Hotel Walther Pontresina

At Hotel Walther you do more than just sleep – here you get to dream, because this venue not only offers a beautiful location in which to enjoy your vacation; it also envelops you in a gentle sense of well-being, thanks to our inherent sense of hospitality. In short: true family values.

A third-generation family business, we extend a warm welcome to our Pontresina guests. Here, you will be able to experience first-hand the renowned ‘Alpine glow’ and embark on a wealth of wonderful adventures that await right on your doorstep! The perfect location for relaxation and activities in the Engadine Mountains.

Hotel Walther in Pontresina pampers its guests with all the amenities one would expect from a 4-Star superior hotel, while at the same time offering a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. For good reason: A third-generation family-owned hotel, the owners personally run the hotel – with total dedication.

Guests at the Hotel Walther are spoilt for choice, with four world-class restaurants as well as a spacious spa and wellness facilities – and all this in a stunningly beautiful classic Belle Époque atmosphere.

In 2017, Hotel Walther’s foyer, reception, lobby, Grand Restaurant, bar and smoker’s lounge received a fresh and lively new look. The project was the hotel’s CHF 3.3 million gift to itself for its 110th anniversary, with the aim of providing even greater comfort for its guests.

The new spaces were planned and designed by interior designer Virginia Maissen. With targeted architectural interventions and tailor-made designs that reference the local environment, she has given the ground floor a unique new look.

My aim was to make the hotel’s qualities and values, such as hospitality, tradition and longevity, visible and tangible for the guests,’ explained Maissen, who originally hails from Grisons. The motto ‘back to our roots’ played a central role in this process.

Hotel Walther – a house of character
“Ursolina, daughter of Johannes and Natalina Badrutt-Pidermann. I was born on October 27th 1873 in Sils-Baselgia at the home of my beloved grandfather, Johannes Badrutt-Berry…” These lines come from a yellowed paper belonging to the granddaughter of the Kulm Hotel founder.

Together with her husband Claudio Saratz, she has been the owner of the Hotel Steinbock since the close of the 19th century. She was in a perfect location to be able to take advantage of the surge in visitors at the time of the tourism boom.

At that time, rather than tackling an expansion of the modest inn, she started to think about building a sumptuous new construction on the adjoining property.

The plans for the project came from the Zurich-based architect Arnold Huber who had already worked at Lake Geneva, Zurich and Pontresina (Schweizerhof, Collina, Müller).

The plans were realised in 1905. Sketches from 1904 bear witness to the original intent for a duo-faceted architectural design that would represent both the grandiose and more classically touristic styles.

On the other side of the street, the baker, Kochendörfer, was inspired by this boom in construction – so much so that his baking kept Claudio Saratz awake and ended up sparking a dispute. After all, billows of smoke emanating from the bread oven don’t exactly go hand in hand with the touted fresh mountain air.

Saratz only backed down after the neighbour threatened to sell his bakery to the Catholic Church, to build a house of prayer there.

Saratz therefore opted for the billowing smoke rather than the clanging church bells, along with a promise to buy his bread from the bakery for 5 years. The hotel was completed in an impressive single phase of construction between 1905 and 1907.

Rooms
Swiss pine, larch and cherry wood, warm colours and high-quality furnishings provide the décor in all of the rooms at the Hotel Walther. Some rooms are equipped with a balcony or terrace, bidet, bath or separate shower. All 57 rooms are non-smoking.

Suites & Junior Suites
The Relais & Châteaux Hotel Walther offers 2 suites and 11 junior suites. All south-orientated suites have a balcony or terrace. The typical alpine woody smell provides an authentic atmosphere.

Dining at the redesigned “Jugendstil Restaurant”
Varied and seasonal daily dinner menu of your choice. Mostly Sundays with dessert buffet and Thursdays with starter buffet. (Due to the current situation, we do not offer our popular buffets so far). LOUNGE MENU with tasty and uncomplicated dishes.

Viva Italia
Bella vita and dolce far niente – in our colourful “La Trattoria” we focus on the joy of living and enjoyment of Italy.

We serve typical dishes that impress with their taste and skilful combinations – no frills, simply natural, and honest – all served within a stylish rustic ambience brimming with fond references to the Italian culture and way of life.

‘Italian pasta dishes are at the heart of everything’, reveals Peter Maxlmoser, head chef. Pasta – always fresh and home-made: stuffed, cut, pressed, or twisted. Antipasti, classic Italian meat and fish dishes, and delicious ‘Dolci’ are of course also on the menu.

For snacks and more, fragrant coffees and teas
Whether in the lobby, on the veranda or in the art nouveau restaurant: if you are hungry to a smaller or larger degree, the lounge menu is available. Is it already afternoon and rather desire than hunger? No problem, because then a cake buffet awaits the guests, rounded off with coffee and tea specialities.

