved. Because in Sachseln lies the geographical center of Switzerland. So, on my two legs, I have truly marched through half of Switzerland. Why do I find this so cool? I don’t know, but it drives me to keep going, step by step! A service is just beginning in Sachseln as well. I quickly sneak in to catch the stamp, pause briefly, and want to head back out against the flow of people. I thought I perceived the strict gaze of the pastor, but if I attended every service on Sundays, I would really get nowhere!

In Giswil, I complete the first page of my pilgrim passport. How quickly time flies! The next part of the journey unfolds beautifully along the turquoise Lungerersee. Unfortunately, the noise of traffic on the opposite side is very loud. Somehow, people need to get from A to B in the mountains. The noise stands out much more in such beautiful, tranquil places. Along the lake, I slowly start to feel tired, and for the first time, my feet hurt. In any case, it is a good idea today to go to bed earlier and wake up later than yesterday. At Lungern’s Minghof, I am warmly welcomed by Susanne. I have the cozy room all to myself and take a nap. After that, I go to the Bahnhöfli restaurant. There, I insist on a table by the window when they wanted to seat me in a corner. After all, I have a date with myself! Today, I celebrate it properly and have an appetizer, main course, and a glass of good wine. The food is really excellent, and I am truly happy. In my cabin bed, I read 37,118 steps on my pedometer. I will sleep well tonight!