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1602
Appenzeller Huus – Huus Bären
Gonten, Switzerland
Dorfstrasse 40, Gonten, Switzerland, 9108
Original Property Opened in 1602
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2026
Appenzeller Huus – Huus Bären is an authentic piece of Swiss heritage 3,000 feet above sea level in a region of the Alps known as Appenzell. Built in 1602, the historic Appenzeller Huus – Huus Bären’s is comprised of 12 unique guestrooms and suites within the world-class Appenzeller Huus resort and spa. The wood timber frames of the historic structure stand at the center of the grounds amid fine dining, an expansive spa, and warm hospitality. The picturesque Alpine region entices visitors with its mountain activities that delight year-round, and Appenzeller Huus – Huus Bären provides a welcoming retreat to rest and rejuvenate.
Discover
- Discover the long heritage of the resort, which is first recorded as lodging travelers in 1751. The rooms in Appenzeller Huus – Huus Bären were built in 1602 and still preserve the original hayloft, while the resort’s Appenzellerstöbli dining lounge was one point the village’s bakery.
- Discover the former Schmitte, or blacksmith shop. The 17th century stone room today houses the Cigar Lounge. Guests can enjoy a cozy fire in the centuries-old fireplace and select a cigar from a carefully curated menu.
- View the knitted log construction and steep gable roofs, two forms of vernacular architecture in the Swiss Alps. A tradition dating back centuries, the pine is harvested in winter according to the lunar cycle to promote sustainable regrowth. The firm Rüssli Architekten brings a modern sensibility to these vernacular styles throughout the resort.
Explore
- Traverse through the Alps surrounding Appenzeller Huus – Huus Bären. The resort is situated between three large mountains: Kronberg, Säntis, and Hohen Kasten. Guests can snowshoe and ski in the winter, or hike and swim in the warmer months.
- Explore nearby villages and learn about Swiss heritage, such as yodelling, cattle processions, and cheesemaking. The old town of Appenzell is exclusively a pedestrian zone and is home to beautifully crafted houses and the region’s local history museum.
- Explore the St. Gallen Abbey Library. one of the oldest monastic libraries in the world. The roots of St. Gallen Abbey Library reach back to the monks that formed in St. Gall in 612. A rarity at the time, the monks housed and produced a large collection of written work, and much of it preserved today. The current library structure was built in the 8th century and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Experience
- Experience holistic relaxation for body, mind, and soul at QUELL SPA. The expansive spa area has nine pools and eight saunas, as well as an innovative range of cutting-edge treatments and wellness programs.
- Attend a musical performance in the concert hall of the HUUS LÖWEN, a modern building on the resort campus. In collaboration with the Appenzeller Forum, the Appenzeller Huus hosts special cultural events featuring international artists in exciting, cross-genre concert formats.
- Arrange an excursion to a local cheese factory or Chrüterei, local herbal farms through the resort concierge. These excursions offer an authentic experience of the traditional foodways in the Appenzell region.
Taste
- Taste traditional Swiss cheese fondue, a beloved classic served exclusively on wintertime menus at the Appenzeller Huus – Huus Bären. Guests can order fondue in the Appenzellerstöbli room, a charming historic building that used to be the village bakery.
- Try an Appenzeller Biberli, a traditional, cookie-like sweet from the Appenzell region of Switzerland. Best enjoyed on a hike or with a cup of coffee, the soft honey cake is filled with a sweet almond paste. Taste a cocktail inspired by the Appenzeller Biberli at the resort’s BOTANICUM BAR.
- Schedule a cooking class, wine cellar tour, or wine tasting, all available upon request through the resort concierge. Wine tastings with the resort’s cellar master provide a rare glimpse into the historic wine vaults. The collection is one Switzerland’s most extraordinary selection of old wines, fine champagnes, and rarities.
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Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
