A Historical Overview of the Peter Stutzman Family - Yule Tree Farms

3) The Family Birthplace “Erlenbach im Simmental, Switzerland Page 5
Erlenbach lies on the North side of the beautiful Simme River Valley system containing 1800 inhabitants and also 6
smaller hamlets (Allmenden, Balzenberg, Eschlen, Latterbach, Ringoldingen, Thal). Erlenbach is considered a
“Gemeinden” (the basic Swiss geographical unit) and is used to describe a village and a collection of several tiny
communities surrounding the village (See map of Erlenbach – Page 8). The largest hamlet is Erlenbach; most of the
other hamlets consist of small groups of homes. The largest industry in the area – forest products – is also located
there. Tourism (mostly native Swiss) is also a source of income. The main town of Erlenbach has a bank, post office,
two modern schools, hospital, railroad station, historical museum, two hotels, police station, three car agencies and
numerous restaurants, stores, antique shops, gas stations, and a fire station.
Tourists are drawn to Erlenbach for the following reasons:
a) To experience true mountain country solitude, beauty, and native Swiss hospitality
b) Mountain biking (Trail from Spiez to Zweismman following th Simme River)
c) To view classic “award winning” “Swiss Architectural” buildings
d) Visit the famous walls murals of St. Michael’s Church
e) Trout fishing in the Simme River
f) Visit the local historical museum
g) Hike of Ski down Mount Stockhorn (up via the Tram on the west side of town) – especially to view wild flowers in
the spring.
h) Visit via the “Golden Pass Panoramic Express” train, one of four of the most senic train journeys in Switzerland
(Montreux –Spiez –Interlaken)
N.L.P., 12-25-04
TITLE 3 - FAMILY BIRTHPLACE, PAGE 5
PETER STUTZMAN HISTORICAL OVERVIEW