About Obergesteln
Nestled in the pristine Obergoms Valley of Switzerland, this enchanting village offers more than just stunning natural beauty; it’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to embrace the simplicity of life. What sets Obergoms apart is its dedication to preserving local traditions and culture. Here, you’ll find not only the iconic Swiss chalets but also charming wooden granaries known as “Hofs,” each intricately painted with vibrant, unique designs, telling stories of the village’s history. Beyond the usual tourist hotspots, Obergoms welcomes travellers to immerse themselves in hands-on experiences like traditional cheese-making workshops and local craft demonstrations, offering a truly authentic Swiss mountain village encounter that leaves a lasting impression.
How to get there
By Car
To embark on the mesmerizing journey from Zurich to Obergoms via the enchanting Furka Pass, first head south from Zurich on the A1 highway towards Bern and then take the A6 to Spiez. From there, follow signs for the A8 towards Interlaken and continue towards the town of Meiringen. This is where your adventure truly begins. As you enter Meiringen, keep an eye out for signs leading to the Furka Pass (Route 11). The ascent up Furka Pass is a thrilling experience, with its winding roads, alpine vistas, and the iconic Rhône Glacier. Be prepared for narrow, serpentine paths and changing weather conditions, so check the road’s status before embarking. Once you descend from the pass, you’ll find yourself in the picturesque Obergoms Valley, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, ready to explore the beauty and tranquility of this unique destination. The journey is as unforgettable as the destination itself, promising an adventure of a lifetime.
By Train
To get to Obergesteln from Zurich by train, you can follow these steps:
- Zurich to Brig: Start by taking a train from Zurich to Brig, which is a major railway hub in the Swiss Alps. Trains from Zurich to Brig are frequent and run throughout the day. The journey offers beautiful scenic views as you pass through the Swiss countryside.
- Brig to Oberwald: Once you arrive in Brig, you’ll need to change trains. Look for the train heading towards Oberwald. Obergesteln is a small village located near Oberwald, and this is the nearest train station.
- Oberwald to Obergesteln: After reaching Oberwald, you can either take a short taxi ride or even walk to Obergesteln, as it’s just a little over a kilometer away. The walk is pleasant and gives you the chance to enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Make sure to check the train schedules and ticket availability in advance, as they can vary depending on the time of day and season. The Swiss public transportation system is known for its efficiency and punctuality, making it a convenient way to travel from Zurich to Obergesteln.
The Glass House
In Switzerland, wanderers with a taste for the extraordinary can venture into the realm of offbeat accommodations, where the typical walls of hotels are replaced by the transparent embrace of a geodesic dome or the rustic allure of a converted barn. Spend a night suspended in a treehouse canopy, or cozy up in a retrofitted railway carriage nestled in the mountains. Switzerland’s array of unconventional stays invites travellers to not just visit, but truly immerse themselves in the heart of nature, history, and creativity, promising an adventure that transcends the ordinary and leaves you with stories unlike any other. These unique accommodations not only provide an intimate connection with Switzerland’s stunning landscapes but also offer a chance to disconnect from the everyday hustle and find serenity in unconventional settings. For our first such experience we chose Glaspavillon minimaya. This was truly a magical experience. It is a glass house made for maximum 2 persons right in the middle of nature. The glass house was decorated exactly as shown in the photos. We loved this experience: sleeping under the stars, enjoying waking up to the sounds of the river. Everything was quiet and it was amazing to be away from the hustling city life. There is a hotel 2 mins away from the glasshouse where you can enjoy breakfast/dinner (with prior booking). Link to the hotel: Hotel Hubertus. There are plenty of places to hike nearby and it truly is peaceful
But I must say that there are a few cons which are not exactly related to the glasshouse itself but the overall experience:
- The best time to visit this place is from late spring to early autumn. The other times it is too cold and the roads might be closed.
- There is no heating and electricity. Electricity honestly is not a big problem if you have power banks and in summer the sun sets quite late so you will not have a problem with light. The owner provides sufficient blankets/covers for the night but it is always recommended to carry something additional. I visited this place in August and after midnight I did feel colder than I had expected.
- The Glass House is right next to a small public playground so it can get noisy. The day we were there, there were two families barbecuing in the playground and they made quite a bit of noise till about 10 pm in the night.
- The train line is quite close so you will hear trains passing by till about 10 in the night
Nestled within the Glass Pavilion Minimaya in Obergesteln, the night was an enchanting journey into a world of tranquility. The stillness of the surroundings, the gentle sway of the trees, and the ethereal experience of sleeping under the starry sky filled my heart with an uncommon peace. It’s in such moments of serene solitude that we rediscover the profound connection between nature and our happiness. These extraordinary experiences remind us that true contentment often lies in simplicity, offering a glimpse into the profound impact that unconventional stays can have on our well-being
Roam her way 
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