Swiss couple's dream brunch on Mount Säntis ruined by parking chaos

A planned brunch on Mount Säntis turned into a frustrating ordeal for a couple from Wattwil. Beat and Claude Merki had booked a special breakfast deal for 128 francs, only to find themselves unable to reach the mountain station due to unexpected challenges.

The issue arose on August 17, 2025, when the Schwägalp wrestling festival filled the main parking lot. This forced the Merkis to park far away, making their journey uphill impossible for Beat, who suffers from COPD.

The Merkis had looked forward to their brunch on Säntis, having paid for the package online. Their plans fell apart when they arrived to find the usual parking area full. Instead, they were directed to a distant spot, leaving them with a long, steep walk just to reach the shuttle bus for the cable car.

Beat Merki's health condition made the uphill trek unmanageable. Despite the cable car operating normally, the couple had no choice but to turn back and return home without their meal. Legally, the cable car company was not at fault, as the service itself was running as usual. In response, the company offered a gesture of goodwill. The Merkis were invited to return another day to finally enjoy their brunch. They have since decided to try again the following Sunday, hoping for a smoother experience this time.

The Merkis will get a second chance at their Säntis brunch after their first attempt was disrupted. The cable car company's offer allows them to reschedule without additional cost. Their return visit is now set for the next weekend, weather and parking permitting.