I've visited paradise today! Yes, you've read it correctly 😊 There is a village in Switzerland which is called Paradies and this translates to Paradise. I remembered that we came here for dinner many years ago, but it was in the evening, so we didn't see much. Someone has mentioned Paradies recently, and I told myself that I have to go there again. And so I did!
It was supposed to rain all week, and I couldn't be more excited for a bit of sun, and it was 17 degrees! This was the first time this year that I walked around in a sweater only. Can't wait for more warm days.
Paradies is only about 15 minutes drive from our place, and the only way to get there is either by foot, car or by boat. There is no public transport, but it's not so far away from the neighbouring villages. The road to the village is more of a bike lane, so I was happy when I finally arrived and could park the car. Or so I thought. I couldn't find any designated parking, so I simply parked next to some other cars, but it somehow didn't feel right. I would hate to get a fine. I've walked towards the river and when I got there I've noticed a large parking area, so I ran back to the car to bring it there. Finally I paid for the parking, and could put my mind at peace and enjoy the day!
Let's look around!
Paradies dates back to the 13th century when there was a convent established in this area. It's so interesting that a place with a few houses has such a long history! The convent was destroyed by fire in the 16th century, renovated and then dissolved in the 18th century. The empty buildings and huge fields surrounding them were acquired a Swiss company right after the World War I. This company used the premises for industrial farming until the end of the World War II. when they started to use them for company outings. This became a tradition and the same company organizes seminars and conferences for their employees here until today. History
It's a large eye-catching complex, so I was surprised that I didn't see it when I was there last time.
This part of the convent is private and you can't enter it, but you can still see its groomed gardens from outside of the fence.
I came to the entrance of the convent and there was a sign that I could enter the gardens, so let's do it!
When I walked through the gate I found myself in a nature paradise (should not surprise me in the village Paradise, right? 😊) Everything was lush green and colourful flowers were like carpets spread across the gardens.
Further away I saw a small stone bridge, so I walked towards it...
I stopped on the bridge and enjoyed the views in both directions...
Then I've noticed a small old buildings, so let's check it out!
It's the home to the Eligius metalworking guild! You can see some iron products on the tree trunk on the left.
Next to the house is a mill wheel. The mill was not moving, but I guess it's somehow automatized as it sounded like the water was going through it. I couldn't get closer to see how it worked.
And back to the park..
The convent park has been maintained since the 16th century. It's a true oasis that brings you peace. Or maybe I just had that feeling as there was nobody else around.
Let's see some flowers that I've found in the park...
And the whole carpet of those tiny blue/purplish flowers...
When I came to Switzerland for the first time I was surprised to see so many primroses. There were quite rare in Slovakia at that time. Here, they grow like weeds and you can see them everywhere in spring.
And I've also seen the first dandelion of this year! Last year, I've made dandelion honey, and I need to think about what I will make this year.
Winter aconites are usually among the very first signs of spring, and although they come early you can enjoy their blossom until April.
The park is beautiful, but not so big, so we're done here and we'll walk to the river from where there are walking trails around the area.
On the way to the river I came across a few cute flower gardens. I was excited to see the magnolia bloom already.
This is a rare kind of magnolia in this region, so I've been truly happy to see it bloom.
And this is where we had our dinner all those years ago. It's quite a big building for such small place, but I guess that they get many guests because the location is stunning.
These are the views from the restaurant...
In summer, you can sit outside and enjoy your meal. Well, I'm not so sure about the enjoying part as it's far from summer and there were so many flies already. You can see those black dots on the photo. I kept my mouth closed just in case 😊
It didn't take long to find a trail...
It took me through some meadows, and even though I had no idea how long I would walk (the sign didn't say how long the trail was) I was enjoying the sunshine and chirping birds.
I have a feeling that there is no trail without a bench. And very often there are beautiful views when you sit on it.
It looks like we're getting closer to the river...
The stairs led me to the protected area with rare birds. Here, you can only walk on a trail, and you should not disturb the birds. I've heard plenty of them, but only saw a few.
I can imagine people who like observing birds would love it here. It was like they had an important conference and each of them was trying to get a word to say something crucial.
At some point the area was separated by a natural fence to protect the birds...
Soon after that, I've reached another protected area, but this time there were rare plants. It is forbidden to collect any herbs and mushrooms in this place.
Some luck anyone?
I was planning to turn around as I was getting far from the village, but then I noticed that the trail was turning right, so I assumed that it was a round trail and I was in the middle of it.
I kept walking and walking and walking...
I was approaching a small hill when I saw an older guy in front of me. I was not in a hurry, but he was still much slower than me. When I walked pass him and greeted him, he started to talk to me. He told me I was much faster than he was (duh!?), but that he was happy that he could still walk this fast. I slowed down and continued with him to the village. He was born nearby, and told me that he walks there almost every day. We had an interesting conversation and I was glad that I took the time to walk with him.
He continued to the nearby village, so I approached Paradies alone. I was thrilled to get to 'talk' to the horses, but they didn't find me too interesting.
I'm glad that I promised myself to go on daily walks as I come to places where I normally wouldn't go. There are still many villages around us that I haven't visited yet, and I'm excited to take you there with me!
See you next time!