An arty inn in the heart of the alpine pastures
Presentation
Practical information
"Hidden retreat in Switzerland"
In the very small canton of Glaris, between Central Switzerland and Eastern Switzerland, there is a little piece of paradise that one does not reach by chance.
About twenty minutes from the city of Glaris, the Klöntal valley takes us on a road that seems to lead nowhere until a lake with translucent colors backed by dizzying cliffs (nearly 3000m), the Klöntalersee, is revealed.
A legend tells that General Suvorov's army submerged their treasure while fleeing Switzerland in 1799. While this mystery remains unsolved, the mountain lake holds the treasure of being both a swimming spot (18-20°) in summer and an ice-skating rink in winter.
At the end of the lake, the road continues into the back valley, passing in front of the inn before climbing toward the Pragelpass (direction Schwytz) and the Glärnisch.
It is therefore on the alpine pasture surrounded by impressive mountains, including the remarkable Ochsenkopf, that this unconventional inn opened its doors in 1987, on the very site of the renowned hotel that stood there until the fire of 1915.
Red facades and wood reserves in front of the house are immediately recognizable. Inside, ceramic stoves (the 'catelles') diffuse a gentle warmth. On the walls, paintings by artists, guests of this place in the 19th century or more recently.
Far from standardized luxury, the Gasthaus Richisau is a retreat for gourmets and nature lovers, day-trippers or long-distance travelers, a precious memory for Hôtels Insolites who stayed there.
In the very small canton of Glaris, between Central Switzerland and Eastern Switzerland, there is a little piece of paradise that one does not reach by chance.
About twenty minutes from the city of Glaris, the Klöntal valley takes us on a road that seems to lead nowhere until a lake with translucent colors backed by dizzying cliffs (nearly 3000m), the Klöntalersee, is revealed.
A legend tells that General Suvorov's army submerged their treasure while fleeing Switzerland in 1799. While this mystery remains unsolved, the mountain lake holds the treasure of being both a swimming spot (18-20°) in summer and an ice-skating rink in winter.
At the end of the lake, the road continues into the back valley, passing in front of the inn before climbing toward the Pragelpass (direction Schwytz) and the Glärnisch.
It is therefore on the alpine pasture surrounded by impressive mountains, including the remarkable Ochsenkopf, that this unconventional inn opened its doors in 1987, on the very site of the renowned hotel that stood there until the fire of 1915.
Red facades and wood reserves in front of the house are immediately recognizable. Inside, ceramic stoves (the 'catelles') diffuse a gentle warmth. On the walls, paintings by artists, guests of this place in the 19th century or more recently.
Far from standardized luxury, the Gasthaus Richisau is a retreat for gourmets and nature lovers, day-trippers or long-distance travelers, a precious memory for Hôtels Insolites who stayed there.
Gasthaus Richisau
Richisauerstrasse 106
8750 Klöntal, Suisse
Tel : +41 (0)55 640 10 85
From 190 CHFRichisauerstrasse 106
8750 Klöntal, Suisse
Tel : +41 (0)55 640 10 85
Pricing details
Rates 2026, stay for two from 190 CHF per night, breakfast included.Open on weekends from the return of the sun in the valley (end of February) and daily from Easter to early November.
In the main house
⊹ six spacious double rooms (shower and toilet) with a magnificent view of the mountains and large maples.
Four rooms are particularly suitable for families with children thanks to the mezzanine, much appreciated by the younger ones.
⊹ at the youth hostel, 7 quadruple rooms (2x2 bunk beds), totaling 28 beds
⊹ relaxation area convertible into a meeting room.
In the guesthouse "Schiltesächsi", six rooms.
Richisauer-Kugel (new in 2021)
An insulated geodesic dome in the heart of nature, the Richisau experience squared! From CHF 200 per night for two, breakfast included
Note: All prices are provided for informational purposes only and must be confirmed directly with the establishment.
Comments
From May to October, from the Glaris and Netstal train stations, the postal bus no. 504 "Klöntal Richisau" drops you off in front of the inn. Attention, the Pragelpass is only accessible by bike on weekends.
