About us

Get to know the team and the history of Restaurant Des Alpes Interlaken

"
"

Our history

Plenty of space, flexible menus, and a team that knows how to make guests happy. Whether indoors or outdoors, relaxed or festive—we will ensure that your time together in Interlaken is unforgettable.

Our management-team

Stefan Bachofner

Chairman of the Board of Directors, shareholder

André Gribi

Delegate of the Board of Directors, shareholder

Ahmet Bicik

operations manager

The history of the sequoia tree at the Restaurant Des Alpes

The impressive sequoia tree near the Restaurant Des Alpes was planted in 1864 – in the midst of a period of forestry innovation. Later, the restaurant was deliberately built around this tree. Since then, it has not only shaped the appearance of the building, but has also become the heart of its identity: today, the tree is the Landmark in the logo des Restaurant Des Alpes.

Origin of the tree: Adolf von Greyerz and the beginnings

The history of this tree is closely linked to a remarkable personality: Adolf von Greyerz. In the year 1860 he was appointed head forester of Interlaken. Born in Gruyères in 1818, he was a well-traveled, progressive forestry expert and co-founder of the Swiss Forestry Association. Among experts, he was considered the “Gyro Gearloose.” forestry.”

In 1862, he established a commission to Acclimatization of foreign wood species. As part of this process, seeds and seedlings were imported from all over the world, including Giant sequoias. Several specimens were planted in Interlaken. Four of these trees still exist today: two on the casino grounds, one on Parkstrasse, and one near the Restaurant Des Alpes.

A tree under protection

As part of a later construction project, there were plans to cut down the tree near the Restaurant Des Alpes. But resistance was not long in coming: An interest group formed to save the tree – with success. Today, the tree still stands proudly in its place and is a symbol of commitment and closeness to nature.

A legacy

Adolf von Greyerz served in the Franco-Prussian War (1870/71), where he dealt with smallpox infizierte. After his return, he died in Interlaken in 1871 at the age of only 53. Many of the things that are so highly valued today Natural beauty in Interlaken are thanks to his foresight and commitment.

Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)

The tallest tree in the world!

A living natural wonder

The coastal redwood, scientifically known as Sequoia sempervirens is one of the most impressive plants in the world. As the tallest living tree on our planet, it reaches breathtaking heights of over 115 meters and can live for up to 2,200 years. This majestic plant, often considered a symbol of longevity and adaptability, is a masterpiece of nature native to the temperate rainforests of the Pacific coast of North America.

The coastal redwood is native to a unique, narrow coastal strip of northern California and southern Oregon. This habitat, which is approximately 750 kilometers long and up to 56 kilometers wide, offers ideal conditions for these giant trees.