Latest edition : 26 July 2016
Sometimes it is not useful to travel thousands of kilometers to find a change of scenery and relaxation. Alsace's privileged geographical location between three countries makes it possible to quickly find an escape. Let's take the direction of Switzerland. Two hours away by car, the scenery is total: palm trees and a lake for relaxation, mountains for hikes, hotels for well-being.
This promising inscription appears at the entrance to the town. However, do not expect a palm grove by the sea. Its name alone indicates that the village is not located in an exotic country but in… Switzerland. More precisely between Bern and Interlaken. But the change of scenery is indeed there.
It is the ideal starting point to explore one of the most beautiful lake regions in Switzerland, a true leisure El Dorado, whether in the water, on the water or in its surroundings: on the hills and the mountains. that frame the lake. In this environment, all in shades of blue and green, are also hidden picturesque castles and museums. Throughout the year, traditional festivals and various festivals animate the lake.
On the hiking trails, it is not uncommon to meet pilgrims: From Interlaken, the Camino de Santiago leads through West-Weissenau and Neuhaus to Merligen. This stage of the pilgrimage route passes through the heights of Lake Thun.
Among its jewels, the wealth of birds of the Neuhaus-Weissenau nature reserve, the caves with stalagmites and stalactites near the Beatus cave and the splendid viewpoint of Widmannplatz. Allow about 4 hours for this 15.5 km hike. If you are staying at the Hotel Beatus (see below), a visit to the caves of Saint Beatus is a must. Didn't the holy man give the hotel his name? A beautiful walk leads through the forest to the entrance to the caves. Over several bridges, the path crosses over waterfalls that rush from the caves to the lake. So far, within the caves, 14 km have been explored. 1 km is accessible to the public (open until the end of October).
It is also on the shores of Lake Thun - or rather in - that there is an impressive lake scene. The scene lets the gaze escape to the highest peaks of Berner Oberland which are an integral part of the show, adapting to each theme. The structure of the grandstand and stage alone is worth a look. Ducks swim, impassive, between the metal pieces that plunge into the lake.
For three weeks, a team of twenty men assembles some 30,000 pieces like a huge jigsaw puzzle. Two more weeks are needed to then set up the stage with all the technical spaces. In autumn, everything has to be taken apart to return the shore to nature.
This year it's the musical "Sugar - manche mögens heiss", an adaptation of the movie "Some Like It Hot" by Billy Wilder. The performances are in German but the action is easy to follow - at least for anyone who has seen the film starring Marylin Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Gangsters who disguise themselves, a millionaire mad with love, naive musicians and a bewitching Sugar Kane who seduces the public with the timeless "I wanna be loved by you ..." revive the crazy atmosphere of the twenties between Chicago and Miami.
Spending a few days at the Hotel Beatus is like taking a luxury break by the lake.
It is not for nothing that we returned to this establishment for the third time: a privileged location, excellent gastronomy, a vast spa and efficient treatments, a very diverse program of sports and fun activities. On the shores of Lake Thun, in a protected cove, the Hotel Beatus is one of those places where it is good to rest for a few days.
Large tourist boats, which circle the lake or go up to Interlaken, dock in front of the hotel. If, from the outside, the hotel is nothing out of the ordinary in this village of beautiful chalets, the interior captivates with its elegance.
Over 2,000 m², the spa offers a wide range of treatments and well-being treatments. Moreover, the Beatus wellness area is immense: it stretches as far as the eye can see with the lake and the surrounding mountains. Appeasement guaranteed from the balcony of your room, the spa's resting terraces or even under the trees in the park. You never tire of the view of the lake and the mountains of Berner Oberland.
In the kitchen, chef Tim Adolphs watches over an impressive team, including two pastry chefs. His beautiful culinary journey allows him to make travel the taste buds of his hosts. As breakfast is also very tempting, it is better to participate in one or other of the many activities offered: aquagym, stretching, yoga, pilates, alpine relaxation, yoga, kinesies, the 5 Tibetans, bodyforming, fatburning, etc. .
Outside, we play table tennis or pétanque before going for a pedal boat or canoe ride, Nordic walking, Maasai walking, mountain biking (from May to October, bicycle rental assistance electric). Not to mention the nearby Interlaken golf course (handicap 36).
Every day, the tireless Volker offers hikes and walks to Grindelwald, Wengen or in the beautiful Justistal Valley. As soon as he returns, he takes holidaymakers to the lake for water skiing, wake-boarding, “buoy”. What a pleasure to evolve like this on the lake, with some of the mythical peaks in the background: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
In season, other activities are offered, such as forging your lucky horseshoe or going with one of the last professional fishermen on the lake! Everything is done to attract a younger, more active clientele.
The musical "Sugar - manche mögens heiss" Until August 27, tickets from CHF 55.-
Beatus
Wellness & Spa Hotel Beatus, Seestrasse 300, 3658 Merligen-Thunersee
Tél. 0041/ 33 748 04 34
