FAQ - Frequently asked questions A - Z
To help you find your way around quickly, we have summarised the most important facts about our two holiday homes Schwalbennest & Moos in Grächen on this page. Of course we are at your disposal for futher questions and information.
Accommodation type
The main house Schwalbennest is an apartment house consisting of a ground floor, 1st & 2nd floor. The side house Moos also has three floors. The two chalets are each a Valais wooden house with charm.
The holiday apartments marked with **S / *** and ***S are comfortably and homely furnished (a total of 5 units with 20 beds up to 28 with additional beds), which are continuously adapted by us to today's current standard with the one or other additional detail that makes us special. Quality and cleanliness are very important to us!
The apartments are ideally suited for families with children, senior citizens and the young at heart, as well as individual travellers and sports enthusiasts. They offer a quiet stay in a relaxed atmosphere for a restful holiday.
Activities/Leisure and Sports
In the immediate surroundings of your accommodation you will find the sports centre as well as the forest, play and family leisure park. With our subscription you as a guest can use the whole offer free of charge: Indoor playground, rope park, climbing wall, tennis, minigolf, fitness room and in winter the natural ice rink and much more.
Other theme trails such as the Zauberwasser, or water facilities (Kneipanlage), Vita Parcours as well as the water pipes (suonen: Bineri, Drieri, Chilcheri, Eggeri) are right on our doorstep. A walk takes you directly from the Schwalbennest to the idyllic lake of Grächen. Or towards Gasenried to a small authentic village belonging to St. Niklaus at the foot of the Riedgletscher.
The sun terrace of Grächen is centrally located and is the starting point for numerous excursions in the surrounding area and region, such as St. Niklaus, Jungen, Moosalpe, Visperterminen, Höhenweg to Saas Fee, Europaweg via the Europahütte and the longest hanging bridge to Zermatt, Tour Monte Rosa or a number of SAC huts with mountain and glacier tours with experienced mountaineers.
For further information/advice, please contact us on site or the Grächen Tourism team.
Allergy sufferers
The two non-smoking holiday homes Schwalbennest & Moos do not have specifically equipped apartments for allergy sufferers. However, all apartments are furnished with oak and spruce wood. All rooms have washable synthetic pillows and duvets.
Arrival / Departure Check-in - Check-out
The apartments are ready for occupancy on the day of arrival from 14 o'clock or by arrangement. As your hosts and landlords, we welcome you personally on site. Likewise the availability as owner during your stay is guaranteed.
On the day of departure, the apartments are to be made available again by 9 am at the latest or by arrangement. We will say goodbye to you personally.
Arrival by private vehicle
Motorists from the north travel via Bern through the Lötschberg (car transport) in the direction of Visp - St. Niklaus - Grächen. From the east and south via the Furka Pass or car transport or via the Simplon Pass or car transport. From western Switzerland you can reach the Mattertal via Lausanne along the Rhone valley in the direction of Visp - St. Niklaus - Grächen. At the village entrance, an access road leads you directly to Chalet Schwalbennest/Moos. On our home page you will find detailed directions under Directions.
The valley and mountain roads to Grächen are winter safe. However, winter equipment is recommended! In summer you can reach the Valais via the most beautiful alpine passes.
Arrival with public transport
Rail travellers can reach the sun terrace Grächen according to the timetable through the NEAT tunnel in the direction of Visp by changing to the MGB in the direction of St. Niklaus and from there with the PTT post bus to Grächen terminal. Direct buses from Visp to Grächen according to timetable.
Free pick-up service in Grächen with luggage transport. Please let us know your arrival time in advance.
Bike / Bicycle Apartment
There is a separate storage room for your bike/bicycle, a cleaning area with cleaning materials, a rental and repair service as well as bike/bicycle documents and brochures. Guided tours can be organised on request. Also in winter.
Booking
See more details under Reservations.
Cable car Hannigalp
The terminal of the fairytale cable car to Hannigalp is only a few minutes' walk away. In winter, great snow-sure downhill run to the village. In summer starting point for many different and varied hiking and walking trails.
