The Other Side of the Alps: Six Swiss Offbeat Hotels
While Switzerland's marquee properties need little introduction, the country harbors a collection of extraordinary hotels that remain wonderfully under-discovered. From a modernist marvel hovering above Lake Neuchâtel to a recently renovated 17th-century sanctuary in Mürren, these properties offer experiences that go beyond the expected Swiss hospitality playbook.
7132 House of Architects: A Masterclass in Minimalism
In the remote village of Vals, 7132 House of Architects stands as a testament to architectural ambition. The hotel comprises rooms designed by four Pritzker Prize winners, including Peter Zumthor, Tadao Ando, and Thom Mayne. Each space serves as a livable manifesto of its creator's philosophy – Zumthor's rooms embrace quartzite and wood in homage to the surrounding landscape, while Ando's spaces play with light and concrete in characteristic style.
The dining program matches the architectural ambition, with the two-Michelin-starred 7132 Silver restaurant offering one of Switzerland's most progressive culinary experiences. The property's location adjacent to the famous Therme Vals thermal baths – also designed by Zumthor – completes the experience.
HUUS Gstaad: Alpine Soul with Nordic Flair
In the hills above Gstaad, HUUS has reimagined the traditional Swiss chalet through a lens of Nordic design. The work of Swedish studio Stylt Trampoli marries raw timber and stone with streamlined furnishings and vast windows that frame the Bernese Alps. But it's not just about aesthetics – the property's name means "house" in Swiss-German, and that's exactly what it feels like: a supremely comfortable mountain home where you can sink into a leather armchair by the fire or grab a book from the library's 500-volume collection.
The restaurant merits special attention, where Chef Giuseppe Colella crafts contemporary Alpine cuisine using ingredients from local farmers. Don't miss the house-made spätzli with mountain herbs and aged Gruyère – a refined take on the Swiss comfort classic.
Hotel Palafitte: Walking on Water
Just outside Neuchâtel sits Europe's only five-star hotel built on stilts. Drawing inspiration from prehistoric lake dwellings, Hotel Palafitte's 40 pavilions hover above Lake Neuchâtel's waters, offering an experience that feels more Maldives than mountainous Switzerland. Each pavilion features a private terrace where the sound of lapping waves provides nature's soundtrack, while retractable walls blur the line between inside and out.
The property's La Table de Palafitte restaurant makes brilliant use of its location, with lake fish featuring prominently on the menu. The wine list extensively represents the excellent but little-known Neuchâtel region, offering rare opportunities to sample these Swiss treasures.
Frutt Mountain Resort: High Altitude
Perched at 1,920 meters in central Switzerland, Frutt Mountain Resort has transformed a remote mountain plateau into a sanctuary of contemporary luxury. The architecture makes bold use of glass and local stone, creating spaces that feel both modern and deeply connected to the landscape. The car-free setting and lack of mobile reception (Wi-Fi is available) encourage genuine disconnection.
The restaurant's menu changes with the seasons, but always maintains strong ties to central Swiss culinary traditions. The wine cellar, carved directly into the mountain, offers intimate tasting experiences featuring Swiss wines rarely seen beyond the country's borders.
Lofthotel: Industrial Heritage
In a masterful display of adaptive reuse, Lofthotel transforms a former spinning mill on Lake Walensee into a striking design hotel. The 1864 industrial building retains its imposing stone facade and soaring ceilings, while the interiors showcase a sophisticated blend of original architectural elements and contemporary design. Massive factory windows frame spectacular views of the lake and the dramatic Churfirsten mountain range, while original wooden beams and iron columns serve as reminders of the building's industrial past.
The restaurant honors the region's culinary heritage while introducing contemporary techniques and presentations. The spacious bar, housed in what was once the mill's engine room, has become a gathering spot for both guests and locals, serving craft cocktails that incorporate Swiss spirits and botanical infusions. The wine list gives pride of place to the excellent but little-known wines of the nearby Graubünden region.
Drei Berge: Nostalgic Charm in Mürren
In the historic heart of Uri canton, Drei Berge offers an intimate experience that captures the essence of traditional Swiss hospitality while incorporating contemporary comforts. The carefully renovated 17th-century building retains its historic bones while featuring thoughtfully modernized interiors. With just twelve rooms, each uniquely designed, the property feels more like a private residence than a hotel.
The restaurant has become a destination in its own right, offering creative interpretations of Uri's rustic cuisine. The wine cellar specializes in Swiss vintages, with a particular focus on the little-known wines of central Switzerland.