The train from Olten connected at Zurich and Sargans (1) and we alighted at Sevelen. The Rhine Valley here is flat for a mile or two on both sides, before abruptly ascending into the Alps. The river forms the border with Liechtenstein, crossed by a wooden covered bridge north of the modern highway bridge. Vaduz is only about a 2 mile walk from Sevelen.
The bus ascends from here up a steep narrow valley to a dead-end at the mountain village of Malbun, in the southeast corner of the diminutive country. Surrounded by the Alps, it was shoulder season in this ski resort town. After schnitzel for lunch at a crowded resaturant, we began a hike up to the col at Sarais, north of the village. The ascent was hot through Alpine meadows (without tree cover) and was one long switchback. The col offered views of Liechtenstein, Austria (a mile or two away) and through Liechtenstein to the Swiss Alps.
Lingering at the trail summit, parachuters were riding the thermals above the peaks on their descent to Malbun. A roar like a fighter jet drew our attention to the sky. None being visible, we looked across to see a landslide from an Alpine peak in Austria. It took a while for the brown dust cloud to settle.
Being late on Sunday, the village was quieter upon our return, the weekend visitors having left. Total elevation gain of 1,350 feet on a 4 mile round trip hike.
(1) The 3 minute connection time was aggressive, but Swiss trains are typically punctual. Unfortunately, the connecting train was not across the platform, but down, under, then up. Good exercise.
No comments:
Post a Comment