Gasthaus Traube, Buchs
A Swiss Countryside Icon Reimagined
St. Galler Straße 7
9470 Buchs
Type: architectural hotel, boutique hotel, design hotel, heritage hotel, independent hotel
Style: art & culture, contemporary Alpine, Art Nouveau, minimalist, warm woods
Vibe: in a village, no TV!, quiet, wine hotel
A 200-Year-Old Tradition Gets a Design Overhaul
Gasthaus Traube has been a beloved local fixture since the first restaurant opened over two centuries ago, drawing villagers and travelers alike with its unpretentious charm. In 2024, owners Kathrin Schertler-Secli and Ivan Secli ushered in a bold new chapter: transforming the property’s adjacent stable into a sleek 14-room boutique hotel. The new wing’s striking charred larch wood façade—crafted using the traditional Japanese yakisugi technique—contrasts beautifully with the centuries-old main building. Inside, solid oak, natural stone, and warm lighting create a timeless yet contemporary retreat that resonates with the original inn’s rustic soul. It’s an architectural dialogue between past and present, where history holds hands with forward-thinking design.
Scandinavian-Style Calm Meets Local Craftsmanship
Interiors by designer Ruth Kramer channel minimalist Nordic sensibilities while staying rooted in local heritage. The atmosphere is quietly luxurious: handcrafted tiles and ceramics line the walls, bespoke artworks by Heloisa Ackermann add organic warmth, and clean architectural lines frame the mountain light streaming through oversized windows. Every detail—designer armchairs, plush textiles, walk-in rain showers—has been carefully chosen to feel both functional and soulful. The result is an environment that encourages deep exhalation: simple, serene, and effortlessly elegant.
Rooms to Relax, Rooms to Bond
With only 14 rooms, the hotel feels like an intimate countryside hideaway. The standard Trüübli rooms (18–20 m²) are cozy yet refined, with clever built-ins that maximize comfort in compact space. The larger Truuba rooms (24–30 m²) offer airy layouts ideal for longer stays, complete with work desks and inviting seating nooks. For families or small groups, the Truuba-Trüübli suite links two rooms with a shared entrance, making it perfect for multi-generational travel. No matter the category, the experience is the same: calm, cocoon-like spaces that balance privacy with the sense of being part of a small, convivial retreat.
Garden Escape and Culinary Comfort
A bright, leafy garden room connects the hotel to its historic restaurant, creating a seamless transition between old and new. Guests begin the day with regional breakfast fare—local cheeses, house-baked breads, seasonal fruit—in the sunlit Gartenzimmer, then linger into the evening over the Braustube and Traubensaal’s inventive ‘market cuisine’-inspired menus. The wine cellar is legendary: 900 labels, including over 200 champagnes curated by cellar master “Jules Vin.” Whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious oenophile, the pairing experience here is half the magic.
Community Anchors
Gasthaus Traube is more than just a place to sleep—it’s woven into the life of its village. Owners Kathrin and Ivan are local fixtures: Kathrin directs the nearby theatre, while Ivan helms Secli World of Wine. Their presence infuses the hotel with warmth and authenticity, turning it into a cultural hub as much as a boutique stay. Conversations spill from breakfast tables into the garden, chance encounters become lingering aperitifs, and guests often leave feeling less like visitors than temporary locals.
The DNA Hotels Verdict
Gasthaus Traube elegantly bridges the gap between timeless Swiss tradition and clean-lined contemporary design. It’s an intimate countryside gem where craftsmanship, local character, and mindful hospitality come together effortlessly. Consider it Swiss heritage reinterpreted—with soul, style, and a damn good glass of wine.
Amenities:
• air conditioning • family rooms • free WiFi • garden • library • on-site parking (free) • restaurant • wheelchair accessible
