001: Artisinal Leather Craft & Alpine Hike

You've probably noticed it - the Sennengürtel, the ornate leather belt of the Alpine herdsman, appearing on the streets of Zürich. On fashion runways. On people who've never been near a cow in their life. There's a reason for that. These things are beautiful. And they're made by hand, by people who've been doing it for generations. We found one of them. Hampi is an 8th generation beltmaker in Appenzell. His family has been practicing this craft since the 1800s. On June 13, he's opening his atelier to a small group of seven and you'll leave with a belt you made yourself. The day Your morning belongs to Hampi. Working at his bench, you'll learn the traditional embellishment techniques his family has refined over two centuries choosing your leather, shaping it, making something that will last decades. While he applies the finishing touches, the day opens up. A scenic train ride brings you to Wasserauen and a cable car lifts you to Ebenalp where lunch waits at Berggasthaus Aescher, a cliffside inn carved into the rock face that's been feeding hungry hikers since 1805. You'll hike down through alpine meadows to Seealpsee, the mountain lake that inspired the logo of Quöllfrisch, the region's beloved beer. If the water calls, jump in. By early evening you're back in Appenzell, belt in hand, with optional farewell drinks to close the day properly. The details 07:00 — Meet at Zürich HB, train to Appenzell (or travel independently) 09:15 — Leathercraft workshop with Hampi (2.5 hours) 12:00 — Scenic train to Wasserauen 13:00 — Cable car to Ebenalp 13:30 — Lunch at Berggasthaus Aescher 15:00 — Hike to Seealpsee, swim if you dare 18:30 — Return to Appenzell, collect your belt 19:00 — Optional farewell drinks Price includes the workshop, belt materials, cable car, and the kind of day that's genuinely hard to find.