Cancellation insurance
A cancellation insurance/cancellation insurance is obligatory with us! If you do not have one yourself, which covers an epidemic/pandemic/quarantine due to the still exceptional situation of Covid 19, you can take out one directly with us (10% of the rent per apartment for all persons!)
Child-friendly /Family-friendly
In our child- and family-friendly Chalet Schwalbennest/Moos, family rooms are available as well as children's beds (approx. up to 2 years old) with bed linen, changing mat, child safety guard for large beds, ZEWI-Fix duvet, children's chair TripTrap, night light, children's pot, toilet seat, baby bouncer, children's crockery such as plates, cups and cutlery free of charge. In winter sledges with child seat, snow slide/plate, bobsleigh and snow shovel.
As well as a box with 20 classic games (little horses, chess game, hopscotch etc.) and over 100 play options. Also the annual "Game of the Year". Let us surprise you...? In addition, on request, a box with various toys (children's books, Legos, cars, etc.).
The small playground at Haus Moos can also be used. More details under Playground.
Buggies, back carriers, etc. can be rented free of charge or for a fee in various sports shops and at Grächen Tourism. There is a separate storage room in both houses for prams, etc.
A babysitting service can be organized through Grächen Tourism.
Covid-19 - Corona
We trust in the personal responsibility of each individual guest. In addition, the respective precautionary measures taken by the BAG Health Office apply with the prescribed protection concepts in accordance with the Canton of Valais, which are continuously supplemented and adapted.
- Do not shake hands
- Keep distance
- Wearing masks where the distance cannot be maintained
- Wash your hands regularly
- Disinfecting the hands
We have liquid soap available in every appartment and a disinfectant dispenser at the main entrance of the holiday home. When cleaning the flat, special attention is paid to the door handles, light switches, TV remote control, shelf, railings, etc. Appropriate adjustments are continuously noted and implemented.
Culture & Customs
In Grächen, culture and customs are lived and celebrated on various occasions throughout the year. In our weekly varied weekly program we inform you about what can be experienced daily. The Grächen Aktuell brochure is also availacble in every apartment, where you can get more detailed information. For example about our themes museums, which can be visited for a voluntary contribution.
Drinking water quality
Grächen is known for its excellent drinking water quality. The tap water is therefore drinkable with pleasure. Therefore you profit from our spring water. The water for watering our garden and the flowers in summer is taken from our own private reservoir.
Equipment/Furnishings Bathroom
All bathrooms in the main house Schwalbennest are functionally renovated with bath/shower/WC, mirror cabinet, towel warmer, hair dryer and anti-slip mats. The one in the adjoining house Moos is generously and modernly equipped. Among other things, it has a double washbasin.
The large apartments from 4 persons upwards each have a second bathroom.
1**S room apartment (studio code no. 1226) see on our home page under Apartments.
Equipment/Furnishings Bedrooms
All bedrooms are very spacious with single beds and separate mattresses with Nordic beeding. Each bed has a shelf with bedside reading lamp, a desk and large wardrobes with mirrors. The beds are covered on arrival. Additional woollen blankets are available. Extra beds available on request.
1**S room apartment (studio code no. 1226) see on our home page under Apartments.
Equipment/Furnishings Entrance area
The entrance areas are mostly large and equipped with a wardrobe and a shoe rack. The called cleaning cupboard is equipped with many small details like: Extension cable, shoe polish utensils, vacuum cleaner, broom and much more.
1**S room apartment (Studio Code No. 1226) see on our home page under Apartments.
Equipment/Facilities Kitchen
Our spacious kitchens built to size by the local carpenter, are all large, bright, homely and multifunctional. They are fully equipped with quality products such as dishwasher, oven, extractor fan, 4 electric hotplates (ceramic stove in Haus Moos), refrigerator with freezer (standard size), dining area with corner seat and chairs, dining table extendable on both sides. Dinnerware, cutlery and drinking glasses for twice as many people. Pots, pans, mixer, salad spinner, coffee filter machine (filter available), kettle and fondue set.
