Personal Journeys

A Memorable Place

A warm visit to an ancestral home

By Pat Kellermann

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

My daughters surprised me with a trip to Gsteig, Switzerland, last summer where my ancestors had owned the Steinbock Pension during the mid-1800s. The hotel is now named the Gasthaus Steinbock.

This was my first trip to Gsteig, which is situated between beautiful lakes and mountains in the heart of the Jungfrau region. Gsteig has only two buildings, the Gasthaus Steinbock and a church. My great-grandparents (and later, my grandparents) owned the gasthaus from 1852 to 1891. My grandparents were married in the church next door to the hotel.

Our trip began at the hotel, where we spent five wonderful days. It is a beautiful country inn with 13 guest rooms, a dining room, conference room, party room and a small bar that seats eight.

The hotel managers are a young, energetic and hospitable husband and wife. The gourmet food is elegantly prepared, and each day the dining tables are decorated with flowers and other artistic settings.

This area is full of friendly people, picturesque chalets and many outdoor activities. The view from the hotel is breathtaking -- mountains, the river, a covered bridge, chalets, lovely flowers and much more. Each morning we awoke to the sounds of church bells, and in the evening we were lulled to sleep by the river and more church bells.

We watched as rafters came down the swift rapids, which flow in front of the hotel. We also watched hang-gliders as they jumped from the Alps above the gasthaus.

Daily cruises can be taken from the beautiful lakes Thuner See and Brienzer See, which are near Gsteig. A variety of water sports are also available.

There is a train in Wilderswil, a five-minute walk from Gsteig. The majesty of the area's three highest mountains, the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch can best be seen on a train excursion. The Jungfrau is the highest of the three mountains at 13,642 feet, and upon your arrival a sign welcomes you to "The Top of Europe." The view from this spot extends as far as Germany and France.

A short drive from Gsteig takes you to picturesque villages on lakes, castles, churches and museums. The villages all have wonderful shopping and restaurants.

My experience staying at the Gasthaus Steinbock, home of my ancestors, took me back to my roots. Visiting this beautiful country of my ancestors, walking the roads where they walked, sitting in the church that was theirs and being surrounded by all the beauty of this region is a memory I shall cherish forever.

Pat Kellermann lives in Joppa .

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