Summit moments

Through the mountains with star chef Hubertus Real

If I have to pick one place in Liechtenstein that stands for the promise of "Princely Moments", I would definitively choose Fürstensteig. Powerful, mighty, mystical. Already after the third turn you encounter an extraordinary rock formation that combines the power and strength of this unique nature.
 

Every time I stand in front of this work of art created from wind and rain, behind it the breathtaking view of the slowly awakening Liechtenstein and the Rhine Valley, I become aware of how small we humans are in comparison to this immense nature. A sight that makes me feel humble.

«Everything becomes lighter for a moment, life's problems small, feelings of happiness overwhelming.»

I enjoy such mystical and beautiful moments best at sunrise when no one is up yet, or in the early evening when the sun slowly disappears behind the mountains. It is a way to let go. I dive into another life. Time stands still. Loneliness. Just me and nature, the huge rocks, the wind. These moments are at once switching off and recharging, physical challenge and relaxation.
 

You never walk alone on the Fürstenteig hike. You take the power and strength of this piece of Liechtenstein nature with you, whether you like it or not. They accompany me in many stressful situations in everyday life and make my laugh. You can't really explain it. You have to have been up there to understand it: the myth of Fürstensteig.

«Where otherwise only the chamois jumped and shied away from the feet of men, there now leads a bold footbridge - the calloused hand conquered the rock.»

It is the respect for the mountain and for those who made it accessible to mountain hikers with the construction of the Liechtenstein Fürstensteig from 1898 onwards that is expressed in this poem. Rudolf Schädler was one of the first to be able to climb this bold mountain.

Hubertus Real has compiled a selection of his most beautiful hiking pictures from the mountain world of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Situated at eye level with the Castle Vaduz, the Real family has been providing culinary highlights in family ambience for decades. First and foremost, top chef Hubertus Real, who has received several awards and a gold medal at the World Skills in Sydney in 1988.
 

The Park Hotel Sonnenhof in Vaduz, a Relais & Châteaux hotel and award-winning restaurant, is a true Garden of Eden for gourmets, wine lovers and sun worshippers. According to the international travel magazine HIDEAWAYS, the small boutique hotel is now one of the most beautiful and best family-run hotels in the world.
 

The foundation for the Real dynasty was laid by Hubertus' great-grandfather, with the former Café REAL in Vaduz. After having worked as top chefs in the best houses worldwide, Emil and his brother Felix 1962 took over the boarding house Sonnenhof. Emil Real died in 2016 at the age of 86. For his pioneering spirit, creativity and entrepreneurial courage, Liechtenstein honoured the Real family with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2017.