Raclette set/table grill and toaster can be rented on request.
1**S room apartment (studio code no. 1226) see on our home page under Apartments.
Equipment/Furnishings living area
All apartments have a living area open to the kitchen with a comfortable sofas and armchairs, reading lamp as well as TV satellite / cable flat screen with many domestic (Swiss channels) and foreign programs with integrated radio stations.
1**S room apartment (studio code no. 1226) see on our home page under Apartments.
Foreign currencies
Mainly Swiss francs preferred.
The prices in Euro are to be regarded as approximate values. However, we guarantee our guests from the euro zone an exchange rate of at least CHF 1.0 per euro for direct bookings through us throughout the year.
Garden / Lawn / Meadow
Both multifamily houses are surrounded by a play and sunbathing lawn and in summer with green meadows and in winter with snow-covered areas. Our well-kept gardens invite you to relax. Deck chairs and parasols are at your disposal. Likewise the wooden bench set at Haus Moos, where the children's playground is located. Barbecue facilities available.
Grocery stores
Your physical well-being is taken care of: The supermarket Coop is quickly accessible by car. Furthermore you will find a Denner, Volg, bakeries (z'Pfünderli is recommended) and a butcher's shop. Home deliveries are available in some shops, partly free of charge. Opening hours according to season.
Guest card
On arrival at the apartment, you will find the guest card filled out by us with the corresponding discounts. We will be happy to inform you in more detail on site (subject to change!).
Infrastructure in the village
In the village the following infrastructure is at your disposal: Doctor, ambulance, pharmacy, hairdresser, post office in the tourist office, Raiffeisenbank & Bancomat, Roman Catholic church and a hospital in Visp for emergencies.
Internet access (Free Wi-Fi (WLAN)
Each apartment has its own Free Wi-Fi connection. The use of the wireless internet connection during the stay of our guests is free of charge in the whole house as well as partly outside.
Laundry
Bed linen, towels and kitchen linen are sufficiently available and included in the price. Weekly change of toilet linen possible. The beds are covered on arrival.
Laundry service
If required and by arrangement, the property's own laundry room with washing machine and drying room in the house Moos can be used for a small fee. Appropriate washing powder is available. An ironing board with iron is available on request.
Location
The two detached holiday homes in the Valaisan style with charm are situated a few minutes' walk from the village centre on the quiet and unique Grächen larch forest edge in a very sunny location. Ideal starting point to the walking and hiking trails as well as Grächen famous water pipes (Suonen). The Bineri flows directly past the house.
You can find the house on the map of Grächen under K 2 with the house numbers 201/202 or on our home page under Location..
Mailings during vacation/Holiday address
With us you do not have to do without your mail such as newspapers, letters etc. even during your holiday. Corresponding post boxes are available for each apartment. The P.O. box number will be given to you in the letter accompanying the rental agreement.
Offers
Our various special offers such as Grächen Goldcard and Schwalbennest Euro 1.10 as well as Packages offers-All inclusive can be found on our home page under Offers.
Opening hours
We are available for you all year round. The family-friendly Chalet Schwalbennest/Moos is open 365 days a year. Except in case of rebuilding or renovation work. Or we are on holiday ourselves.
Packages offers-All inclusive
Packages offered by Grächen Tourism always include a reduction for children and other interesting services. For more details, please see our home page under Offer or visit www.graechen.ch
Payment
Upon conclusion of the contract, a deposit is to be made by means of the enclosed payment slip, as a payment order by bank or directly via our bank account. On request, the remaining amount can be transferred before arrival or in cash on site. TWINT payments are also possible for our Swiss guests.
Credit cards are not accepted!
Deductions of fees or expenses of the bank/post office regarding the transfer are at the expense of the renter.
Parking
Sufficient outside parking spaces at the main house Schwalbennest included in the price as well as the luggage service. There is also a handcart at your disposal. An access road leads you from the village entrance directly to your accommodation.
Prices
The prices are per apartment per night. Adjustments will be made in case of deviations in the number of persons, the size of the apartment or the number of nights. Our holiday guests always confirm our good price/performance ratio with their satisfaction.
