Switzerland Golden Anniversary UnTour

Welcome to Switzerland! After arriving into Zurich International Airport (or other regional transit hub), follow the instructions from your UnTours Arrival Guide and enjoy the scenery as you journey to the Hasli Valley by train. Your host will meet you at the train station and accompany you to your apartment. You’ll be greeted by a Welcome Basket, a stash of groceries to sate your traveler’s hunger and ease you into the rhythm of life for the next week. Pour a glass of wine and gaze at the mountain views all around you. Welcome to the Heartland, home of UnTours!

One of the true highlights of early autumn in the Hasliberg region is the traditional cattle descent, when cows return from their high-alpine summer pastures. For our 50th Anniversary trip, your UnGuide will choose a local village where you can experience this vibrant, joyful celebration up close. It’s a moment when the whole community comes together to welcome the herds home, and you’ll feel that warm Swiss spirit from the moment you arrive.

As the procession makes its way through the village, you’ll see cows adorned with bright flowers, polished bells, and handmade decorations that farmers prepare with great pride. Families gather along the road, musicians play folk tunes, and the air buzzes with a festive atmosphere that’s both down-to-earth and deeply rooted in centuries-old alpine tradition. It’s the kind of cultural moment that’s hard to find unless you’re truly part of the community.

You’ll have time to enjoy local treats, chat with residents, and simply soak in the beauty of this seasonal ritual. It’s a celebration of nature, heritage, and the rhythm of mountain life. An experience that reflects everything UnTours has cherished about Switzerland since the beginning. For many travelers, the cattle descent becomes one of the most memorable experiences of the entire trip.

As part of our 50th Anniversary journey back to UnTours’ beginnings, we’ve planned a special surprise cultural celebration. A heartfelt experience that connects you directly with the traditions that shape everyday life in the Hasliberg region. The spirit behind it is clear: an authentic encounter with the customs that mountain communities hold dear.

Whether it’s a gathering rooted in centuries-old harvest rituals, a communal sharing of local foods, or a tradition that celebrates craftsmanship and alpine life, this moment will invite you into the rhythms and values of the people who call this region home. These are the kinds of tradition-rich events that embody gratitude, community, and simplicity, where neighbors come together to honor their heritage.

You’ll join locals in a warm, welcoming atmosphere where stories are shared, bells ring, laughter carries through the crisp mountain air, and time feels wonderfully unhurried. It’s the kind of unscripted experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. One that captures the heart of Switzerland and the essence of what UnTours has always stood for: connection, authenticity, and the joy of being part of something real.

Our traveler’s table shared dinner invites you into the easy, welcoming rhythm that has always defined UnTours. Instead of a restaurant meal, we’ll gather in one of our apartments, just as early UnTourists once did, where the atmosphere feels relaxed, familiar, and deeply personal. It’s the kind of evening that naturally brings people closer, without any fuss or formality.

As the dishes circulate and stories begin to flow, you’ll feel the sense of camaraderie that makes this anniversary trip unique. It’s a moment to slow down, connect, and enjoy the kind of communal meal that turns fellow travelers into friends. An experience as genuine and unpolished as the earliest evenings that UnTours founder Hal, once spent with guests in the Heartland.

The farewell dinner will be the perfect closing chapter of our 50th Anniversary journey. A modern take on the classic farewell party that marked the end of early UnTours. Gathered around a beautifully set table in a local restaurant, this evening will give everyone the chance to reflect on the week, share stories, and celebrate the memories you’ve created together.

The menu will highlight the best of the region’s cuisine, offering a true taste of Switzerland while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and inviting. It’s a moment to savor the local flavors, toast to the adventures you’ve had, and enjoy the warmth of the group one last time.

As laughter, conversation, and reflections fill the room, the farewell dinner becomes more than just a meal. It’s a shared experience that ties together the week’s explorations, cultural encounters, and connections. A true cherry on top of a trip full of heart, history, and UnTours spirit.

As our special Golden Anniversary tour comes to a close, it’s time to say farewell and wish you safe travels home. This last morning is a gentle reminder of the unforgettable week you’ve shared with your fellow UnTourists. Moments of discovery, laughter, and connection that will stay with you long after you leave Hasliberg.

While the official program ends here, the adventure doesn’t have to. If your schedule allows, consider extending your stay to explore the Hasliberg region or move to the nearby Oberland towns like Thun, at your own pace. Your UnGuide will provide personalized recommendations for hikes, scenic spots, and hidden gems, so you can continue to enjoy the beauty, culture, and tranquility of this alpine paradise, still under the UnTours spirit.

Whether it’s a leisurely morning by the lake, a quiet village walk, or a final taste of Swiss cuisine, this is your opportunity to let the mountains linger a little longer in your heart. Safe travels, and may the memories of this week inspire your next journey.