10 Wildly Unique Hotels in Switzerland You Need to Stay At

Switzerland isn’t just about luxury resorts and cozy ski chalets. If you’re looking for a next-level stay, think sleeping in an igloo, an underground villa, or even a bed with no walls, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s the ultimate lineup of Switzerland’s most wild, weird, and wonderful hotels with all the juicy details


1. Null Stern Hotel
2. Iglu-Dorf
3. Hôtel Palafitte
4. Villa Vals
5. Whitepod
6. Baumhaus Thurgau
7. Himmelbett
8. Berggasthaus Aescher
9. Hotel Belvédère
10. Corippo Albergo Diffuso

Null Stern Hotel – Sleep Under the Stars

Photo by Patrick Robert Doyle on Unsplash

📍Swiss Alps (various locations)
💰 $300–$500 per night
The Experience:
Who needs walls when you’ve got the entire freaking sky? This isn’t just a hotel, it’s a luxury bed in the middle of nature. A personal butler brings breakfast (because even when you’re roughing it, you deserve luxury).
But What About…?
Toilets? There’s one nearby, but this isn’t your typical hotel ensuite.
Is it cold? Yes, if you don’t plan right. But they provide thermal blankets.
If it rains? There’s a backup indoor spot.
Wildlife? Mostly peaceful Swiss cows, nothing too wild!

Iglu-Dorf – Ice, Ice, Baby

Unique charm of the Iglu-Dorf, with stunning mountain views, Unsplash.com

📍 Zermatt, Gstaad, Innsbruck Kühtai, Davos Klosters, Zugspitze.
💰 $240–$1000 per night
The Experience:
Your room is literally an igloo – walls, bed frame, and even the bar are made of ice. These handcrafted snow structures offer cozy thermal sleeping bags, furry blankets, and even outdoor hot tubs to keep you warm. A truly magical winter experience!
But What About…?
Toilets? Heated bathrooms a short walk away. It’s not a trek, but not in-room either.
Will I freeze? No, unless you ignore the guides and sleep in cotton pajamas. Stick to the provided thermal gear. The room temperature is between -2 and +2°C. Children below the age of 6 are not allowed to stay here.
Claustrophobic? Rooms are spacious, but if you hate cold, enclosed spaces, this isn’t for you.
WiFi? Limited, but perfect for disconnecting and enjoying the scenery.

Villa Vals – A Hidden Underground Gem

Photo by Frank Krahmer on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

📍 Vals, Graubünden
💰 $700–$1400 per night
The Experience
This architectural masterpiece is built into a mountainside, offering stunning views and total privacy. Inside, you’ll find minimalist yet luxurious interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and direct access to the renowned Vals Thermal Baths.
But What About…?
Is it dark? Nope! Huge glass windows bring in plenty of natural light.
Feeling trapped? The tunnel entrance is dramatic, but inside, it’s spacious, stylish, and airy.
Is it worth it? If you love unique stays and exclusivity, absolutely.

Hôtel Palafitte – Overwater Bungalows in Switzerland?!

Photo by Philippe Mignot, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

📍 Neuchâtel, Lake Neuchâtel
💰 $289–$870 per night
The Experience
Stay in overwater bungalows with private terraces, direct lake access, and panoramic views. The perfect blend of tranquility and sophistication.
But What About…?
Toilets? Of course. It’s a high-end hotel – you get spa-like bathrooms.
Falling into the lake? Unlikely. But if you love swimming, the water is crystal-clear.
Mosquitoes? Hardly an issue – Switzerland’s lakes are clean.
WiFi? Yes, but why are you online?

Also read: Magical Lakes in Switzerland You Won’t Believe Exist 

Whitepod – Your Private Bubble in the Alps

Photo by Whitepod Hotel, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.

📍 Monthey, Swiss Alps
💰 $325–$556 per night
The Experience:
These geodesic domes offer a perfect mix of eco-friendly design, cozy interiors, and breathtaking views. A fireplace keeps you warm, and the surrounding nature is absolutely stunning.
But What About…?
Hike required? Yes, but the short walk is scenic and rewarding.
Warmth? The fireplace and insulated dome keep things cozy.
Food? On-site restaurant, plus options for in-room dining.
Toilets? Yes, inside the pods. Heated, private, zero struggle.

