guesthouse in Safiental
A Place to Feel at Home
Gasthaus Rathaus is more than just a place to stay — it’s a warm and welcoming home in the heart of Safiental.
Tradition Meets Comfort: Our guesthouse combines historic charm with modern amenities, offering a cozy retreat after a day of exploring the mountains.
Moments to Remember: Enjoy quiet moments in our common areas, share stories with fellow travelers, or simply relax with a good book and a view of the surrounding landscape.
Your Hosts
Melanie Holdener
Instinct – dedication – a sense of wellbeing
Melanie is a trained hospitality professional with extensive experience, a natural instinct for hospitality and a true passion for creating a place where guests feel at home.
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Norman Karl
From carpenter and architect to passionate chef
Norman originally a carpenter and architect, has found his true calling in the kitchen. He is passionate about honest, regional cuisine—prepared with care and a deep respect for craftsmanship.
The History of Gasthaus Rathaus
1481
The history of Gasthaus Rathaus begins in 1481, when the settler community built the municipal hall in Safien Platz. To this day, it is considered the oldest known town hall of all Walser settlements. Originally, the building served as a gathering place on feast days and as the venue for meetings of the valley court. It was leased to a local settler family, who were responsible not only for maintaining and heating the building, but also for ensuring order during official assemblies — a remarkable arrangement in such a remote Alpine farming community of the 15th century. Until the creation of the municipality of Safiental, the historic council chamber at Gasthaus Rathaus remained the political heart of the valley, serving as a place for meetings, negotiations, and local voting. The meadow in front of the building was traditionally the site of the Safien district’s Landsgemeinde — the historic open-air public assembly that forms part of Switzerland’s political heritage.
1514
In 1514, the town hall was sold, with one important condition: the council chamber had to remain permanently accessible for judicial proceedings and official deliberations. Over the decades and centuries that followed, the building passed through the hands of various owners.
1950
In 1950, the building was expanded with a new annex, which today houses the Gaststube and the event hall of Gasthaus Rathaus. Until the opening of the sports hall in Safien Platz in 2002, all municipal assemblies continued to take place in the historic council chamber.
2014
Until 2014, the Landsgemeinde held on the square in front of Gasthaus Rathaus remained one of the most important annual traditions in Safiental, before taking place for the final time. Today, Gasthaus Rathaus welcomes guests in a place where over five centuries of Safiental history continue to live on.