Cut from the same cloth: BelArosa Chalet and the «Heimeli» Sapün
The BelArosa Chalet and its Alter Ego: the «Heimeli» above Langwies
All roads lead to «Heimeli»: This is the new summer motto at BelArosa Chalet, the equally cozy and impeccably styled 5-star hideaway in Arosa. Because what at first glance appear to be two different things are, in reality, two kindred spirits: on one hand, the modern chalet hotel with 10 chalets under one roof, equipped with the finest and plenty of original wood from the local Schanfigg Valley. And on the other, the traditional Maiensäss «Heimeli», which is part of the Walser scattered settlement of Sapün above Langwies. The «Heimeli» has been operated as a guesthouse for over 100 years. Since this year, both establishments belong to the same owner: the entrepreneurial Kasper family, rooted in Arosa.
A logical continuation
«The ‘Heimeli’ is our latest acquisition. In recent years, it was operated by the entrepreneurial couple René & Gabriella Pahud, who had a keen eye for life's simple beauties. Now, these two visionaries have passed this gem into our hands. And we want to continue the common thread – connecting to the valley, but also to our establishments in Arosa», reports Urs Kasper, who was named «Hotel Entrepreneur of the Year» by the business magazine BILANZ last year.
Perfect Match: via Medergen to «Heimeli»
The BelArosa Chalet, which opened last year, is launching an exclusive package from June onwards, available exclusively to its guests. This unique experience package promises to be «totally cozy». It begins in Arosa at the chalet with a well-stocked backpack and a alpine four-hour hike. From the Chalet to the Isel reservoir, the journey continues over the Untere Furggenalp, through the forest, and later across pastures to the hamlet of Medergen, a charming scattered settlement at 2000 meters above sea level, where the Walser people once lived year-round. Numerous richly adorned wooden buildings serve as reminders of bygone eras.
Along the way, there's a delicious picnic with carefully selected sandwiches and Grisons Salsiz – accompanied by homemade ice tea. Then, the path leads through Chüpfertäli down to Sapün, which is definitely worth a stop with its Dörfji (meaning «little village»), probably the best-preserved Walser settlement from the 13th and 14th centuries. And there it stands: the «Heimeli» and its accompanying Maiensäss. This is exclusively reserved for BelArosa Chalet guests.
Double the Sparkling Moments
The welcome itself is a delightful affair: a glass of sparkling Herman Brut awaits, a first-class sparkling wine from the Bündner Herrschaft region. This is accompanied by a hearty Grisons platter with dried meat, mountain cheese, and pear bread. Then it's time for a bubbly soak: in the hot tub, which belongs to the Maiensäss and promises soothing relaxation for the muscles. Before nightfall, guests head over to the guesthouse, where a three-course meal awaits the Arosa VIP guests. Sweet dreams are also included, before a private breakfast is served at the Maiensäss.
Back to the Chalet by Train
Refreshed and invigorated, the journey now continues downhill, across hay meadows to Langwies, the former center of the Walser people in Schanfigg. There, one transfers to the Rhaetian Railway and winds their way back up to Arosa – including a ride over the impressive Langwies Viaduct. Beforehand, a visit to the newly opened Viaduct Museum is recommended.
Book now: three nights «truly cozy»
Two nights at the BelArosa Chalet (Lakeview Chalet) with breakfast, one night at the Maiensäss «Heimeli» Sapün including a 3-course menu, wine platter, private hot tub, and chauffeur service from Arosa train station to the chalet.
From 1,470.00 Swiss Francs per person
Hike Details
The starting point of the hike is Arosa train station. From there, the path descends to Lake Untersee and continues to Isel Reservoir. At the end of the reservoir, the trail ascends, and you follow the gravel path and signpost leading towards Medergen. After Furggenalp, the hiking trail leads into the forest. Then, it passes over alpine meadows on the flank of Tijer Hauptji (2124 m) and through the Untere Bärental, where the path becomes noticeably flatter. After Tschuggenalp, there's another short ascent. The route then leads down a gravel road to the idyllic hamlet of Medergen, a Walser settlement with beautiful sun-weathered wooden houses.
In Medergen, half the journey is already complete. Now, continue to follow the hiking trail downhill over Wangegg to Seebjiboden, where you can enjoy a magnificent view down into Sapün and of the mighty Chüpfenflue. Here, take the left path, which continues to descend through the Chüpfertälli to Jatz. There you'll find the wonderfully cozy mountain guesthouse Heimeli.
The route now leads across meadows through the Sapün valley via Dörfji, where you should take a stroll, down to Langwies, the former center of the Walser people in Schanfigg.