Baumhaus Thurgau – A Treehouse Escape

📍 Thurgau, Switzerland
💰 $200–$350 per night
The Experience
Ever dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse? Baumhaus Thurgau makes that dream a reality with a cozy, elevated cabin nestled among the trees. Expect rustic charm, fresh forest air, and total seclusion, perfect for a romantic getaway or an off-the-grid retreat. It’s a childhood fantasy with adult comforts (minus the Wi-Fi).
But What About…?
Toilets? Yes, but shared.
Showers? Available, but don’t expect a spa experience.
Heating? Some heating, but bring warm clothes in colder months.
Wi-Fi? Nope, nature is your entertainment here.

Also read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland – Hidden Gems & Must-Sees!

Himmelbett – Stargazing in Comfort

📍 Thurgau, Switzerland
💰 $230–$540 per night
The Experience
Looking for a night under the stars and the beauty of nature, but still want a little more comfort than sleeping in the open? Welcome to Himmelbett, Switzerland’s famous bubble hotel! It’s the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. Whether you’re watching the sunset or enjoying the sunrise, the scenery will blow your mind.
But What About…?
Toilets? No private bathrooms in the bubbles, but there are shared facilities on-site.
Showers? Yes, shared showers available nearby, keep that in mind when you plan your bubble time.
Heating? Yes! The bubbles are heated for chilly nights, but since they’re not insulated, bring warm clothes and a hat if temps drop to freezing.
Summer heat? No AC, so it can get toasty inside during the day, but it cools down quickly once the sun sets.

Berggasthaus Aescher – Switzerland’s Most Epic Cliffside Stay

📍 Appenzell Alps, near Wasserauen
💰 $100–$170 per night
⭐ 3-Star
The Experience:
This place is literally built into a cliffside and with jaw-dropping views of the Appenzell Alps and mesmerizing sunsets. At 1,454 meters above sea level, it’s an adventure lover’s dream, with hiking trails right outside. Expect cozy rooms with a charming, old-school alpine feel. Oh, and bring your own sleeping bag, because this is as authentic as it gets.
But What About…?
Hiking? Yes, and it’s epic! Take the Ebenalpbahn cable car, then hike 15 minutes, with a part where you’ll walk through the caves. How insane is that? Or, if you’re up for it, tackle the 2.5-3 hour hike!
Heights? The views are insane, but if cliff edges freak you out, maybe sit this one out.
Toilets? Shared, but clean and functional.
Showers? None. You can swim in nearby Seealpsee for a refreshing wash!
Power/Internet? Limited electricity and no Wi-Fi.
Heating? None. Bring your warmest layers, this place stays cool even in summer.
Noise? Thin walls, so don’t plan on quiet nights. It’s perfect for adventurous souls, not light sleepers.

Hotel Belvédère – A Ghost Hotel on a Legendary Road

Photo by Nigel Tadyanehondo on Unsplash

📍 Furka Pass, Swiss Alps
💰 Was ~$200–$400 per night
The Experience
Once a glamorous hotel, Hotel Belvédère now stands abandoned on the iconic Furka Pass, offering eerie beauty with glacier views and rugged landscapes. This once-luxurious hotel was even featured in James Bond films. Though you can no longer stay here, it’s an essential stop for history enthusiasts, road trip lovers, and photographers seeking a glimpse of a bygone era in an incredibly scenic spot.
But What About…?
Can you stay? Unfortunately, no. This is an abandoned site now, so you can’t stay overnight, but it’s a cool place to explore.
The drive? Furka Pass is one of the world’s best road trips, but it’s a narrow, winding road with sheer drops, drive with caution!
Weather? Weather conditions can change rapidly, so be ready for anything, especially in the higher elevations.

Corippo Albergo Diffuso – The Village That’s a Hotel

Image by Andreas from Pixabay

📍 Corippo, Ticino
💰 $150–$250 per night
The Experience
Imagine staying in an entire medieval village – Corippo lets you do just that. This charming, rustic village is now a “diffused hotel,” meaning you sleep in stone houses that feel like stepping back in time. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with authentic Swiss-Italian food, creates an immersive experience. It’s perfect for those who want to escape to a quieter, more traditional Swiss experience, but with modern touches for comfort.
But What About…?
Toilets? Yes, each house has its own bathroom with modern amenities.
Comfort? Expect charming, cozy rooms that are simple and functional, but don’t expect luxury. This is about authenticity, not opulence.
Facilities? The village doesn’t have modern hotel-style amenities like a gym or pool, but it has plenty of character and charm.

If you could only pick one of these unique stays, which one would you check into first, and who’s coming with you?

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *