Nebelmeer
Switzerland’s landscape is an eclectic mix of geological features acting out a constant dialogue between land and water. Traveling among mountains, through valleys, over rivers and lakes, one is given an object lesson in the forces that invite water to rise into the air, fall toward the earth, and flow in trickles and streams back to the ground. This topology imparts on the Swiss a network of highly localized cultures, linguistic practices, and climate conditions. On a given day, one could discuss the Schneefall – snowfall – in Zürich, the cielo soleggiato – sunny sky – in Lugano, and the forte pluie – heavy rain – in Geneva.
The country’s microclimates make weather apps an absolutely essential part of Swiss life. And a good weather app is one that has two primary qualities: first, up-to-the-minute accuracy. Second, a live map with clear iconography. Something I learned since moving to Switzerland is that – particularly in Winter months – knowing the state of various microclimates is crucial, and chasing the sun a sacred ritual.
Radio anchors, perhaps as an invocation to complement our holy tools, announce the altitude above which you can escape the fog each day. Enterprising travelers can then make their way up beyond the clouds and glimpse the secret sunlight inaccessible just a few kilometers away. There’s even a word for this: “Sonnetanken,” meaning to fill one’s tank with sunlight.
But ascending through the clouds to reach the sun is only half the fun, and not a fraction of the magic. Like the water constantly traversing the land, what goes up must eventually come down. Having gone up a mountain to escape the fog, you’ll be at the perfect vantage point to look down and see the same clouds stretch out around you in one hypnotizing expanse. A meaningful pause in the conversation. A space for your imagination to address the land and the water and their statements. The landscape flooded, the horizon indistinct as clouds meet the sky, you will begin to picture your descent into an ethereal, enveloping ocean inside the land-locked borders of Switzerland.
