The History of Chalet Swiss
The Hotel Chalet Swiss, one of the oldest Swiss chalets, looks back on a long and eventful history. From its beginnings in the 19th century to the present day, it has constantly evolved – always with the aim of preserving tradition and hospitality.
Construction of the Chalet Swiss
The foundation for today’s Hotel Chalet Swiss was laid. At the time, government commissioner Jakob Ritschard had a stately farmhouse built, whose seating area with the builder's name can still be found in the dining room today.
New Use as Residential and Office Building
Otto Rieder, district agent of the Swiss Mobiliar Insurance, acquired the building. He set up offices on the ground floor, while the upper floors were rented out as apartments.
Renovation and Modernization
Mrs. Schmidt from Arbon took over the house and carried out extensive renovations. Central heating, toilets, and bathrooms were installed, and the rooms were modernized.
Expansion into a Hotel
A major step: A new wing was added to the west of the house. Shortly afterward, the attic was expanded. The hotel then had over 31 rooms, most with private bathrooms or showers/WC.
Further Expansion in Chalet Style
A new building was planned and realized to meet the growing needs of guests. The new building harmoniously integrated into the existing chalet style.
Change in Management
Mrs. Schmidt appointed René Klopfer as assistant director. He later took over the overall management of operations.
Acquisition by the Klopfer Family
After long negotiations, the Klopfer family took over the hotel. The front of the main building was placed under heritage protection, and many original structures were made visible again.
New Ownership – Same Values
After almost 25 years, the Klopfer family handed over the hotel to brothers Bogdan and Bosko Trifunovic. The existing team remained in place to ensure that the personal and family-oriented atmosphere continued.
Guest honors
Honoring long-standing guests for their loyalty and valuable association with the Hotel Chalet Swiss
Mr. & Mrs. Peter and Deborah Clarke (center) were honored with the “Golden Key” for 20 years as guests at the Hotel Chalet Swiss on 1 July 2009. The Golden Key with certificate was presented by the municipal councillor of Unterseen-Interlaken, Ms. Ingrid Hofer (right). Ms. Alice Galli (Marketing) from Interlaken Tourism and two journalists from the local press were also present at the ceremony.
We would like to thank Peter & Deborah for 20 years of loyalty to us and our company.
René & Therese Klopfer (former owners)
Mr. & Mrs. Richard and Carol Jenkinson were honored on September 17, 2009 with the “Golden Key” for 10 consecutive years as guests at the Hotel Chalet Swiss. However, the couple visited us for the first time 15 years ago. The Golden Key with certificate was presented by the municipal councillor of Unterseen-Interlaken, Ms. Ingrid Hofer (right). Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Stefan Otz (2nd from left) from Interlaken Tourism and a journalist from the local press.
We would like to thank Richard & Carol for over 10 years of loyalty to us and our company.
René & Therese Klopfer (former owners)
Mr. Erich Lichtenberger was honoured with the “Golden Key” on 5 September 2019 for 10 consecutive years as a guest at the Hotel Chalet Swiss. Erich Lichtenberger (2nd from left), who has often spent his hiking vacations with us in recent years together with his brother Christian (2nd from right), has also been a guest in the Jungfrau region from time to time in the past. The “Golden Key” with a certificate and many gifts was presented to him by the municipal councillor of Unterseen, Mr. Ernst Vögeli (1st from left). Also present at the ceremony was Mr. Daniel Sulzer (1st from right) Director of Interlaken Tourism, who emphasized the importance of regular guests for the region.
We would like to thank Erich Lichtenberger for his 10 years of loyalty to us and our hotel and hope that he and his brother Christian will spend many more vacations with us.
René & Therese Klopfer (former owners) with the Chalet Swiss Team
Ms. Pauline Martin was honoured with the “Golden Key” for 10 consecutive years as a guest at the Hotel Chalet Swiss on 21 August 2020. Mrs. Martin (seated left), who has stayed with us for at least 10 days or longer in the last 10 years, has stayed with us several times before. In fact, she visited Interlaken for the first time over 40 years ago, back then with her now deceased husband.
She loves Switzerland and the Jungfrau Region in particular and feels right at home here. This is why she has spent her vacations with us so regularly, especially in recent years. In addition to the host couple, the ceremony was also attended by local councillor Ernst Vögeli, who presented the golden key with a certificate and gifts. Tourism Director Daniel Sulzer, who had just returned from a mountain tour to the Jungfrau, was also present. In addition to other gifts, he also brought a stone from the summit of the Jungfrau. Pauline Martin is particularly proud of this unusual gift.
We would like to thank Pauline for her many stays at our hotel and hope that she will spend many more vacations with us.
René & Therese Klopfer (former owners) with the Chalet Swiss Team