Pets
The accompaniment of your pets is allowed and welcome for a flat fee of Fr. 70. You will find corresponding "Roby-Dogs" near the house as well as the corresponding exercise possibilities in the surroundings! Bags for dogs are made available by us if necessary.
We also recommend the animal salon "Merlin" in St. Niklaus, where dogs & cats feel comfortable. Reservations with Mrs. Bauer Inge Handy: 0041-(0)79 220 63 39
Various animal clinics available by appointment in the valley.
Playground
The small playground near the house "Moos" can be used as well. Our small children are at your disposal: A climbing tower with a big slide, swings, sandbox and toys. In and around Grächen we still keep small animals like goats, sheep, cows etc. While the children are playing, the adults linger at the cosy wooden garden table.
Further playgrounds and Ravensburg playhouses are located in the village around Grächen and on Hannigalp.
Power/mains voltage/adapter
The mains voltage in Switzerland is 220 V. Appropriate adapters are available for our foreign guests.
Reservations
Your reservation can be made directly through us by mail, phone or online via our homepage via Grächen Tourism. Each reservation will be confirmed in writing. In case of a reservation made a long time in advance, a corresponding rental contract will follow.
If possible, we also rent out the individual apartments from one person for an indefinite period of time and for one night or more at adapted conditions as well as individual arrival and departure days. The same applies to short-term enquiries/reservations.
Restaurant/Nightlife
Numerous restaurants with mostly beautifully located terraces in the village or on the mountain invite you to stay, eat and drink during the day. The various bars, pubs and dancing with their specialities offer a wide range of offers. You can find a guide gourmet in our detailed info folder.
Safe
Unfortunately our apartments do not (yet) have their own safe. However, we would be happy to keep your money and/or travel documents and valuables in our private safe. Please ask us for more information without obligation.
Security
The emergency exits are marked in the individual apartments. All bedrooms are equipped with smoke detectors. Information sheets on how to behave in an emergency are available. There is also a fire blanket in each apartment. Tested fire extinguishers are clearly visible in the stairwell. All sockets in the house are childproof. Additional safety devices are available. A first aid kit is also available.
Service charges
The apartment prices include all additional costs such as electricity, heating (no floor heating) and water as well as Free Wi-Fi and parking.
Shopping
In addition to grocery stores, you will find a variety of souvenir and gift shops, boutiques and sports shops. Opening hours according to season.
Ski room
Opposite the Hannigalp terminal there is a modern and heated ski room with ski boot and glove warmer, which is included in the apartment price.
Support
As your hosts we live in the adjoining house Moos on the second floor and are there for you when you need us. The same applies if you have forgotten something or if something is missing in the apartment. We will gladly help you out or further.
We communicate with you in German, English and French.
As private owners we manage and care for the two holiday homes inside and outside ourselves. Our family members as well as our valuable cleaning fairies take a big part in this.
View
The Chalet Schwalbennest & Moos is situated to the south and offers an open, undeveloped view of the magnificent mountain panorama of our four thousand metre peaks and glaciers. Each apartment has a balcony and/or a beautiful terrace (sun all day) with seating (lounge), table/shelf and parasols. Some have direct access to the green area, garden or meadow.
Visitor's tax
The tourist tax is charged separately per person per day: Adults from 16 years Fr. 3.80, children from 6 years - 16 years Fr. 1.90, infants under 6 years are always free. If the earlier departure takes place after 12 noon, the tourist tax will still be charged!
Vouchers
Are you looking for a suitable gift or do you want to give your loved ones a holiday in a simple way? Then ask us. We are sure we have something suitable.
Also during your stay with us in our holiday flat, you will find vouchers and/or discounts in cooperation with our local partners.
Wishes
As your hosts with personal contact, your wishes are fulfilled before they are expressed. Let us know if there is anything (more) we can do for you or if anything is missing.
…Questions?
Then contact us at info@schwalbennest.ch or call us on: 0041-(0)27-956 39 58