Schwägalp: New Säntis Hotel opened
After two years of construction, the new hotel of the Säntis-Schwebebahn AG has now been opened on the Schwägalp. The new building with the name "Säntis - Das Hotel" replaces the existing Hotel Schwägalp. Its renovation or conversion would not have been economically viable, according to the Säntis Railway.
The Säntis-Schwebebahn AG wants to boost overnight tourism and seminars on the Schwägalp with the new hotel.
In a study commission competition in which twelve projects for a new hotel were submitted, the Board of Directors favored the "Schichten" project by Zurich architects Bünzli & Courvoisier, which was ultimately realized by the Schällibaum company in two years. Säntis-Schwebebahn AG financed the CHF 42 million construction through a capital increase.
The hotel includes 68 rooms, large seminar facilities and a wellness area. In addition, the building houses the infrastructure for the operation of the Säntis cable car, as well as a restaurant with 250 seats and an outdoor terrace with 350 seats.
Architecturally, the building is characterized by a facade of exposed concrete. This was made from shredded Swabian limestone - the material was obtained during excavation. Larch wood was used for the building facade, as well as oak for doors, windows, parquet flooring and furniture.
The opening phase begins on December 4, 2015, but the hotel on the Schwägalp will not be officially inaugurated until June 2016. (ah)
