Most European structures are built to last for centuries, but the four Iglu (German for "igloo") Villages in Switzerland and one in Germany are meant to last only for a winter season. Snow is packed on the outside of huge, inflated balloon-like forms, which are then deflated to create enormous semi- domes of hard snow. Several are connected to one another to form a "village" comprising bar, lounges, private and shared bedrooms, dining room/restaurant, kitchen, hot tub room and chapel. A hot tub in a building of snow and ice. What a combination!
The effort is enormous -- requiring about 2,700 hours to build each village. In keeping with the igloo/Inuit theme, the walls are etched with indigenous Canadian designs. Foam pads, thick fur throws and down sleeping bags are placed on snow/ice platforms. Candlelight and the opportunity to spend a night on the mountain -- or at least enjoy a drink (their white Glühwein is really tasty) or a fondue dinner (right) before heading back t
o town where you'll find accommodations all have central heating and running water.
In addition to here in Engelberg, locations are Davos, Gstaad and Zermatt in Switerland and the Zugspitze near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. There are four grades of accommodation, with per-person rates in all locations are CHF 149 for a standard (shared) accommodation on weeknights, CHF 179 on Friday and Saturady nights. Romantik, Romantik-Plus and Romantik-Suite (private whirlpool tub featured) rates are CHF 239-470 Monday through Thursday nights and CHF 279-510 on Friday and Saturday nights. A night in an Iglu doesn't come cheap, but the experience: priceless.
The effort is enormous -- requiring about 2,700 hours to build each village. In keeping with the igloo/Inuit theme, the walls are etched with indigenous Canadian designs. Foam pads, thick fur throws and down sleeping bags are placed on snow/ice platforms. Candlelight and the opportunity to spend a night on the mountain -- or at least enjoy a drink (their white Glühwein is really tasty) or a fondue dinner (right) before heading back t
o town where you'll find accommodations all have central heating and running water.In addition to here in Engelberg, locations are Davos, Gstaad and Zermatt in Switerland and the Zugspitze near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. There are four grades of accommodation, with per-person rates in all locations are CHF 149 for a standard (shared) accommodation on weeknights, CHF 179 on Friday and Saturady nights. Romantik, Romantik-Plus and Romantik-Suite (private whirlpool tub featured) rates are CHF 239-470 Monday through Thursday nights and CHF 279-510 on Friday and Saturday nights. A night in an Iglu doesn't come cheap, but the experience: priceless.
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Wow, it feels like participating in a sci-fi scene!
ReplyDelete-- Andrea