Interview

1) What was your impulse to build the Berglodge37?
Ruth: This heart project has been slumbering in us for a long time. Running an oasis in the mountains, where curious people can meet and inspire each other, is our common dream.

2) Why is the Berglodge37 being built in the Eggbergen?
Martin: Since 15 years we enjoy our “Mountain Hut” in the Eggbergen. We are fascinated not only by the great mountain landscape but also by the specific “Uri Groove” of the people: Sincere, honest, grounded and close to nature, are likeable characteristics of the people of the canton of Uri, which fit perfectly to the Berglodge37.

The Eggberge are car-free and easy to reach by car (to the valley station of the aerial cableway) and public transport system.

3) What are your plans with the Berglodge37?
Martin: Since 15 years we enjoy our “Mountain Cabin” in the Eggbergen. We are fascinated not only by the great mountain landscape but also by the specific “Uri Groove” of the people: Sincere, honest, grounded and close to nature, are likeable characteristics of the people of the canton of Uri, which fit perfectly to the Berglodge37.

The Eggberge are car-free and easy to reach by car (to the valley station of the aerial cableway) and public transport system.

Ruth: Sustainability starts in the head and heart, not just on paper. “Live your nature” is our vision – for us as well as for our guests.

4) What can guests of Berglodge37 experience?
Martin: What makes us unique is certainly that the guests can optimally combine a time out with an exciting practical workshop. We want our seminar participants to have at least 2 hours per day to themselves – ideally in the open nature of the Eggberge. So the term « Experiensar » (Experience and seminar)” is probably more appropriate than « seminars » for our holistic offer. We are also happy when our guests tell each other about their « wow-moments » in front of the fireplace in the evening which they might not have thought possible 24 hours before. Authenticity is very important to us! Every guest should be themselves – regardless of their professional or private background.

Ruth: We meet on equal terms and live the «both and»  idea rather than a «black and white» mind set. Like a butterfly, every person is in a process of development. It is a matter of concern to us to be able to accompany people in this process.

5) Why did you choose vegetarian food?
Ruth: I have been vegetarian for many years and feel more vital since then. Certainly ethical values still play a role for me, such as humility towards nature and wildlife. We want our guests to enjoy and experience healthy, creative vegetarian dishes cooked with love.

Martin: I describe myself as a « flexitarian » who also enjoys a piece of meat now and then – preferably from the local region – to the full. Ultimately, halving the consumption of meat on our planet would be one of the biggest levers to achieve sustainability goals in terms of water scarcity, CO2 reduction, deforestation of rainforests, as well as other aspects. The vegetarian approach fits perfectly with the philosophy of Berglodge37. With an estimated 5000 pure vegetarian dishes per year, we will make an important contribution in the field of sustainability.

6) In which other areas is the focus on sustainability?
Martin:

We have placed the issue of sustainability in the foreground during construction and future operation. We looked for and continue to look for regional partners wherever possible. This is also reflected in the choice of employees. Most of them come from the region.

During the construction of the Berglodge37, a lot of regional «moon wood» was used, wood felled during the waning moon. This wood has, even according to an ETH study, demonstrably various positive properties such as better stability, better durability, fire resistance, hardness as well as resistance to pests. The wood is denser and more resistant to pressure and causes lower maintenance costs. All the wood used for the construction comes from Switzerland and has an excellent eco-balance.

The house is heated by means of geothermal probes. We are implementing a continuous improvement process in the future operation of the lodge.

All this is exemplary from a sustainable as well as economic point of view.

7) What is your role in the Berglodge37?
Martin: As initiators, we are actively involved in setting up and running Berglodge37. Especially in the selection of our employees and workshop leaders, it is important to us that everyone shares the same values. We will also have a say in the design of our own seminar program.

In addition to the seminars, we would like to hold entrepreneurial and research days, we want to promote interdisciplinary exchange and diversity among forward thinkers and boundary thinkers. In this way, we would also like to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurship.

Ruth: Ultimately, we are hosts and look forward to a colorful crowd of guests – whether seminar participants or individual guests. Everyone sits at long tables in the evening and enjoys being together over an excellent dinner.