Switzerland in Tolkien's Middle-Earth: In the footsteps of his adventurous summer journey in 1911-with hiking suggestions

Synopsis

A journey in search of Middle-earth

In 1911, at the age of nineteen, J. R. R. Tolkien embarked on an adventurous journey through the Swiss Alps; with a heavy pack, he hiked over many high passes. More than fifty years later, he mentioned in a letter to his son Michael that this trip had deeply affected him. Bilbo's journey in The Hobbit from Rivendell to the other side of the Misty Mountains, he said, was based on his own adventures in 1911.

Tolkien himself named a few specific sources of inspiration, most explicitly the Silberhorn (Silverhorn). So I wondered: Was this perhaps only the tip of the iceberg? Following in Tolkien's footsteps, I myself set out into the spectacular mountain world with its stories, myths, and legends, in search of his sources of inspiration; and little by little, a vivid and mysterious world revealed itself to me: a world that helped shape Middle-earth.

More than 100 color images accompany the author's research and discovery journey, along with 11 hiking and 3 road trip suggestions that allow readers to recreate Tolkien's experience with all its impressions themselves in the Swiss mountains.

"This book is above all else an invitation to step into Tolkien's hiking shoes, shoulder his pack, and step back a century into a world which is as far from today as Middle-earth is from our world; a guidebook of impressions, a walking tour of the nature of imagination and the imagination of nature." - John Howe

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction
In this chapter, the author introduces the readers to the premise of the book: exploring the connections between Switzerland and J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth. The author explains that both places have a rich history and natural beauty that served as inspirations for Tolkien's iconic fantasy world. The chapter also lays out the structure of the book, which will follow Tolkien's real-life journey through Switzerland in 1911.

Real example: In Tolkien's letters, he mentions his fascination with the Swiss Alps, particularly the Jungfrau region. He describes the experience as "an eye-opener...the most prodigious beauty" and includes illustrations of the mountains in his letters.

Hiking suggestion: To get a taste of the Swiss Alps' beauty and Tolkien's inspiration, the readers can take the Jungfraubahn train from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. From there, they can hike along the scenic Eiger Trail, which offers stunning views of the iconic Eiger mountain and its surrounding peaks.

Chapter 2: Tolkien in Switzerland
This chapter explores Tolkien's actual visit to Switzerland in the summer of 1911. The author delves into the details of Tolkien's trip, including the places he visited, the people he interacted with, and the experiences he had. The chapter also discusses how this trip impacted Tolkien's writing and his later creation of Middle-Earth.

Real example: During his journey, Tolkien stayed in the village of Interlaken, where he encountered a local guide named August Sonderegger. The guide's name and characteristics served as the inspiration for the guide character Sador in Tolkien's Silmarillion.

Hiking suggestion: To follow in Tolkien's footsteps, readers can hike from Interlaken to Grindelwald, a popular destination for hikers and climbers. This route takes hikers through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, which was a part of Tolkien's route as well.

Chapter 3: The Mighty Alps
This chapter delves into Tolkien's love for the Alps and how they influenced the landscapes of Middle-Earth. The author explores the similarities between the mountains of Switzerland and the Misty Mountains, including the iconic peak of the Matterhorn, which is said to have inspired the Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit.

Real example: While in Switzerland, Tolkien also visited the Rhone Glacier in the Valais region. The glacier's blue-green color and intricate, glittering ice formations inspired Tolkien's description of the Halls of Thranduil in The Hobbit.

Hiking suggestion: To experience the grandeur of the Swiss Alps, the readers can take a hike through the Valais region, starting from the base of the Matterhorn and ending at the Rhone Glacier.

Chapter 4: Rivers and Lakes
In this chapter, the author explores the significance of water bodies in Tolkien's writing and the role that Swiss lakes and rivers played as inspirations. The chapter discusses the stunning lakes of Switzerland, such as Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne, which are said to have inspired the depiction of the clear waters of Lothlórien in The Lord of the Rings.

Real example: While in Switzerland, Tolkien also visited the Aare Gorge, a narrow, deep canyon that served as inspiration for the Mines of Moria in his books.

Hiking suggestion: To experience the beauty of Swiss lakes and rivers, readers can take a hike in the Bernese Oberland region, which includes the Interlaken-Lucerne trail that passes through stunning lakes and rivers.

Chapter 5: Mystical Landscapes
This chapter delves into the enchanting landscapes of Switzerland and their influence on Tolkien's writing. The chapter discusses the forests of Switzerland, including the famous Black Forest, which are said to have inspired the dark and mysterious Mirkwood in The Hobbit.

Real example: During his stay in Interlaken, Tolkien visited the forest of Beatenberg, which is said to have inspired the Ents' home in Fangorn Forest.

Hiking suggestion: Readers can explore the enchanting landscapes of Switzerland by hiking through the Black Forest in the Canton of Bern, where they can also visit the Beatenberg forest and the nearby peak of the Niederhorn.

Chapter 6: The Tolkien Trail
In this final chapter, the author suggests a hiking itinerary that allows readers to follow Tolkien's footsteps in Switzerland. The trail includes all the places mentioned in the book, such as Interlaken, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the Valais region, and the Black Forest.

Real example: The Tolkien Trail also includes a stop at the village of Zweisimmen, where Tolkien stayed for a few days and visited the medieval castle of Oberhofen, which is believed to have inspired scenes in The Lord of the Rings.

Hiking suggestion: To experience the full hiking trail, readers can start from Interlaken and make their way through all the mentioned destinations, ending at Zweisimmen and taking a detour to visit the castle of Oberhofen.

Conclusion:
The book "Switzerland in Tolkien's Middle-Earth" offers readers a unique perspective into the origins of J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic fantasy world. By following Tolkien's real-life journey through Switzerland in 1911 and exploring the connections between the two places, readers can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich history and natural beauty that serve as inspirations for Middle-Earth. The suggested hiking itineraries also provide a perfect opportunity for readers to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Switzerland and experience firsthand the places that influenced one of the greatest fantasy writers of all time.