Buelach(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Bilzen, the top boutique hotel with lake views is Hotel Waldhaus Bilzen, nestled along the shores of Bilzensee Lake. This elegant alpine-style retreat blends traditional Swiss wood architecture with modern comfort, offering panoramic windows that frame the shimmering waters and surrounding mountains. Each room features a private balcony, and guests can enjoy complimentary access to an outdoor hot tub overlooking the lake.

Another standout is Löwenhof Boutique Hotel, located just a 5-minute walk from the water’s edge. Housed in a restored 19th-century farmhouse, it offers cozy suites with handcrafted furniture and local art. The hotel organizes daily sunrise photography walks and evening bonfire gatherings by the lake, creating unforgettable moments under the stars.

For first-time visitors, the Old Town (Altstadt) district is the ideal choice. With its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and vibrant atmosphere, this historic area puts you steps away from key attractions like St. Matthias Church, the Market Square, and numerous artisan shops and cozy cafés.

The Old Town also hosts monthly events such as open-air markets, live folk music nights, and seasonal festivals—perfect for immersing yourself in local culture. Plus, it’s only a 20-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride to Bilzensee Lake and easily accessible by public transport to Zurich City Center. Staying here ensures both authenticity and convenience.

In Bilzen, don’t miss the chance to participate in a traditional Swiss woodcarving workshop. Local artisans in the Old Town offer hands-on sessions where you can craft your own wooden keepsake—such as a deer figurine or decorative box—using century-old techniques.

During summer, attend the Bilzer Folk Festival, held at the Market Square, which showcases regional costumes, folk dances, and authentic Appenzell cheese fondue and honey wine tastings. You’ll also find exhibitions of handwoven textiles and vintage farming tools at the Bilzen Museum, which uses interactive displays to bring rural life to life.

Additionally, the town holds a heritage storytelling night every Friday, where elders share oral histories about mining, migration, and community life—offering a rare glimpse into Swiss rural identity.

Yes, several hotels in Bilzen provide expertly guided Alpine hiking tours tailored to all skill levels. Hotel Waldhaus Bilzen partners with certified mountain guides to offer multi-day treks, including the scenic Lakeview Loop Trail, which winds through pine forests and ends at the Hohennberg Lookout, offering sweeping vistas of Bilzensee Lake and distant peaks.

They also run themed hikes such as the Historic Pathway Tour, exploring medieval stone bridges, abandoned mines, and old chapels, each accompanied by detailed historical commentary.

All tours include safety gear, maps, hydration packs, and optional picnic baskets with local cheese, bread, and fruit. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season (June–September), and some packages even include post-hike spa treatments at the hotel.

If staying overnight in Bilzen, the must-visit attraction is Bilzensee Lake. This pristine alpine lake reflects the snow-capped peaks and dense forests like a mirror, making it perfect for sunrise walks, photography, or quiet contemplation.

The lakeside features well-maintained wooden boardwalks and designated swimming zones. In summer, rent a HopeGoo or paddleboard; in winter, try ice fishing or snowshoeing across the frozen surface.

Nearby, the Löwenbrunnen Fountain—a stone lion statue surrounded by oak trees—symbolizes the town’s heritage and is a popular photo spot. At dusk, the church bells of St. Matthias Church echo across the water, adding a hauntingly beautiful ambiance to the experience.

Absolutely. Many hotels in Bilzen cater specifically to families. Hotel Waldhaus Bilzen features a dedicated Kids’ Adventure Zone with slides, building blocks, and storytime sessions led by trained staff.

Bilzerhof Hotel & Spa offers family suites with separate children’s rooms, baby cots, high chairs, and free toddler kits. They host weekly ‘Little Swiss Explorer’ programs, where kids learn to weave wool, make cheese models, and practice simple dialect phrases.

Some hotels also collaborate with the Bilzen Children’s Museum, offering free admission and a scavenger hunt booklet for guests. Completing challenges earns children a limited-edition souvenir badge—a hit with young travelers.

Yes, most hotels in Bilzen offer bicycle rental services. Löwenhof Boutique Hotel and Hotel Waldhaus Bilzen provide mountain bikes, city bikes, and electric-assist models, starting at CHF 15 per hour or CHF 60 for a full day.

All bikes are professionally maintained and come with helmets, reflective vests, and GPS-enabled route maps. The hotels curate custom cycling itineraries: scenic rides along the lakefront trail, routes into the Appenzell Valley, or the peaceful river path toward Zurich Lake.

Some packages include a picnic basket delivery to a scenic stop—complete with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks—making it easy to enjoy a leisurely ride without interruptions.

Hotels in Bilzen emphasize hyper-local gastronomy. Bilzerhof Hotel & Spa serves breakfast featuring fresh Appenzell cheese, dark rye bread from a nearby mill, and seasonal fruits sourced directly from village farms.

At Hotel Waldhaus Bilzen, dinner includes a special “From Farm to Table” tasting menu—each dish highlights ingredients from one local producer, with stories shared by the chef. Guests can even join a hands-on cheese-making workshop, crafting soft Alpine cheese to take home.

The hotels also partner with the Bilzen Farmers' Market, offering guests exclusive access to seasonal produce tastings and cooking classes focused on traditional recipes like Rösti and Swiss dumplings.

A winter stay in Bilzen is magical. Löwenhof Boutique Hotel transforms into a snow-lit retreat, offering private cabin suites with heated floors, wood-burning stoves, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing snow-covered pines.

Guests can book nighttime snowshoe tours guided by local experts, navigating silent forests under a starlit sky. Afterward, return to the hotel for a soak in a private hot tub with views of the glowing village lights.

The Bilzen Christmas Market, held in December, features handmade ornaments, mulled wine stands, and live carol singing. Stay packages often include market vouchers, hot cocoa, and a gingerbread kit—perfect for capturing the festive spirit.

Yes, hotels in Bilzen offer personalized cultural tours led by local historians and artisans. Hotel Waldhaus Bilzen provides a ‘From Farm to Art’ tour that visits timber-framed homes, active weaving studios, and a local painter’s atelier, with insights into craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Löwenhof Boutique Hotel runs a deeper dive called ‘Family Memory Walks’, where guests visit elderly residents’ homes to hear firsthand accounts of migration, wartime life, and community traditions—offering an intimate, emotional connection to history.

Tours can be customized to include photography stops, language lessons, or food tastings. All are available upon request, with advance HopeGoo recommended during peak seasons.