Andermatt

Thursday July 17

We left Locarno by train at 10:30 for the 2 hour trip to Andermatt. We were able to self-check-in to our apartment (Andrea's Gerber's Penthouse) straight away - it was about a 10 minute easy walk from the train station - it was a lovely sunny day, just a bit cool (high teens). We ate our packed sandwiches, unpacked then went shopping at the local Coop just a bit further than the train station. Dieter later found a shortcut which meant it was also 10 minutes walk.

We stocked up and filled both backpacks, and 2 green bags. Unfortunately they did not have any red currants even though we saw them growing in some local gardens (may have to do a midnight raid). We also stopped at the tourist office and obtained our local travel 'card' which gqve us unlimited travel on trains and gondolas for 7 days for 20CHF pp - the deal of the century - at least on this holiday.

We finally finished our settling-in and chores and sat out on our small terrace for happy hour followed by pasta and salad for dinner.

Friday July 18

A big day out - we took a cog-wheel train to Oberaltsee then a gondola to Schneehuenerstock, from there we did one of the very popular hikes to the top of the Guetsch Gondola where we planned to have lunch. The first restaurant we checked was Michelin rated and after reviewing the menu (where even an appetiser was $140) we decided to ride to mid-station and eat at the family restaurant where prices were much more moderate (by Swiss standards) - we sat in the lovely sunshine and shared a pasta. Then it was back home for dinner.

Saturday July 19

We took the train to Acla Da Fontana where we walked to the gondola which went up to Caischavedra - from there we walked to Descentis (3 hours) where we ran out of time to have lunch as we would have not made the next train home (it only runs hourly) so 

we skipped lunch and had dinner at home.

Sunday July 20

We walked from the village to the "devils' bridge - and amazing bridge over the raging Schoellenen gorge initially built in 1200. It is also the site of the Suworow monument to the Russians who fought the French in 1799-1800. 

We had lunch in the village (Postillion Restaurant) - a shared Kaesle Spaetzli - really good. 

Again we stayed home for dinner as we could not find anywhere that inspired us.

Monday July 21

We took the bus to the Gotthard pass - amazing scenery - it was cool but mostly sunny - we visited the museum crafted from old army barracks. We had a very average lunch then took the bus home.

Tuesday July 22

We took the train to Goeschenen then the bus to Inschti where we took a small gondola to Arnisee where did a short walk (1h30m) then we had lunch at the bottom of the gondola at Schaefli (which means a small sheep) which was nothing special except the price.

Then it was back home for dinner.

Wednesday July 23

We took the local train to Realp and walked back to Andermatt - about 3 hours but easy. From town we took the Gutch gondola to mid-station and had lunch at a very classy restaurant (Aplhutte) overlooking the area. We shared a burger which was delicious. We had dinner at home. The day was cloudy and cool but the rain held off.

Thursday July 24

It was a rainy day (and cool - high around 16C) - as the morning was forecast to be the best  part of the day, we took the gondola to the mid-station at Gutsch and hiked back to Andermatt. It started out raining and we almost turned back but the rain eased so we continued on a medium grade track and reached the city. Since the walk ended very near the Coop we did some shopping to see us through to Sunday when we leave for Zermatt. Back at home we had a quick sambo for lunch as it was now raining steadily. Around 4:40pm we went back town (10 minutes walk) to visit a local museum which only opens 4-6pm. It was in an old restored house and was very interesting. It was pretty much bucketing on our way back home - we stayed in for one of our favourites - pork chop with mushroom sauce.

Friday July 25

We took the train to Goeschenen to visit the Gotthard tunnel exhibition which turned out to be a bit of a "fog-dam". We stayed home for dinner again.

Saturday July 26

It was raining all day so we did not do much. I did much of the packing as we were off in the morning.

Sunday July 27

Off to Zermatt today.