A few years ago, I traveled to the Jungfrau region of the Swiss Alps. One evening, I made a special trip to the village of Gimmelwald to track down their famous Schwarzmönch beer and visit the legendary "Honesty Shop"—reputedly the only one of its kind in Europe, if not the world.
It was a fascinating little place; though small, it was packed with unique treasures ranging from local crafts and artwork to souvenir beer glasses. We decided to pick up a few glasses, and since the prices were clearly marked, the process was simple: I paid in US dollars and tucked the money into a designated "honesty envelope." It was such a charming, trust-based experience.
Here are a couple of images I took during the visit. Thanks for viewing and welcome all CC
I have seen (and used) many ‘Hofladen’ - farm stands that have a cash bucket or a QR code for a digital payment based on the honor system all over the country - in small towns and remote villages and even alongside hiking trails. You can find local beer, ice cream, gelato, wine, cheese, tea, eggs, dried meats and sausages… one place that is near a landing place I paraglide has a raw milk dispenser (bring your own container).
gregfountain wrote:
It's nice to know there are still places in the world where this shop is possible. Nice shots!
bmike-vt wrote:
I have seen (and used) many ‘Hofladen’ - farm stands that have a cash bucket or a QR code for a digital payment based on the honor system all over the country - in small towns and remote villages and even alongside hiking trails. You can find local beer, ice cream, gelato, wine, cheese, tea, eggs, dried meats and sausages… one place that is near a landing place I paraglide has a raw milk dispenser (bring your own container).
We have a few places in our rural areas that do the kiosk offerings (eggs, firewood, etc.), just not in town and at this level.
guywithgas wrote:
Wow... seems to be quite a unique place. i like the way they are marketing with - "I shopped at the Honest Shop".
Sreedhar.
Thanks Shreedhar, It's definitely quite a place and you are right, cool marketing.
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Bill Gass wrote:
Beautiful place to live and shop...
Bill, the location is very beautiful indeed. Just as you walk past the mountains you see the valley below and the snowcapped mountains. Absolutely stunning and very quite. Most tourists don't venture out this way. I had read about this shop in Rick Steves book. I am still old school, love to read travel books
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CDalessandro wrote:
Wonderful images and unique indeed.
Carol
Thanks Carol, it was quite an experience. In fact we even picked up some cheese from a farm on our walk back to our AirBnB with similar concept. In Swiss alps its a norm.
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Kevinaldo12345 wrote:
Love the colors
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Danpbphoto wrote:
Everything so bright and crisp brother!
Well done!
Dan
Brother Dan, thank you
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gregfountain wrote:
It's nice to know there are still places in the world where this shop is possible. Nice shots!
Yep, agree....definitely wouldn't work in LA It was a cool shopping experience.
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bmike-vt wrote:
I have seen (and used) many ‘Hofladen’ - farm stands that have a cash bucket or a QR code for a digital payment based on the honor system all over the country - in small towns and remote villages and even alongside hiking trails. You can find local beer, ice cream, gelato, wine, cheese, tea, eggs, dried meats and sausages… one place that is near a landing place I paraglide has a raw milk dispenser (bring your own container).
You are right Mike, I did encounter some of those stands and in fact, I did pickup some cheese from on of Farm that had a small stand with cash basket and QR code for digital payment. In Sitzerwalnd this can work definitely not in LA