The Herzbaracke offers a magical time-out from everyday life

Ever since I discovered the facade of the Herzbaracke on the water at Bellevue one beautiful afternoon a few years ago, while walking by, I`ve been totally thrilled. I took a business card with me and tried to spend an evening there many times, without any success. Either I was too spontaneous and it was already fully booked or I couldn’t find any company that could attend the dates, on which the concerts I wanted to see took place. But last November it finally worked out! 🙂 Twice in the same week. Let`s go hole hog! 😉

Even before I was able to enter this magical fairy tale world last year, I knew that a contribution about it would fit perfectly into My Wonderland. Here it is. 🙂 :

What`s the Herzbaracke and how was it made?

The Herzbaracke is a floating salon theater, which is located at four different landing stages on Lake Zurich for a certain time.

The idea came to Federico Emanuel Pfaffen in 1996, according to the history of their website. A vision of a blue theater castle that looked as if it had fallen from the sky directly onto the lake never left him.

He began to sketch out his ideas and started looking for people with talents in various fields. The search was successful. He found numerous well-disposed people who were willing to support him actively.

1999 was the time. The Herzbaracke opened!

After countless hours of planning and designing and many, many highs and lows, his heart project was opened in early 1999. And fortunately for all of us, it has remained until today! I wish the Herzbaracke with all my heart countless more successful years.

For me, a woman who fortunately stayed enough child in her head and who would love to live in a colorful and glittering fairyland, it was a real joy to finally be able to enter the floating castle. Right after I set my first foot in the masterpiece, I was enchanted by the atmosphere that the entire furnishing radiated. Everywhere there was something to discover for my curious self.

The interior has been designed with extreme dedication and love for every little thing. Great importance was attached to every detail, no matter how small. As a perfectionist myself, I noticed immediately and valued very much.

The gorgeous and impressive dresses specially created by Mister Pfaffen, which were designed for the service ladies, are also delightful. As a huge fan of skirts and dresses, such an outfit choice makes me simply happy. If only more women nowadays would dare to wear more of them from time to time. I also loved their hairstyles with all these huge golden and glittery butterflies and flowers. What a creative and lovely idea!

I would have loved to take a picture of the beautiful ladies, but I didn’t want to impose myself, as they were very busy because of the full house. Besides, I was with company and didn’t want to be rude to them and take pictures all the time.

The concerts I attended

On my first evening I watched the concert of Joe Mc Hugh and Band with a dear friend. Joe Mc Hugh, who even had his birthday that evening, played the harmonica and the “Derry” bagpipe. His son Fintan did the vocal part, played one of the guitars and also the harmonica. Long time friend David Aebli was on the other guitar and the Irish bouzouki. The male trio got female support by violinist Vanessa Loerkens. The songs were about homesickness, returning home and love. Great Irish music. Everything from happy to melancholy.

On my second evening I enjoyed a delicious dinner with my family before the concert. Were were also guided to a table. This time we had gotten a cozy corner. The table was nicely set and a petroleum lamp made the ambience even more charming. The food was excellent, we had absolutely nothing to complain about. Great importance is attached to regional ingredients, which I welcome very much.

We also enjoyed the concert by Elina Duni and Rob Luft very much. The sound of her voice is very expressive and incredibly soulful. She sang many of the songs in Albanian, others also in Swiss German, French and English. Her voice and her character, accompanied by the great talent of her partner Rob Luft on the guitar, was a very harmonious combination.

The host Federico Pfaffen – The soul of the Herzbaracke

Before the concert of Elina Duni and Robert Luft it was time for a speech by the host. His whole appearance (an artist through and through), as well as his way of telling a story, made every single person listen to his words. One second in the same room with him and you`re instantly carried away by his enthusiasm and find yourself on a journey into his dream world, which you don’t want to end so quickly.

Many thanks to all, who made these two evenings so unforgettable.

For sure, this wasn`t the last time that I`ve been a guest in the Herzbaracke. Only too gladly I would like to spend a wonderful evening here again . I`m already looking forward to it!

Info and tips:

• Be sure to make your reservation enough in advance! Not that you`ll end up the same as I in the past years too.
• Here you can book online.
• There`s always the possibility to book only a concert or to add an apero and/or dinner to it.
• I recommend to book the delicious food in addition. Because this way your time in this world of dreams can be extended for a bit. 🙂