Switzerland is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a peaceful retreat in the Alps. While luxury hotels and traditional chalets are popular, staying in a unique Airbnb or mountain lodge offers an unforgettable experience. From glass domes under the stars to historical mountain huts perched on cliffs, Switzerland is home to some of the most extraordinary stays in the world.
Here’s a guide to the most unique Airbnb and mountain lodges in Switzerland, perfect for travelers looking for something beyond the ordinary.
1. Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel (Valais) – Sleep in a Dome with Alpine Views
For a one-of-a-kind glamping experience, Whitepod offers eco-friendly geodesic domes with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
Why It’s Unique:
- Sustainable and Off-Grid – Heated with wood stoves and powered by renewable energy.
- Panoramic Mountain Views – Each pod offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding peaks.
- Private & Luxurious – Includes high-end bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and a private terrace.
Perfect For: Travelers looking for eco-luxury in a secluded Alpine setting.
2. Berggasthaus Aescher (Appenzell) – A Lodge Built into a Cliffside
One of Switzerland’s most photographed lodges, Berggasthaus Aescher is a historic mountain inn built directly into a cliff.
Why It’s Unique:
- Cliffside Location – Perched on a rock face at 1,450 meters, offering dramatic views.
- Historic Charm – Dating back to the 19th century, with rustic wooden interiors.
- Access by Hike or Cable Car – Reachable by a scenic hike or via the Ebenalp cable car.
Perfect For: Adventure seekers and photographers looking for one of the most iconic stays in Switzerland.
3. Million Stars Hotel (Various Locations) – Sleep Under the Open Sky
The Million Stars Hotel is not a single hotel but a collection of open-air accommodations across Switzerland, offering transparent bubble domes, outdoor beds, and secluded huts for stargazing.
Why It’s Unique:
- Sleeping Under the Stars – No ceilings, just pure Swiss night skies above you.
- Various Locations – From the mountains of Graubünden to the vineyards of Lavaux.
- Minimalist & Romantic – Focuses on nature, silence, and breathtaking views.
Perfect For: Couples and stargazers looking for a magical overnight experience.
4. Grimsel Hospiz (Bernese Alps) – A Historic Lodge Surrounded by Glaciers
Grimsel Hospiz is a former medieval hospice transformed into a cozy lodge, located in one of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in Switzerland.
Why It’s Unique:
- Historic Significance – First mentioned in 1142, it has hosted travelers for centuries.
- Surrounded by Glaciers – Set between steep granite cliffs and icy lakes.
- Warm Alpine Atmosphere – Features wood-paneled rooms, roaring fireplaces, and traditional Swiss cuisine.
Perfect For: Travelers wanting a blend of history, isolation, and rugged beauty.
5. Glass Igloo at Laax (Graubünden) – Sleep in an Igloo with 360° Views
Located high above the ski resort of Laax, this glass igloo offers 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps while keeping you warm inside.
Why It’s Unique:
- Glass Ceiling for Stargazing – Watch the northern lights or a full moon over the mountains.
- Exclusive & Remote – Accessible only by snowshoeing or snowmobile in winter.
- Cozy & Stylish – Features modern Scandinavian interiors with warm blankets.
Perfect For: Travelers looking for an Instagram-worthy winter escape.
6. Mountain Hut in Zermatt – Stay with a View of the Matterhorn
Zermatt has several remote mountain huts where you can wake up to breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Some of the most unique options include:
- Hörnlihütte – The base camp for Matterhorn climbers, perched at 3,260 meters.
- Schwarzsee Lodge – Overlooking a pristine lake with Matterhorn reflections.
Why It’s Unique:
- Unmatched Views – Wake up to one of the most famous mountains in the world.
- High-Altitude Experience – Located above 3,000 meters, giving a true Alpine adventure.
- Simple Yet Authentic – Offers cozy dorms, hearty Swiss meals, and unbeatable scenery.
Perfect For: Hikers, mountaineers, and those seeking a true mountain lodge experience.
7. Cabane de Moiry (Valais) – A Lodge Surrounded by Glaciers
Cabane de Moiry is a remote mountain hut situated near the Moiry Glacier, offering some of the most breathtaking glacier views in Switzerland.
Why It’s Unique:
- Directly Overlooking a Glacier – Watch the blue ice formations from your window.
- Perfect for Hikers – A great base for trekking in the Valais Alps.
- Traditional Yet Comfortable – A warm, wooden lodge with dormitory-style rooms.
Perfect For: Adventurers looking for a close encounter with glaciers and high-altitude landscapes.
8. The Treehouse at Les Cabanes de Marie (Jura Region) – Sleep in the Forest
For a fairytale-like escape, stay in a wooden treehouse deep in the Jura forests, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
Why It’s Unique:
- Treehouse Design – Elevated cabins built among the treetops, offering a sense of adventure.
- Nature-Focused – Located in a quiet forest, with no electricity or Wi-Fi for a digital detox.
- Eco-Friendly Stay – Uses solar energy and natural materials.
Perfect For: Nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful escape from modern life.
9. Bivacco Gervasutti (Near Switzerland-Italy Border) – A Futuristic Alpine Pod
Located at 2,835 meters in the Mont Blanc region, this ultra-modern, red-and-white capsule lodge looks like something from a science fiction movie.
Why It’s Unique:
- High-Tech Mountain Shelter – Built with solar panels and sustainable materials.
- Panoramic Windows – Offers dramatic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks.
- Extreme Location – Only accessible by a challenging hike or helicopter.
Perfect For: Experienced hikers and adventurers looking for a futuristic Alpine stay.
Conclusion
Switzerland is home to some of the most extraordinary and unique stays in the world, ranging from luxurious eco-pods and transparent igloos to remote glacier lodges and cliffside inns. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stargazing dome, a historic mountain hut, or an off-grid treehouse, there’s something for every traveler.
For those seeking unforgettable experiences beyond traditional hotels, these unique Airbnbs and mountain lodges provide a true connection to Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes and rich Alpine heritage.