Guten Tag! That’s “Good Day” in Swiss German, the local language of the lovely city of Grenchen, Switzerland. That’s where I’ve planted my gnome-sized feet after a fascinating 57.3-kilometer trek from Montbéliard, France.

Now, you might be wondering, “Oliver, what’s interesting about a simple border-crossing?” Well, let me tell you, it’s not the crossing itself but the language changes that tickled my gnome senses. One moment, I’m hearing French everywhere in Montbéliard and the next, I’m surrounded by the lyrical sounds of Swiss German in Grenchen. There’s something quite enchanting about the linguistic diversity of this world, isn’t there?

“Die Grenzen meiner Sprache bedeuten die Grenzen meiner Welt.” That’s a quote from the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. Translated, it means, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” As a travelling gnome, I strive to cross those limits, one step at a time.

Speaking of steps, I have moved 2697.6 kilometers since I began my journey 99 days ago. From the beautiful Saint-Loup-sur-Semouse to the charming city of Lure, the industrial heart of Montbéliard, and now, the Swiss haven of Grenchen. I’ve learned a lot, laughed a lot, and yes, grumbled a lot. But that’s the life of a gnome on the road!

A local song I’ve been humming along the way goes like this: “Über Stock und Stein, geht es jetzt hinein.” It means, “Over sticks and stones, we now go in.” Quite fitting for a gnome like me, don’t you think?

As I settle down in Grenchen, I look forward to the new stories, the new experiences, and of course, the new grumbles that await me. And to you, dear readers, I say, “Vielen Dank!” (Thank you very much!) for being part of my journey.

Until next time… Gnome out!

In the heart of Switzerland, nestled between the Jura Mountains and the Swiss plateau, lies the charming city of Grenchen. Renowned for its rich history, the city is a treasure trove of fascinating tales. For instance, the city is home to Ruine Alt-Bechburg, a magnificent castle ruin dating back to the 11th century. Its historic walls whisper tales of ancient nobility and their fascinating lives. “Die Geschichte lebt in den Mauern” or “The history lives in the walls”, as Swiss poet Carl Spitteler would say.

Then there’s Grenchen’s illustrious watchmaking heritage. The city is known as “Uhrmacherstadt” or “Watchmaker’s Town”, housing the headquarters of renowned watch manufacturer Breitling. The city’s dedication to precision and craftsmanship mirrors the Swiss composer Arthur Honegger‘s symphonies – methodical, meticulous, and strikingly beautiful.

So, if you’re in search of a place where time stands still and history unfolds, look no further than Grenchen – a city that ticks to the rhythm of Swiss heritage.