Welcome to Michelhaus

Christen and Frena Michel would be proud. After all, their house, built in 1686, has been carefully renovated and is now open as an Alpine retreat for discerning guests. From the magnificent family crest to the originally preserved ornamental Valais giltstone stoves and the 400-year-old floors: Michelhaus has retained its characteristic core and many historically significant details while being transformed into an extraordinary hideaway with luxurious amenities.

Michelhaus is located in Ernen, one of the most beautiful and original villages in Switzerland. Close to the historic town centre, with a view of the Finsteraarhorn and a private garden, Michelhaus is both an archaic retreat and a starting point for hikes or skiing on the surrounding mountains and in the Binntal Landscape Park right outside the doorstep.

Michelhaus and Ernen are related, in soul and substance. Both have a long history and take pride in their tradition and originality. At the same time, they are right here in the now, with an effortless sense of culture and style. Ernen, as a music village, invites to an international festival every summer, featuring Baroque music, piano recitals, jazz concerts, readings, orchestral, and chamber music. While Michelhaus, with its distinguished details, welcomes those who seek and appreciate inspiration.

The Apartments Christen and Frena

For an authentic yet luxurious getaway in this three-story chalet, guests have the option to stay in the almost identical apartments Christen and Frena. These can be rented individually or together as the entire house.

Each apartment features two double bedrooms and a single room, two bathrooms, a spacious living room, and a fully equipped open kitchen with a dining area. Christen and Frena each span 170 square meters, accommodating up to 5 people, and come with a private garden overlooking the highest peak of the Valais Alps, the Finsteraarhorn.

The furnishings of this archaic Valais house have been carefully curated. Historical details, such as three original giltstone stoves preserved from the construction year 1686, have been artfully renovated and, along with a new fireplace, provide special warmth and coziness when needed. The bathrooms with rain showers and a bathtub, Sonos music systems on each floor, 55-inch smart TVs, and Hästens beds create a homely feel. Meanwhile, the interior design with furniture from Carl Hansen, Maxalto, B&B Italia, and Flexform establishes a refined and extraordinary atmosphere.

Location and Surroundings

Ernen is a mountain village reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film. Due to its unique location, slightly off the beaten path between two passes, it has remained largely untouched for a long time, and its small village centre with numerous historical buildings is wonderfully preserved. This includes the so-called Tellenhaus with one of the oldest depictions of William Tell, as well as the late Gothic and splendidly adorned St. George’s Church. The exceptional beauty of this gem in the heart of the Swiss Alps has already earned it several awards.

Situated on a hill terrace above the Fiesch valley and surrounded by gardens and peaks, the village appears idyllic, almost surreal. Upon closer inspection, Ernen reveals itself as part of the cultural zeitgeist. It is a village not only nestled in the wild nature inviting to hikes and skiing but also directly connected to the high-calibre world of classical music and literature. Not without reason, Ernen is known as the “Music Village”. Every summer, it hosts concerts featuring international artists, as well as readings and workshops. Thus, in this special mountain village, alpine seclusion and vibrant culture come together beautifully.