Zurich and Verbier (11.7.-26.7.)

As we write this blog post, we are sitting on a sunny terrace overlooking Zurich.

In Tours, the Bikebear could not be brought back to life. It has now been transferred to a garage in Switzerland. Apparently, the immobilizer control system is defective. The search for a replacement part is ongoing.

After a long journey from Stockholm to Tours and then to Zurich, where we used a plane, a train, and a rental car, we are staying with Heini and Petra.

Despite these annoyances, we have been busy and have had many beautiful experiences in the meantime.

Biwak on Schneebelhorn with animal companions

We start at Steg train station with the goal of spending the night on the highest mountain in the canton of Zurich. The path leads us up steeply in quite hot weather. The last section is more pleasant and follows the ridge to the highest point. We choose a bivouac spot with a view of Lake Zurich, the Säntis, and the Glarner Alps. Just before we want to set up the tarp, three donkeys join us and let us know that they will not leave us alone here. They stand stoically in front of us, staring at us, nudging our backpacks. They are unimpressed by our attempts to chase them away. Therefore, we grab our luggage and move our sleeping spot a few meters away. We quickly build a fence with some cords to keep the donkeys away. We cook a delicious stew and admire the sunset.
The next morning, we are woken up by a curious herd of cows and engage in a competition with them to pack up or steal our gear.

The Toten Hosen

It would have been a shame to be in Zurich but not at the Hosen concert! The concert is great as usual, with all the classics being played.

The trail paradise of Verbier

The morning after the Hosen concert, we travel to Verbier by train with our backpacks full. Jonas' uncle, Leif, and his wife Carine have a lovely little chalet there, which we get to stay in for a week.

We bring hiking, climbing, and biking gear, but in the end, we only need the bike stuff. Verbier is a bike paradise! In addition to the many fast descents of the bike park, most hiking trails can also be used. For example, one day we ride from Pierre d'Avoi down to Martigny. 2100 meters of descent without going uphill once, (almost) all single trails!