The city of Olten is 30 miles south of the Rhine with a medieval altstadt next to the Aare river. The Rhine and Aare valleys are separated by the Jura (pronounced "yur'-ah") mountain range (similar to the Black Forest mountains) and we took the opportunity to drive some of the more remote roads on the way to Olten. The day was overcast with temperatures in the mid 50s, a day similar to those in Nebraska at this time of year with kurbis (pumpkin) stands along the country roads.
A small road side self service stand.
(prices are in Swiss Francs)
A Jura apple orchard with rows of narrowly
pruned apple trees.
From the road as we approached the village of Holstein.
The "Kilchzimmer" Child Evangelism training center
near the village of Langenbruck. We had made several
visits here in 1982-3.
Views from Kilchzimmer
Some views on the way to Olten.
The gps guided us via back roads, sometimes with open
views and sometimes through densely wooded areas.
Olten's city tower in the altstadt.
Back side of the city tower
The entrance to the city tower.
Altstadt street
Olten's old covered bridge over the Aare.
Still used by pedestrians.
A view of the Aare from inside the covered bridge.
The cooler temperatures drove most
shoppers inside for afternoon coffee.
But a few were still willing to brave
the cooler temperatures.
Yes - there are McDonald's in Europe.
Most have seating on two levels and a
separate coffee bar with European desserts.
A view in the village of Arisdorf, Switzerland
(this view had not changed since we last saw it in 1982)
