Kandersteg, SwitzerlandBlausee
Blausee Hotel & Spa
Alpine parkland inn
Blausee Kandersteg, Switzerland
Opened
1878
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Resort LocalOutside the door
Alpine parkland inn
The 1878 inn stands right on the shore, surrounded by protected woodland and steep Bernese Oberland peaks.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The charming, individual rooms range from modern to stylishly historical and there is an excellent sauna and bathhouse but the real star is two old bathtubs – a "hotpot" and a whirlpool – set outside in the grounds.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On the shore of Lake Blausee, inside a private forested nature park in the Bernese Oberland.
The rooms
Chalet suites open onto balconies over the water, and detached forest houses have wood-burning stoves among the trees.
The spa
Curved wooden loungers look out at snowy trees, and the thermal area has an 80-degree Finnish sauna and steam grotto.
At the table
Arched panoramic windows look out onto snow-covered pines, and the adjoining lounge serves aperitifs by an open fireplace.
How it began
Zurich merchant Johann Leemann-Boller bought the lake in 1878, establishing a cure house for guests taking the mountain air.
Kandersteg
More like this
Waldhotel Doldenhorn
“Alpine forest hideaway”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.