Hiking in July 2016 / by Juha Berglund

Fürstensteig path in Liechtenstein. Perfect hiking choice for a worrywart who doesn't particularly enjoy heights.

May and June were non-stop rain in Switzerland. The endless torrent caused floods, and hiking opportunities were limited to minimum. Unlike real photographers, I cannot be bothered to go out unless the skies are clear. Thus I spent the weekends at home instead, sitting in front of the screen playing video games. That is not very photogenic at all, and besides, I don't feel comfortable as a lingerie model. 

Come July, and the conditions improved considerably. Every weekend had some really nice hiking weather. My new Japanese hiking hat and French sunglasses had patiently waited in the drawer, so I finally got to break them in. We did three successful trips in the Eastern Switzerland, and spent one weekend in the Neuchâtel canton of the French speaking side of the country. All in all, it was a great month, I look very stylish in my new hat, and I hope that we still get to do many more trips before the season ends.

Rheintal valley to the north.

Rheintal valley to the south.

The whole entirety of Northern Liechtenstein in one picture. 

On the summit of Alpspitz.

I'm not a vegetarian, but I could never eat Kalbsschnitzel again after hanging around with these guys.

I love calves. They a curious creatures who like to pose for the camera.

Kiss cam! （*＾3＾）

A view from our hotel room in Neuchâtel. 

We took a train to a village called Noiraigue. Non-phonetic languages are just silly; after a couple of attempts the train conductor understood that the name I tried to pronounce is "Nuareg". 

We ran into a group of Alpine ibex (Alpensteinbock) on our way up to Creux du Van.

Creux du Van is a naturally formed rocky Cirque.

The hiking path was following the edge of a 160m high mountain wall. Nope, I still don't enjoy heights.

A change of scenery: this time enjoying the local delicacies in Restaurant Hirzli.

On the summit of Hirzli.

View from Hirzli towards Walensee. It is difficult to take photos at noon, the bright light washes out everything. I had to underexpose and then try to rescue the photo in Lightroom.

I visited Ulm in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, for work, and included a couple of photos because the evening sky was just spectacular.

Ulmer Münster and an ominous cloud. 

Ulm Minster is the tallest church in the world.

Churfirsten, the southernmost range of the Appenzell Alps.

Säntis in the distance.

View towards Toggenburg.

On the summit of Hinterrugg.

Seez valley (Seeztal).

Walensee. 

Chilling out on the top of Chäserrugg.

It was a long way down...

That's it. Thanks!