The art of sleeping under the stars in glamorous style – glamping. What are the luxury camping options in Switzerland?

Camping in a tent outdoors, warming the ravioli over the gas cooker and then crawling unwashed into your sleeping bag: these childhood memories can now be relived – albeit with a greater degree of comfort and at a much higher price.

Last summer, and for the first time, high-flying Wall Street bankers spent the night on Governors Island overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Their outdoor sojourn however had little in common with the traditional camping experience.

Pricey as Luxury Hotel

So instead of sleeping on thin ground sheets, the «adventurers» slumbered in proper beds, surrounded by handmade furniture. And there is also a private bathroom to be had if required. The experience, including the tent, can be had for around $850 per night – just as pricey as a night in a 5-star hotel.

ZeltNY 500

Swiss Glamping 

This latest leisure trend for those with expensive tastes is now called glamping – to describe glamour and camping. And here in Switzerland, glamping is now also on offer.

In the vicinity of Saint-Maurice near Les Giettes, in the heart of Valais mountains, 18 luxury igloos are available for rent, including winter overnight stays. The bullet-shaped tents, called pods, offer different comfort gradings. The deluxe version contains a king-size bed, a shower and toilet as well as a satellite-TV and Wifi.

Breakfast is hand-delivered to the pods. The comfort however will cost from 1,180 Swiss francs ($1,180) for two nights. The suite with a private sauna will set you back 1,700 francs for two nights.

Pod 2 500

Transparent Bubble

Also canton Valais, in the small community of Weiler Blatten in Loetschental, is the following glamping offer: at around 1,500 meters above sea level you can hire a luxurious lodge tent, complete with oven, sofa, warm-water shower and a sun roof. The lodge tent will up to sleep six people. The cost for a weekend is just under 500 francs.

Wiesenbett 500

Much small, but more transparent, is the Bubble Hotel. Six locations in the canton of Thurgau offer transparent, water-proof bubbles, including breakfast. Prices start at a relatively cheap 190 francs.

Bubble 500