Enjoy the relaxing tinkle of a piano as you sip a delicious cocktail!
The Walther Bar is a meeting point and showplace in one. Our Chef de Bar Nathalie, together with her connoisseur-team by side, will mix a magical evening into your glass. The unique light setting “splendurir” by the artist Rolf Sachs ensures that the spectacular handles are put in the right light.

Thanks to Mrs. Walther’s good connections to her old home in the Emmental, the light from the discarded Bernese milk tubs streams over our bar visitors and their performers.

Meanwhile, our pianist makes sure that you find the most beautiful rhythms on the dance floor. He will entertain you with an aperitif from 18.30 and after dinner from 20.30.

For all those who consider pleasure to be the taste of a cigar, we invite you to take a trip back in time to Winston Churchill in our separate Smoker’s Lounge.

Enjoying the moment outside
Relax after an exhausting hike, read an exciting book, or just soak up the sun’s rays – our summer deck is the ideal venue for anyone seeking relaxation.

Surrounded by pretty plants, shrubs, and a colourful sea of blossoms, take a seat here and enjoy the warm sun. And if you get hungry, we will gladly serve you any of the delicacies from our Lounge Menu, accompanied by a drink.

Please take a seat…Colani Stübli, Flora & Farfalla
The chairs are as varied as the guests who sit on them. Welcome to our three cosy guest rooms. The ambience ranges from a cosy hunting lodge to a colourful flower meadow and a beautiful butterfly garden.

Our dining rooms are called Colani Stübli, Flora and Farfalla, but they have one thing in common: delicious cuisine!

With us, you will fall for the local fare with Grisons specialities, but popular «evergreens» also have their fixed place on the menu. Once classic and always newly interpreted. The food is fresh and seasonal, and wherever possible it is purchased in the Alpine region.

Discover cheese heaven with Fondue and Raclette!
“Indulge”. The taste of mountain cheese, melted and brought to your oak table as Fondue and Raclette in the most traditional of dishes. After more than 30 years on the mountain, this former cable car cabin offers food in the original atmosphere.

Weddings & Events
The sky full of violins, the bridal couple blissfully happy. Close to the natural banquet hall of the Alps, two fairytale banquet halls await you for a glittering party with happy guests in our Hotel Walther.

The art nouveau hall offers space for up to 120 guests. The separable extension of this hall leads into the enchanting Rotonde, which offers space for up to 50 invited guests. It would be a special pleasure for us, if you come to us with your heart’s desire and we can organize the perfect day with you.

The Spa
Relax in our spa and wellness area AQUA VIVA and recharge your batteries. We offer a comprehensive range of facilities and services:

• Adventure Shower
• Sauna
• Stone grotto “Cristallino”
• Steam bath
• Engadine herb room
• Mountain-stream footbath with a waterfall
• Indoor swimming pool (7 x 14 meter)
• Whirlpool
• Small fitness corner (treadmill, ergometer, weight bench)
• Solarium
• Massage
• The spacious, light-flooded relaxation room leads you directly to our gardens.

Finnish sauna
Temperature: 90° C
Humidity: 10%

Perfect for replenishing your energy. The alternation between hot and cold strengthens the body’s defences and boosts circulation. Regular sauna visits have a positive effect on your skin and detoxify your body.

Engadine herb room
Temperature: 55° – 60° C
Humidity: 55%

For those who find the classical sauna too hot or too dry, the sanarium is a perfect alternative. Expect a mild sauna with an especially gentle atmosphere – soothing detoxification that is not harsh on your body. The use of mountain herbs further increases your physical and mental well-being.

Steam bath
Temperature: 45° C
Humidity: 100%

The effect of high humidity combined with mild radiant heat has been enjoyed as a treatment since way back in time by the Roman Caldariums. A steam bath strengthens the immune system, detoxifies, and stimulates the capacity for self-healing. A pleasant scent of eucalyptus surrounds you.

Stone grotto “Cristallino”
Temperature: 75° C

Unique in Europe: Immerse yourself in this atmosphere full of charm, something of a cross between Finnish sauna and a sanarium. In an igloo made of Andeer granite, the ceiling lights emit a wonderfully relaxing play of colours from rock crystals.

The various colours and levels of brightness have a positive effect on the vegetative nervous system, as the delicious aromas of melissa and lemon improve respiration.

Indoor Pool & Jacuzzi
Thanks to its counter-current jet system, the indoor swimming pool provides you with the option of an energetic swim or a relaxing float. After your swim, immerse yourself in the 37° C whirlpool and let it gently massage your skin and relax your muscles. The waterfall provides a soothing neck massage.

Massages & Treatments
Say goodbye to tension and knots. Our expert massage team provide the ultimate in well-being. Please contact reception on dream@hotelwalther.ch to make your reservation. Please understand that we can’t always fulfil appointment and massage requests at short notice. But the earlier you book, the more likely we can meet your requests!

