Extraordinary overnight stays in Switzerland: four suggestions

Extraordinary overnight stay #1: Secluded, yet right in the centre

The Rhine Gorge stretches spectacularly through Surselva in the canton of Graubünden. Far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this holiday region offers all kinds of outdoor sports. Whether hiking on the almost mystical Greina Plateau or through the impressive Rhine Gorge, following snowshoe trails in Val Frisal or cycling and swimming in Val Lumnezia – the secluded natural landscape takes centre stage here.

Secluded is also the keyword for a very special overnight stay: in the Bubble Suite in the middle of Val Lumnezia, you can soak in the starry night sky away from any street noise. The accommodation is idyllically located near the small village of Silgin bei Lumbrein, next to an old sawmill. It doesn’t get boring here during the day either: in addition to many attractions in the midst of nature, just a few minutes’ walk from the Bubble Suite is the 67-metre-long and 47-metre-high Val da Silgin suspension bridge. Surselva was one of the first destinations to be included in the ‘Swisstainable Destination’ sustainability programme – regional products, short supply chains, green mobility and sustainable energy management play key roles here in Surselva.

Extraordinary overnight stay #2: Pure nature beneath the stars

The Entlebuch region, which was declared Switzerland’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve 20 years ago and is now a flagship project, is home to vast moorlands paired with karst areas and unique flora and fauna. Entlebuch is also rated at the highest level of 'leading’ in the 'Swisstainable Destination’ sustainability programme. Environmental sustainability is the top priority here. You can immerse yourself in the region in a very special way at the Lochsitli organic farm. In fine weather, you can spend the night on a van beneath the stars.

Extraordinary overnight stay #3: Idyllic surroundings meet history

Val de Travers _ Val de Travers has not only been shaped by the production of absinthe and watches over the centuries, but also by its contrasting landscape of pine forests, rugged limestone formations and mountains. Hikers and bikers especially will find plenty of opportunities to let off steam here. From the Hôtel de l’Aigle, which was a horse-changing station in the 18th century, you can discover the most spectacular sides of the Jura mountains, such as the natural rocky arena of Creux du Van.

Extraordinary overnight stay #4: Wellness with a mountain view

Skiing with a view of numerous impressive four-thousand-metre peaks: the ski resort in the Saas Valley in the canton of Valais is 3,600 metres above sea level and offers incredible views of a whole host of mountain peaks. There’s also plenty for people who don’t ski: the region boasts mountain activities ranging from hiking and alpine tours to climbing and mountain biking. No cars are allowed in the village of Saas-Fee itself, which is already 1,800 metres above sea level, making strolling between restaurants and shops particularly enjoyable. Hotels and other accommodation options offer tempting services to encourage you to stay a while and pamper yourself. One example is the wellnessHostel4000 (see large image at the top), which offers a combination of spa, culinary delights and modern youth hostel with spectacular mountain views at an affordable price. A very special advantage of the Saas-Fee region: it enjoys around 300 days of sunshine a year.