“The more we globalize, the more we return to tradition,” declared Heinz Tschiemer, owner of Bernatone Alphornbau in Habkern, an alphorn workshop in Switzerland’s Interlaken region.
The alphorn, one of the world’s original wooden wind instruments, was first documented in the mid-16th century and is still manufactured in the mountain village of Habkern. During a visit to Switzerland last year, I had the privilege of taking a full workshop tour, including a chance to play, which I could do surprisingly well, since the instrument is about as big as me.
Touring the workshop and learning about its history from Tschiemer, who comes from a long lineage of alphorn production, is just one of many Switzerland-only experiences available for groups throughout this culturally rich country.
“Switzerland is a small country yet so diverse,” said Caroline Pidroni, director of sales and marketing for the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau.
In addition to four languages, diversity is reflected in the country’s gastronomy, arts scene and mentality of the people, according to Pidroni. Attendees are increasingly interested in finding those unique venues and outlets that provide a true taste of the country.
“People are looking more and more to interact with locals,” Pidroni said. “In Switzerland there are opportunities throughout the country for iconic experiences, such as making chocolate, learning to yodel or making a Swiss Army knife.”
DMCs, such as Ovation Switzerland, can help facilitate those group experiences, including chocolate making.
“All over Switzerland you can experience chocolate-making sessions,” said Renato Grieco, regional director of sales for Ovation Switzerland.
Options include the Maison Cailler chocolate factory located in Broc, Confiserie Sprungli in Zurich, the Lindt Chocolate Shop in Kilchberg near Lake Zurich, and Laderach in Vevey.
Festivals are also a draw for groups, such as Art Basel and the Montreux Jazz Festival, as are the country’s myriad arts venues.
Zurich
Though it’s known as the business and science center of Switzerland, Zurich also excels as a cultural and gastronomical hub, offering everything from art museums to wine-and-cheese boat tours on Lake Zurich.
Walking Zurich’s storybook Old Town is like stepping through a history museum, while trendy areas such as the Zurich West spill with restaurants, bars and repurposed old factories that are now market halls and boutiques. For a unique setting, groups can organize a banquet in one of the city’s streetcars or a boat ride on Lake Zurich.
One of Zurich’s newest highlights, the FIFA World Football Museum, which opened in 2016, appeals to even a soccer novice like myself, with its interactive exhibits, and offers groups space for receptions. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, according to Oliver Vrieze, acting managing director.
“This clearly distinguishes the museum from many other venues since MICE participants can either get active, simply explore or dig deeper into sports culture after having half- or full-day meetings,” Vrieze said.
Aside from unique off-sites, Zurich’s infrastructure is ideal for groups. After a three-year refurbishment, the Kongresshaus and Tonhalle event complex is scheduled to re-open in late summer 2020.
On the horizon, The Circle Convention Centre Zurich Airport will open in 2019 with space for up to 1,500 people. A 255-room Hyatt Regency and 300-room Hyatt Place will be opening at The Circle as well.
Samsung Hall opened in 2016 with space for up to 5,060 people. Its Rooftop Terrace holds up to 360 people and Loft Terrace up to 420 people, among other spaces.
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Capital of Switzerland, Bern lures visitors with its medieval Clock Tower (Zytglogge), and old town. Groups can take a private tour of the clock tower, according to Pidroni, entering inside and climbing to the top for a look at its internal workings.
For those intrigued by Switzerland’s clocks and watches, CIMIER Watch Academy in nearby Biel/Bienne offers groups an opportunity to take a closer look behind the scenes of watchmaking and participate in assembling a timepiece.
Another Bern highlight, Kornhaus Keller was built between 1711 and 1718 and was used to store barley. The space can be used for dinners, Pidroni said. The Renzo Piano-designed Zentrum Paul Klee houses Klee’s works and offers function space.
Kursaal Bern Convention Center in December 2016 expanded with additional meeting rooms and a large foyer. The Arena and 21,500-square-foot Forum can each host receptions for up to 1,500 people.
South of Bern, in the Interlaken region, groups can organize a train trip to Jungfraujoch—the “Top of Europe.” Aside from stunning views, groups can host dinners on top or a reception in the Ice Palace.
Lucerne
Strolling the Old Town of Lucerne is something straight out of a fairy tale, with cobblestone streets and exquisite murals, while the entire city makes for postcard views, including the renowned Chapel Bridge and octagonal Water Tower.
One of Lucerne’s prime spots for group events is the Swiss Museum of Transport, which offers a variety of spaces. Its Rail Transport Hall features a vast collection on the theme of Swiss rail transport, ranging from the horse-drawn tram to the electric railway. Groups can host a stand-up dinner in the hall for 600 or seated for 300. Meanwhile, the Road Transport Hall offers space for dinners for 300.
For other off-site options, groups can charter a yacht on Lake Lucerne or organize an outing outside the city such as the Dragon Ride aerial cableway to Mt. Pilatus. At the summit, groups can host a dinner at the restaurant Pilatus-Kulm.
The city, which can host meetings at its KKL Luzern conference center, is also expanding and upgrading its inventory. Palace Lucerne is undergoing an extensive renovation and will be closed until spring 2019. Renovations will concentrate on the interior of the hotel, scaling down to 110 new suites and adding three new restaurants. Burgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne opened this year with meeting space. Its new Alpine Spa offers private spa suites.
Basel
A hub for Switzerland’s arts scene, Basel is known for its Art Basel festival in June, featuring works at various galleries and large-scale exhibits at Unlimited.
Basel can host groups at many of its museums, including Kunstmuseum Basel, with space for up to 500 people standing, and Museum Tinguely, houseing works by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely.
The former Ramada Plaza Basel is now the HYPERION Basel Hotel following an extensive renovation. A Movenpick is slated to open in Basel in 2019.
South of Basel, in Le Noirmont, attendees can try their hands at watchmaking at Initium. A master in watchmaking teaches about watch mechanics and up to 12 participants are armed with screwdrivers and tweezers to help create a timepiece.
Meanwhile, east of Basel, Hemishofen is home to an organic farm where attendees can learn how to make cheese. Participants churn their own butter and sample it on freshly made bread. For a chaser they can milk their own cow for a fresh glass of milk.
Geneva
In Switzerland’s French-speaking region, Geneva is home to CERN, one of the world’s largest centers for scientific research, according to Pidroni. Its CERN Globe, close to the size of the dome of Saint Peter’s in Rome, is a main attraction and open to group tours.
A Radisson Blu is in the works with 250 rooms and slated to debut in 2021.
Outside Geneva, Chillon Castle is also open to groups for private events in the evenings. Ovation Switzerland can arrange dinners in its medieval dining rooms, replete with a medieval-style menu and medieval entertainment, such as fire eaters, court jesters, minstrels and jugglers.
Lausanne/Vevey
Lausanne, about 45 minutes from Geneva Airport, is home to the Olympic Museum, where the International Olympic Committee is based. The Olympic museum offers a setting for a gala dinner on its roof terrace, with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Another option, Le Coucou Restaurant-Hotel is a traditional Swiss chalet located in Caux/Montreux. The restaurant features a terrace with a panoramic view.
For Charlie Chaplin fans, Chaplin’s World in Vevey is home to The Manoir, housing Chaplin’s furnishings and personal belongings, as well as The Studio, which traces the silent film star’s career through multimedia exhibits, from Modern Times to The Tramp.
Groups can hire out one or several sections of the nearly 10,000 square feet of space.
