Mr Siegenthaler, as director of the Hotel Aare Thun, what activities would you recommend to guests staying at your hotel?

In my view, the Lake Thun region, with its nearby mountains, is one of the most beautiful areas in Switzerland. The wide range of activities on offer – whether in the great outdoors or in the fields of sport and culture – is truly unique. With its central location, the Hotel Aare Thun is the ideal base from which to explore the region.

What makes the Hotel Aare Thun special?

The Hotel Aare Thun is characterised by a picturesque, sophisticated and maritime atmosphere, making it the perfect venue for those who wish to be pampered in a refined setting. We have 60 rooms across four categories. A total of 40 staff members look after the well-being of our guests in the hotel and the adjoining Freienhof restaurant. On the roof of our hotel, a sun terrace offers an exclusive view of the River Aare, Lake Thun and the unique mountain landscape.

Until its reopening last year, the Hotel Aare Thun had been known as the ‘Freienhof’ for centuries. What prompted the name change?

The history of the ‘Freienhof’ actually dates back to the 12th century. Even today, the restaurant remains very popular in the region and is regarded as a convivial meeting place for the people of Thun. Guests staying with us are largely unaware of this history. With the new name Hotel Aare Thun, we can convey even more effectively to our guests from Switzerland and, in particular, from abroad that our hotel in Thun is situated on a river. It went without saying to us that the name ‘Freienhof’ would be retained for the restaurant.

What were your objectives in renovating the hotel and restaurant?

The refurbishment lays the foundations for a solid future for the company. Feedback from our guests confirms this view: the design of the rooms and the interior architecture have been well received. The curved elements, combined with the furniture and the layout of the corridors and public spaces, are reminiscent of a ship. Coupled with our idyllic location on the Aare island in the heart of Thun, the restaurant and hotel are true oases where guests can relax and enjoy themselves.

What proportion of the joinery work carried out by GLAESER is in the rooms, the public areas, the restaurant and the seminar rooms?

The high-quality materials, perfectly coordinated in colour, create an elegant and modern impression. The elements blend beautifully into the overall design and perfectly complement the interior design concept. In my opinion, the reception desk is particularly successful: the craftsmanship and appearance of this element create a warm welcome for our guests.

How did this collaboration come about?

We deliberately chose to work with GLAESER over our competitors for this project. Even in the run-up to the project, the company impressed us with its reliability and the quality of its work. During the implementation phase, the staff showed great passion and dedication, thereby confirming our positive impression of GLAESER.