Appenzeller Huus Löwen
Alpine tradition meets considered modern design. Think pine-panelled rooms with Jakob Schläpfer textile art, box-spring beds, and floor-to-ceiling Alpstein views — not rustic-rough, but warm and genuinely Swiss. The communal spirit of a 'Stobede' (local gathering) runs through the place, especially at the Löwenstobe restaurant downstairs.
Book the rooftop hot tub in advance — it's exclusive-use only and fills up fast, especially on winter weekends
Why It Matters
Rare combination of authentic Appenzell craft-build construction and upscale boutique comfort in a region where stylish hotels are genuinely scarce. Member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection since January 2025. Part of a three-hotel resort that also includes the 3-star Huus Bären and the new 5-star Huus Quell spa hotel — all within steps of each other in the village centre.
Huus Löwen is the 4-star anchor of the Appenzeller Huus resort in the tiny village of Gonten, sitting at 902 meters above sea level in the heart of Appenzellerland. Built using centuries-old Appenzell 'Strickhaus' construction — solid local spruce planks interlocked without glue or metal — the hotel smells like a forest and feels like it grew out of the hillside. It opened in summer 2023 after a full rebuild, with 24 individually designed rooms spread across a historic section and a sleek modern extension, all sharing a rooftop hot tub with Säntis mountain views.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Double Historical Room
Set in the historic part of the building with centuries-old walls and original Appenzell knitted-wood construction. Some rooms have exposed traditional timber framing and breathtaking views toward the Alpstein. The architecture does the heavy lifting here — these rooms feel genuinely old in the best possible way.
Double Room Alpstein
Modern-extension rooms with a deliberate focus on the view. Panoramic windows face the Alpstein massif — morning light on those peaks is a proper alarm clock. Same natural materials and individually designed interiors as the standard double, with the added bonus of uninterrupted mountain scenery.
Double Room Löwen
Each room is individually designed with natural materials, soft earthy colours, and first-class box-spring beds dressed in Jakob Schläpfer textile designs. Modern section of the building. On each floor, a maxibar with complimentary soft drinks. Compact but thoughtfully done — not a room you'll feel squashed in.
22 sqm
Family Room
Connecting-door layout designed around families — king-size bed for parents in one section, bunk bed for up to two children in the connected space. Partly separate WC. Cosy atmosphere without the cramped feeling of a standard hotel family room.
Family Room Alpstein
Same connecting-door family layout as the standard Family Room, but positioned for Alpstein views. Panoramic windows and a padded window bench so everyone can watch the mountains — and the stars. A good pick if it's your first time in Appenzellerland and you want the landscape to be part of the experience.
Suite
The top-floor suite in the historic part of the building, tucked under centuries-old exposed roof beams and lit by a statement chandelier. Two bathrooms, a sitting area, and a generous whirlpool tub. Views over the Hundwiler Höhe. It's the pick for a special occasion stay — not huge by city-hotel standards, but genuinely atmospheric in a way few rooms are.
Box Spring · 39 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
9 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The Löwensaal — a 100 m² moon-wood hall with a Steinway grand piano — regularly hosts concerts, readings, and lectures with culinary accompaniment. The Löwenklang package combines a stay with a music event.
Guided village tours and hands-on experiences like baking Biberli (traditional Appenzell honey-ginger biscuits) can be arranged through the hotel's activities programme.
Groomed cross-country trails start right outside the Appenzeller Huus. Free snowshoe rental for hotel guests in winter.
The longest toboggan run in eastern Switzerland at approximately 7km, a short drive or cable car ride away.
18-hole golf course directly adjacent to the hotel. Hotel guests receive a 30% discount on green fees.
Hiking backpack is provided in every guest room. The Alpstein massif — including Säntis (2,501m) — is accessible from the doorstep. The hotel offers a curated Alpstein Experience package.
Cable car station is a few minutes from the hotel, providing access to the Kronberg mountain — a year-round excursion destination.
Exclusive-use rooftop hot tub at 36°C with a crackling wood-burning stove and direct Alpstein/Säntis views. Particularly spectacular in winter. Must be pre-booked.
Private wine tastings with cellar master Hans Rhyner in the centuries-old wine vault. Exclusively for small groups up to 9 people, by reservation.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Every room includes a hiking backpack available for guest use during their stay.
Hearty breakfast buffet served in the Bärenstube at Huus Bären, directly across the street. Includes local specialties, fresh pastries, eggs to order, and good coffee. Served 7:30–10:00 AM.
Appenzell mineral water and Grander water provided in each room.
100 m² Appenzell moon-wood hall opened 2023. Large natural-light windows, views over the village, Steinway grand piano. Up to 80 guests concert layout, 32 seminar, 60 banquet. Video conferencing and Click & Share technology included.
Complimentary for all Huus Löwen guests. Located at Huus Bären across the street. Open daily 3pm–9pm.
Exclusive-use, pre-bookable outdoor hot tub at 36°C with Alpstein views. Available for additional charge.
BUILD YOUR APPENZELLER HUUS LÖWEN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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