You’ve Guessed It!

The winners of the summer quiz were selected at random and were able to pick their prize from the UZH merchandise collection: Julia Ettlin and Simon Hirschhofer chose UZH hoodies, and Mingyang Yuan opted for a UZH-branded water bottle. In the following short interviews, the lucky winners tell us how and where they spent their vacation during the peak season.

Where did you spend your summer vacation?

I was traveling on foot with my tent in the Engadin and saw marmots. It was my first time back in the Engadin since I was a child. The weather was a bit mixed, with temperatures ranging from 18 degrees during the day to 3 degrees at night, but it was perfect for hiking. The hikes were very varied: from snow at the Diavolezza to the beautiful forests and nature in Val Roseg, there was a bit of everything.

So, the question of whether you prefer a backpack or a suitcase is obvious.

I often travel with only a carry-on bag. I’m pretty good at only taking what I need. When hiking, the choice is obvious: a backpack – and the lighter, the better.

Can you confirm Einstein’s theory that time passes more quickly at high altitudes than at sea level?

Vacations always go by much too fast.

Where will you wear your new UZH hoodie?

Probably at home on less active Sundays.

Where did you go for the summer break?

My girlfriend and I usually spend one or two weeks together in the Alps, ticking off peaks, via ferrata routes and mountain lakes on our tours. For multi-day hikes like these, we pack as little as possible. But as you always have to be prepared for rain or even snow, we still take everything we need to shelter from the elements. The rugged nature and remoteness make the problems of everyday life and work seem small and insignificant; for me, it’s by far the best way to recharge my batteries on vacation.

Did you spot any wildlife?

The animals of the mountain world are perfectly adapted to these harsh conditions – seeing them is a gift. This time, we observed a golden eagle, were visited by a group of incredibly curious and trusting marmots, and encountered a group of about 20 ibexes with many young animals that ascended from their pastures in the early morning to the high alpine pastures and passed by us.

What will you do with your quiz prize?

The hoodie will keep me warm when I watch the sunset and the stars after a day of hiking.

Where did you go on vacation?

I didn’t take any summer holidays this year, but last year I went to Zermatt for hiking. The weather is very nice in the mountains, I would highly recommend to go for a hike during summer to escape the heat – and the crowds. Train tours in Switzerland are also well designed, you can both enjoy the sights and save some carbon emissions.