Stress-Less-Swiss Stone Pine Massage
This anti-stress massage naturally and effectively reduces stress complaints, especially tension in the head, neck, shoulder and back area. Thanks to the use of regional Swiss stone pine oil, this massage has a calming effect on your entire nervous system. Enjoy how the burdens of everyday life are relieved.

Sports Massage
Brings strongly stimulated muscles to rest, stimulates blood circulation and prevents sore muscles. Not to mention the relaxing and soothing effect. Ideal if you prefer a powerful massage.

Cross-country skiing
Whatever your plans for your winter holidays, it’s at the doorstep of Hotel Walther. All daily activities start right there at your holiday residence, from cross-country skiing trails to winter hiking trails.

Each year, the nicest reason to stay in shape attracts 13,000 skiers to the trail between Maloja and S-chanf. The world’s second largest cross-country skiing event.

The hiking experience just outside the hotel
The high mountain valley of Upper Engadin boasts 580 km of hiking trails of all sorts, making it a true paradise for hikers.

Hiking is a great way to get up close and personal with the stunning contrasts of the natural world – whether simply strolling alongside glistening lakes or embarking on a multi-day trekking expedition. The interactive trail map can help you plan your hiking excursion.

Pedal into happiness for mountain biking
Pontresina and the Engadine are among the cycling paradise par excellence. The 400-km long route network extends across the sunny high valley and uphill to the most incredible views. Pure driving pleasure for mountain bikers, who can look forward to many advantages with this special offer.

Electric bikes
E-bikes open up brand – new horizons for leisure cyclists: whether as part of a guided group tour or individually under their own steam and that (almost) without any effort at all.

E-bikesare fully in trend. And no wonder: a battery provides extra pedalling power and makes biking in mountainous terrain child’s play. As a result, even less proficient mountain bikers can effortlessly master substantial differences in elevation –thus enhancing the nature experience all the more.

Engadine Winter Wonderland
Engadin St. Moritz is nothing short of a snow-sports paradise. Winter-sports enthusiasts are able to choose from a total of 350 km of delightful slopes at the four main multi-faceted skiing areas of the Corviglia/Piz Nair, Corvatsch, Diavolezza/Lagalb and Zuoz, as well as a further five smaller yet delightful areas.

And thanks to the altitude and the state-of-the-art artificial snow systems, snow is guaranteed at Engadin St. Moritz.

Family Holiday
You will hardly find a pea under the hotel mattress in the WALTHER, but behind the fairytale facade of the hotel castle you will be princely spoiled as a family with your princes and princesses.

This includes a spacious playroom with a ping-pong table, climbing tower with ball pool, playstation, swimming pool, the varied gastronomy as well as numerous other benefits that crown the family life in the mountains.

Meet new friends from all over the world. At the Summer Camps of the Lyceum Alpinum in nearby Zuoz, this is possible

Pontresina – The ballroom of the Alps
The typical Engadine village of Pontresina in its sunny, sheltered location in a side valley impresses with a combination of tradition and modernity. The fresh mountain air, the joy of nature at its best and the variety of vacation attractions available ensure a fun-filled stay.

The highest peaks in the eastern Alps, impressive glacier trains and an exquisite climate characterise this mountain resort. Devotees of excellent cuisine, high-end events and cultural attractions will particularly enjoy Pontresina. Guests benefit from a rich sports infrastructure as well as numerous entertainment venues.

Particularly popular destinations are the various side valleys. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to discovering the region during the summer, with hiking in the Morteratsch area, carriage rides to the Val Roseg, and bike tours along the countless trails – the perfect way to get close to nature in the Engadine.

The numerous mountain peaks, glaciers and high-altitude trails of the Bernina Massif are hugely popular with the more experienced alpinists and mountaineers.

And the diverse range of mountain sports activities are complemented by a choice of more gentle pursuits such as garden walks, or the via ferrata Piz Trovat and La Resgia.

You will find tranquillity and relaxation in the many mountain huts and on countless viewing platforms, the public Bellavita Pool and Spa or in the hotel’s spa facility AQUA VIVA.

Inquisitive minds can discover interesting facts about glaciers, climate and ibex on the various trails or while hiking in the nearby national park. Thanks to its excellent infrastructure, Pontresina is easily accessible by car, bus or train via St. Moritz, from the Lower Engadine or southern Puschlav and Bergell.

Railway enthusiasts will find a direct connection in Pontresina to the Bernina Express and the UNESCO route “Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes” – one of the most spectacular and scenically impressive railway lines in the world.

Engadine Airport – Europe’s highest airport – is located just a short drive from Pontresina. Ideal for holding conventions, conferences, seminars and business meetings at the Pontresina Convention and Event Centre Rondo – a modern building that caters to even the highest expectations.

Website: www.hotelwalther.ch

Rooms: 57

Price: from 313 EUR per night