Some of the best UnTours stories unfold in the quiet moments—on train rides, over shared meals, or in the unexpected generosity of the people you meet along the way. As we look back on 50 years of traveling differently, we’re reminded that UnTours has never been just about places. It’s always been about people: the UnTourists who explore with curiosity, the UnGuides who welcome them into daily life, and the Taussig family whose spirit of hospitality and humility set the tone for everything we do.
The story below comes from one such traveler—someone who crossed paths with both Hal Taussig and his son, and found himself swept into a weekend that was simple, serendipitous, and unforgettable. It’s a beautiful reminder of how travel can surprise us, change us, and connect us in ways we never expect.
A Memory from Lawrence Bergstresser
In the early 1990’s it was my privilege to travel to Switzerland with Hal’s son, also named Hal Taussig, who is a pastor and biblical scholar. We went to Zurich to interview young Swiss adults who hoped to come to the United States for a year to work in our Philadelphia church and learn about urban ministry.
After a few days of interviews in Zurich, Hal asked if I would like to join him at a chateau on Lake Thun for the weekend, at one of the residences used in his family’s travel business. We boarded a train in Zurich and traveled south; then took a bus to the village of Merlingen. It was dark when we got off the bus, so I could not see our surroundings, but Hal led me on a walk up a hillside road to where the bright lights of the chateau beckoned.
After a delicious dinner and pleasant evening conversing with Hal’s sister, who was hosting guests at the chateau, I went to sleep in my comfortable bed. When I awoke the morning light was streaming in through the windows, and I looked out on a scene I shall never forget. Below me rippled the sparkling blue waters of Lake Thun; on the other side of the lake rose a magnificent mountain peak — a scene of astounding beauty! I thought I had died and gone to heaven! I grabbed my camera and began taking photos.
Back in the United States, a few years later, I had the privilege of meeting the senior Hal Taussig. Mostly confined to a wheelchair at that stage of his life, he was still a warm and gracious presence who brought joy to those who met him.
In recent years, UnTours has guided my family members to a magical week-long stay in a medieval castle in Bavaria. And just last year, UnTours found a lovely hotel for me in the southern part of Darmstadt, Germany.
I am indeed grateful to UnTours for adding quality, beauty and wonderful relationships to my life. And to the UnTours Foundation for supporting the people who are starting creative, life-saving businesses.
Why These Stories Matter
Stories like this are at the heart of what UnTours stands for. They remind us that Hal’s legacy was built on relationships, generosity, and a belief in the power of travel to connect people in meaningful ways. They show how slow, rooted travel creates the kind of moments that stay with you long after the suitcase is unpacked: a sunrise over Lake Thun, a conversation shared over dinner, the warmth of being welcomed into someone’s home. And they affirm something essential about our mission today: every UnTour is part of a lineage of travelers who open themselves to places, people, and experiences—and who, in turn, help carry forward a vision of travel that creates belonging and builds a better world.
While the castle stay in Germany is no longer available, we love remembering the magic it brought to many UnTourists like Lawrence.
Have a story to share? We’d love to hear it.
If you have a memory of Hal, an UnGuide who made your trip unforgettable, or a moment on an UnTour that shifted how you see the world, we invite you to share it with us. Your stories help shape the next 50 years of UnTours. Simply email us at info@untours.com.