Musotrees Volume 11 – Andermatt, Switzerland.

By Kerol Izwan

Switzerland has always held a special place in my heart. With each visit, I've marvelled at its picturesque beauty and the seemingly idyllic life of its people. Nestled within a landscape that changes with each season, Switzerland boasts stunning natural splendour and the comfort of safety, stability and prosperity, often ranking among the happiest places to live. Recently, I had the opportunity to revisit Switzerland after quite some time. I expected to be greeted once again by its astounding beauty, but little did I know that this trip would provide me with a fresh perspective and unveil new wonders.

My journey began at Zürich Airport, a testament to Swiss ingenuity which blends classic charm with modern efficiency. The airport's design, from its iconic typeface to its subtle colour palette, sets the tone for the traveller’s experience. Despite an exhausting 18-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur, I felt invigorated by the anticipation of what lay ahead. Leaving the country's capital behind, I embarked on a scenic, almost two-hour drive to Andermatt, a charming village in the heart of Switzerland. As we traversed winding roads, the views of the majestic Swiss Alps unfolded before me, each turn revealing a spectacular panorama of snow-capped peaks and quaint villages.

Winter Season in Andermatt / Credit Photos by Kim Leuenberger & Andermatt. 

Andermatt, strategically located between Zürich and Milan, has become a hidden gem thanks to the visionary efforts of Egyptian entrepreneur Samih Sawiris. Recognising its untapped potential during his first visit in February 2005, Sawiris transformed Andermatt into a leading Swiss holiday destination. His investments revitalised the local economy, attracting global visitors and turning Andermatt into a sought-after Alpine retreat. Once a quiet hamlet, Andermatt now offers luxury hotels and apartments for residents and seasonal travellers alike. Sawiris' innovative approach to property development has elevated Andermatt into a premier destination, driving economic growth and fostering a vibrant tourism industry.

A pivotal moment in Andermatt was the opening of The Chedi Andermatt in 2013, a five-star deluxe hotel that welcomed its first guests in December. Since then, Andermatt has seen rapid development, including the construction of the Gürschen Flyer and the opening of a golf course in 2015, the expansion of the SkiArena, the inauguration of the Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen, as well as the development of apartment buildings, restaurants and a concert hall.

Winter Season in Andermatt / Credit Photos by Kim Leuenberger & Andermatt.

Nineteen years later, Andermatt has blossomed into a global tourism hotspot, enchanting visitors year-round. During my winter visit, the village transformed into a magical wonderland, with snow-covered peaks casting a spell over the landscape. The Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen, where I stayed, is located near the village square and train station, a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Energised by black coffee from Biselli, a beloved local restaurant, I undertook an adventure exploring the mountains via gondola. Lunch at Güstch, a Michelin-starred restaurant perched atop a mountain peak, was a highlight of my trip. Designed to harmonise with its natural surroundings, the restaurant offered an indelible gourmet experience, featuring Chef Markus Neff's culinary creations. As I savoured each bite on the sun-drenched patio, I felt deeply grateful for the chance to immerse myself in Andermatt's beauty and hospitality. Every moment reaffirmed Switzerland's place as one of my favourite destinations in the world.

From the Gütsch viewpoint, I observed skiers of all levels gracefully navigating the slopes. From seasoned professionals to beginners, adults to children, everyone seemed adept at skiing. Watching them, I couldn't resist the urge to try the sport. The array of equipment – from ski boots to suits and poles – initially felt cumbersome for a novice like me. However, with time and the patient guidance of my instructors Marcel and Pete, I gradually acclimated to the gear and learnt the basics. After nearly an hour of practice, I was proud to find myself confidently skiing. It was a valuable learning experience indeed. Cheers to a successful ski session!

 Gütsch Restaurant by Markus Neff / Credit Photo by Kim Leuenberger & Andermatt.

In Andermatt, the Gotthard region is renowned as a freeriding paradise in winter. According to trade magazines, Gemsstock is among the world's top off-piste areas, offering a variety of spots for skiers of all skill levels. Professionals can enjoy freeride skiing with descents featuring a 1,500m drop in elevation. For beginners like me or those seeking fun, gentler slopes are ideal to try out. However, nothing compares to the breathtaking view of the countless mountain peaks stretching from Ursen Valley to Oberalp Pass and Gotthard Pass. As they say, “Up with the gondola, down in the powder”.

No trip to Switzerland is complete without exploring the mountains by train, so I decided to take the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. The train's bright red exterior made it look like a snake winding through the snowy mountains at every turn and corner. It was one of my favourite experiences, reigniting my childhood fascination with trains. Taking the panoramic train on the historic railway line via Göschenen was absolutely worth the time. After the train ride, I booked a Mybuxi, an e-hailing service in the village, to visit Cotton Club Andermatt, a lifestyle dining spot promising top-notch menus and premium nightlife, bringing Mediterranean vibes to the mountains.

Beautiful view of Andermatt: Urseren Valley at Night / Credit Photo by Valentin Luthiger & Andermatt.

While the mountains and ski sports are the dominant attractions in Andermatt, its old villages are equally captivating. You can trace the town's history through its charming old houses and the crystal-clear river flowing through the village. Walking through Andermatt feels like stepping onto the set of a romantic film, with cobblestone streets, traditional Swiss architecture and inviting local culture. As I wandered through the village, I stumbled upon alpacas and cows having their morning feed in stables, a beautiful church with a well-landscaped old cemetery, several museums and countless restaurants offering delicacies from classic Swiss fondue to hearty Asian laksa.

The village of Andermatt maintains its humble vibe, where you can take a leisurely stroll to soothe yourself after a tiring day on the slopes. To delve deeper into the village's history, I joined local guide Bänz Simmen for a walking tour. His knowledge and engaging storytelling made the experience unforgettable. He’s quite the local celebrity; everyone we passed greeted him warmly as if he’s the man about town.

Andermatt is undeniably a treasure to Swiss tourism, a noteworthy mountain getaway offering a sense of home-like comfort. The influx of new residential properties over the years has brought remarkable diversity to Andermatt, establishing the village as a destination that stands uniquely on its own for travellers. While Andermatt gained initial fame from James Bond's film “Goldfinger” in 1964, Sawiris' investment has breathed new life and adventure into the village, surpassing the allure of the silver screen.