Sustainable Switzerland: My Kind Traveler Journey

One small moment I’ll never forget that reflected such kindness in hospitality is one spent relaxing in the yoga and meditation room. When classes are not in session, guests are welcome to quietly enjoy the space. Beautiful, meditative music filled the air, and the glow of warm candlelight surrounded me as I peacefully rested on my yoga mat. As the only one in the room then, one of the spa employees came in and lit incense for me to enjoy. His small act of kindness was such a simple gesture – but this act of caring and thoughtfulness made a lasting impression.

Matterhorn Ski Paradise 

Skiers and snowboarders will love CERVO’s easy access to Matterhorn Ski Paradise. Whether exploring the village of Zermatt or taking a trip to the mountain itself, all activities can be accessed by foot or a quick shuttle ride. Known as the highest winter sports area in the Alps with 365 days a year snow conditions, Matterhorn Ski Paradise is situated astride the border between Switzerland and Italy at 13,000 feet above sea level (the highest ski area in the Alps). With 54 lifts and 148 slopes between Zermatt-Matterhorn and Breuil-Cervinia (Italy), you’ll find many mountain restaurants and huts offering a vibrant culinary arts scene.  

Growing up as a skier and getting comfortable with the sport in the Colorado Rockies, I was no stranger to mountain ski adventures. But this Alpine paradise was different. After taking several gondolas (closed cabin lifts) to the top, we found ourselves at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and a 360-degree viewing platform where we could see 38 peaks (above 4,000 meters or 13,000 ft above sea level) and 14 glaciers. 
 

After skiing continuously for an hour or two on what felt like one of the longest runs in Europe, only then were we about half-way down the mountain! Conveniently, we made a stop for lunch at an Italian café on the mountain and it turned out that we were actually in ITALY and didn’t realize we had crossed to the other side. Saluti! Not to be cliché, but we had the best pizza of our lives – the crust, fresh basil and olive oil were from another world. After hours of skiing just before, we worked hard for that pizza – a pie with mountain views we will never forget.

ADVENTURE TO ADELBODEN 

After spending four days in Zermatt, we were ready for the next adventure and started our train journey to the Bernese Oberland region (about a 3-hour train ride) with our first stop in the traditional Swiss mountain village of Adelboden (canton of Bern). The Bernese Oberland region, the birthplace of skiing, was calling us as its not only home to countless mountain views, unspoiled nature, and 800 lakes – but it’s also home to some of the most impressive and unique views from mountains like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. 

Known for its skiing, the village of Adelboden is quaint and dotted with locally owned boutiques, cafes, and coffee shops. Nature lovers will appreciate access to the Engstiligen Falls and mountain views offered from almost any spot in Adelboden. The Engstiligen Falls is the second longest waterfall in Switzerland set amongst wide meadowland views with historic chalets dotted across the mountain setting. A circular trail takes you to the waterfall, past bubbling mountain streams, and through a beautiful pine forest.

The Cambrian: Alpine Goodness

We were intrigued by The Cambrian with its historical architecture and views onto one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes in Adelboden. The Cambrian combines modern alpine design with innovative uses of natural, local materials across 71 rooms and suites. After spending a few days exploring the wild, we enjoyed settling in at The Cambrian and soaking in its heated indoor and outdoor pools, a Finnish sauna, and steam bath. 

For breakfast, we loved the extensive buffet inspired by Bryn Williams informed by the chef’s culinary journeys in London and Wales. The best part of breakfast was sitting on the outside terrace facing the stunning mountain and valley backdrop of Swiss bliss. I was thrilled to also notice thoughtfully curated dinner menus for vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, and lactose-free travelers. 

While not yet a Kind Traveler hotel, we hope to be able to offer The Cambrian on the Kind Traveler platform in the near future. 
 

JOURNEY TO GRINDELWALD 

From Adelboden, we made our way into the heart of the Bernese Oberland to Grindelwald (a 2.5-hour train ride) so we could easily access the Jungfrau Region. Jungfrauroch, klnown as the ‘Top of Europe’ and Europe’s highest railway station, we were ready for our next adventure to visit this world-renowned excursion destination with permanent snow and ice. We were also looking forward to accessing some of the other unique Swiss mountain villages in the Jungfrau Region – Wengen, Mürren and Lauterbrunnen.

Sunstar Grindelwald 

The Eiger village of Grindelwald lies in a welcoming green hollow with commanding mountain landscapes with the Eiger north face and the Wetterhorn. With the Eiger on proud display, we chose to stay at Sunstar Grindelwald – not only for its majestic views of the Eiger – but also for its commitment to sustainability and focus on wellness complete with a Finnish sauna and Roman-Irish baths. We also enjoyed being able to walk to the train station to access the nearby villages and easily access the entry point to Jungfraujoch. The resort location was also convenient as we could easily walk through the village of Grindelwald from the hotel to enjoy its local Swiss boutiques and mom and pop cafes and restaurants.

 JUNGFRAUJOCH – TOP OF EUROPE  - UNESCO World Heritage Site

You won’t want to miss the chance to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland (with snow and ice guaranteed 365 days a year) that’s also the highest railway station in Europe with 360-degree views of some of the tallest peaks in Switzerland. You’ll also find a famed UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s the longest glacier in the Alps facing Italy, France and Germany. 

Getting There 

From the Grindelwald Terminal, you can access Jungfraujoch in just 45 minutes. Take the new Eiger Express tricable gondola to the Eiger Glacier and from there continue to Europe’s highest railway station on the Jungfrau Railway.

Ice Palace 

In the 1930’s, mountain guides created aisles and halls cut through solid ice with picks and saws in the middle of the Jungfraufirn mountain. Today, you can have your own re-enactment of a scene from the movie Frozen thanks to artists who have created stunning ice sculptures that guide you through an ice maze full of intricate nooks and crannies to discover. 

Multimedia Experience, Unique History & Chocolate Making

While you’re at the top, there’s several experiences to discover from a multimedia journey back in time through over 100 years of hard-won history of the Jungfrau Railway to the highest Lindt shop in the world providing exciting insights into chocolate production.

Jungfrau Railways Sustainability

Ever since the Jungfrau Railway was built more than 100 years ago, they’ve considered environmental and social concerns. A few highlights include:

• The Eiger Express tri-cable gondola was built in a way that utilizes three-cable technology, which means no forest aisle had to be cut creating harmony with the environment 
• Jungfrau Railways utilizes its own hydroelectric power plant along with regenerative braking 
• They are a member of the High Alpine Research Station with its own research station at the top of the mountain. They research station focuses on climate science and measurement of CO2 and other sustainability projects.