Our Story

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The Story of Emelie

Emelina Julen-Kronig

1897–1967
 

The Story of Emelie

The name Emelie was not chosen by chance.
 
It is a tribute to our great-great-grandmother Emelina Kronig, who was born in Zermatt in 1897. She lived at a time when Zermatt was still a simple mountain village. Winters were long, life was demanding and hard work was part of everyday life. Family, solidarity and a strong connection to home were valued far more than material possessions.
Emelina was an extraordinary woman. Modest, warm-hearted and remarkably independent. While many women of her generation followed society's expectations, she chose her own path. Family stories tell that she occasionally smoked a tobacco pipe. At that time, this was unusual and reflected her strong character, courage and independence.
Life was not always easy. Winters in the mountains could be harsh and food was sometimes scarce. When little food was available, Emelina boiled water, added fragrant mountain hay and seasoned the broth with a pinch of salt. The soup did not satisfy hunger, but it provided warmth and comfort. These memories reveal the resilience and modesty with which earlier generations lived.
For this very reason, life's small pleasures were especially treasured. One of the highlights of the year was summer. When apricots ripened in Valais, Emelina baked apricot cake. For the family, this was something truly special. The aroma filled the house and transformed an ordinary day into a celebration. To this day, stories of her apricot cake remain part of our family history.
For this reason, you will also find an apricot cake recipe on this website inspired by our family history. Perhaps it will bring a small piece of a Valais summer into your own home and keep the memory of Emelina alive.
After the early death of her husband, Emelina faced one of the greatest challenges of her life. She had to provide for her family alone and create opportunities for her children. Education was especially important to her.
To make this possible, she sold land on the valley floor of Zermatt. At the time, it was simply land. Nobody could foresee that parts of it would one day become home to hotels, shops and some of the most valuable properties in the village. What mattered to Emelina was the future of her children.
Her foresight enabled future generations to enjoy opportunities and a better life. Much of what we take for granted today is built upon her courage, her decisions and her sacrifices.
More than one hundred years later, our daughter Emelie was born.
When searching for a name, we wanted something more than a beautiful sound. We wanted a name with a story. Thus, from Emelina came little Emelie.
Through her name, the memory of a strong woman from Zermatt lives on and the values she embodied continue to guide our family today.
The apartment bears her name as an expression of gratitude. It reminds us where we come from, whose shoulders we stand upon and that true wealth is not measured in possessions, but in family, unity, hospitality and the ability to preserve goodness even in difficult times.

Welcome to Emelie Apartment Zermatt. 
A holiday apartment with history, heart ❤️

The Roots of a Zermatt Family

The history of our family is closely connected to the history of Zermatt.
 
Emelie is a direct descendant of the Taugwalder family. For generations, the family has been among the people who helped shape life in the village beneath the Matterhorn.
 
When the first travellers and mountaineers found their way to Zermatt, local mountain guides were among the pioneers of Alpine tourism. With courage, experience and respect for the mountains, they guided visitors through the spectacular landscape surrounding the Matterhorn.
 
The Taugwalders belonged to the generation that helped make Zermatt known far beyond the borders of Valais. Through their work, they played an important role in the development of tourism in Zermatt and Swiss Alpine tourism.
 
To this day, the values of that era stand for a strong connection to home, modesty, reliability, hospitality and a respectful relationship with both people and nature.

Our Family Motto
 
 "Are you doing well? Yes?
 
Otherwise, just watch the sheep,
 
 and you are sure to find something to smile about." 
The Valais Blacknose sheep belong to Valais just as the Matterhorn belongs to Zermatt.

For generations, they have been part of life in the mountains. They represent home, tradition and the ability to find joy in simple things.

Perhaps Emelina would have smiled at this saying as well. Despite harsh winters and many challenges, she never lost her sense of humour.

This philosophy continues to guide our family today.

When guests visit the Emelie Apartment, we want them to experience more than simply a place to stay. We want them to discover a small piece of the authentic Valais.For us, true hospitality did not begin with luxury. It began with kindness, respect and the desire to make guests feel genuinely welcome.

And if the weather does not cooperate, a hike turns out differently than expected or a ski day is not quite perfect, simply remember our family motto.