Since returning to Switzerland, we’ve made it our goal to continue exploring the idea of sustainable travel. We came across a hidden gem for travelers seeking a sustainable and authentic experience in the Swiss Alps - introducing the Safien Valley. Come with us as we explore this unspoiled region home to picturesque villages, rich cultural heritage, pristine nature and so much more.
Modern Makeover - Converted Barn Holiday Home
What first drew us to the region was the accommodation options. We found this particular holiday rental, made from a refurbished barn dating back to the 1880s. The original structure housed the family goats for over a hundred years until it was renovated into a modern two-bedroom holiday home. This cozy chalet has all the amenities from home, including traditional wooden sleds and even a self-serve shop of local, organic cheeses, eggs, and other farm-fresh foods. One of our favorite perks of staying at family-owned accommodations is the chance to talk and learn from the locals.
Skiing The World's First Solar Ski Lift
Located high in the Safien Valley, the village of Tenna is home to the world’s first solar-powered ski lift. This ‘small but mighty’ lift has been in operation since 2011. Each year, the ski lift produces four times the amount needed to run the lift, selling the remaining clean and renewable energy back to the grid.
In our family, we enjoy having conversations about sustainability, and our girls have learned a lot about solar energy over the last few years living in our self-contained bus. This lift was another example of a sustainable solution in action.
Eye-to-eye With The Elusive Ibex
We’ve been spoiled with countless wildlife sightings over the last few years after spending so much time exploring the North American wilderness. Even though Switzerland is home to incredible nature, opportunities to observe wildlife are rare. So we were surprised one morning while out for a drive to spot a large male ibex, right across from us above the cliff, feasting away on some exposed grass. We later learned that the region is home to a healthy population of ibex and felt very lucky to have been able to spot one so close.
Lessons For The Future
We stopped into a local restaurant for lunch one day and were pleasantly surprised to find that all menu items were made from local, organic ingredients. While waiting for our delicious "käsespätzle" to arrive, we enjoyed sifting through some of the restaurant's books featuring the valley's history. It was fascinating to see the black-and-white photographs depicting how people lived in these villages generations ago and how much has changed since then.
It was so inspiring to spend quality time together in this peaceful valley and to see examples of communities working together toward responsible and sustainable tourism. It was a great conversation starter for our kids to think about the impact of our actions, how future generations will look back on our time, and how we can make positive choices for the future.
To learn more about the Safien Valley, click here.
