Following the earthly trail of an extraterrestrial author

Erich von Däniken thinks he has the answer to the mysteries of Egypt's pyramids Keystone Archive

The authorities in Beatenberg in the Bernese Oberland have unveiled a trail dedicated to the resort's best known citizen - author Erich von Däniken. Von Däniken has won international fame with several best-selling books about the existence of extra-terrestrials.

Hikers choosing to take the three-and-a-half kilometre long trail are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland mountains and insights into the life of von Däniken.

The author has written 26 books on the subject of extra-terrestrials – many of which are best-sellers, with sales totalling 60 million copies worldwide.

The path reveals how in the 1960s while running a Swiss hotel, von Däniken wrote “Chariots of the Gods” which became a huge success in the United States, before finding a readership worldwide.

His books are based on the theory that numerous unsolved mysteries on earth, such as the Egyptian pyramids, may have been the result of extra-terrestrial visits.

Beatenberg officials decided to open the trail as a token of thanks to von Däniken who, in interviews with the media, never fails to mention the resort, which he describes as the most beautiful place in the world.

Von Däniken is behind efforts to build a theme park, “Mysteries of the World”, which is due to open near Interlaken next year.

swissinfo