Chalet Arva

High above Kandersteg, perched beside the pristine, glacial waters of Oeschinensee / Lake Oeschinen, Chalet Arva is a place where time slows and the mountains call. Rooted in history yet embracing the present, this intimate six-room guesthouse retreat is the antithesis of the modern-day hustle – an alpine sanctuary for those seeking a raw, fuss-free connection with nature. Here, from its perch, silence dominates, simplicity leads and the crisp mountain air cuts sharp with the scent of pine and raw wilderness.

A UNESCO-listed Mountain Wonderland

At 1,578 metres above sea level, Oeschinensee / Lake Oeschinen is a jaw-dropping, sapphire-hued marvel cradled by towering limestone and snow-dusted peaks. This UNESCO Heritage-listed pocket of the Jungfrau-Aletsch region is a paradise for hikers, wild swimmers and lovers of raw nature. Chalet Arva sits right on its doorstep, offering direct access to breathtaking trails, cold-water plunges and the simple joy of counting golden alpine pastures. As most daytrippers return to the valley below, Arva's guests enjoy solitude - early morning dips to the chorus of birdsong, and Arva provides a front-row seat into the starry heavens as the sun sets. Here, life follows the rhythm of nature – long days of exploration, deep breaths of crisp alpine air and the quiet hum of contentment as night falls over the valley.

A Humble Retreat with Soul

Built from honey-hued timber etched by Sgraffito – the ancient form of folklore graffiti, weathered larch and pewter-blue shutters, the guesthouse Chalet Arva carries the whispers of its past. Once a simple outpost for ancestral family farmers, today it stands as a refuge for modern-day wanderers who crave an unembellished kind of luxury – where ‘less is more’, and the essence of mountain living is preserved.

Six individually designed double rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and lake views, provide comfort without excess. In the original wing, guests can stargaze from bed, while the newer rooms (housed in a former washhouse) feature private balconies for morning coffee with a view. Keeping true to an elemental stay, Chalet Arva has no central heating – but in the traditional Swiss way, hands out ample thick woollen blankets to slumber under, as well as traditional hot water bottles on cooler nights.

Dinner is a straightforward affair – hearty alpine dishes crafted from local ingredients, no fuss, just solid, satisfying food. Mornings begin with wholesome Swiss breakfasts before guests set off for hikes, boat rides or simply to lounge lakeside or in the private alpine garden. And when the evening comes? A quiet respect for nature’s rhythm prevails – by 10 pm, the mountain rest is honoured, allowing deep, uninterrupted sleep wrapped in the healing scent of wood, which has just been the way here for centuries. 

Fifth-Generation Guardians of the Wild

Chalet Arva is not just a guesthouse – it’s a living story. Nicola Mohler and her husband Borys Ferri took the reins in 2021, stepping into a legacy that spans five generations. Nicola, a journalist and humanitarian, and Borys, a former officer for the Italian Ministry of Defence, met in the West Bank in 2009 – two seekers from different worlds, bound by a shared sense of purpose. Now, they pour their energy into maintaining this alpine retreat, ensuring every guest experiences the raw, unfiltered beauty of Lake Oeschinen.

Running a mountain lodge is no fairy tale – it requires grit, hard work and an unshakable love for the untamed wild. But for Nicola and Borys, Chalet Arva is an outpost in the mountains to meet new people and chat with guests; it is more than just a guesthouse – it’s a place to reset, reconnect and exist within nature’s embrace. They are the heartbeat of this house, effortlessly juggling hospitality, preservation and the art of living simply.

This is a retreat for the bold, the restless, the nature-driven souls who crave an escape from the manufactured world. It’s for those who understand that luxury is not about excess but about essence. Whether you’re hiking the craggy trails, dipping into the icy blue lake or simply sitting on the terrace with the sun on your face, Chalet Arva invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and be present.