Tucked into the serene village of Vals amid the Swiss Alps’ timeless grandeur, Brücke 49 emerges as a retreat where tradition meets contemporary grace. This haven, shaped by owner Ruth Kramer, offers two distinct experiences: Brücke 49 Pension, a reimagined bed-and-breakfast, and Brücke 49 Herberge, semi-serviced apartments for longer stays. Together, they weave a tapestry of design, comfort, and Alpine beauty, inviting travelers to escape urban clamor, reconnect with nature, and savor a slower pace of life. It’s a place where stone and wood whisper history, and every detail tells a story of warmth and authenticity.

Ruth Kramer : Photo by Martin Kaufmann and courtesy of Brücke 49

Ruth Kramer, a Swiss native who spent 50 years in Denmark, brought Brücke 49 to life with a deep love for spaces that feel like home. “My journey into hospitality was driven by a love for beautiful spaces and meaningful experiences,” she says. Drawn to the idea of a retreat that blends Scandinavian simplicity with Swiss Alpine charm, she transformed two historic buildings into a sanctuary that resonates with understated luxury. The Pension, built between 1900 and 1902 by the Valser Furger family, boasts stone walls and Valser granite, its wooden floors and monumental roof slabs echoing a century of shelter. The Herberge, a “Valser Haus” from 1775, marries its rustic roots with modern elegance, a testament to Ruth’s vision of timeless design.

“My journey into hospitality was driven by a love for beautiful spaces and meaningful experiences—I’ve always been drawn to places that feel like a home away from home, where every detail tells a story.”
— Ruth Kramer, Owner

Since opening, Brücke 49 has evolved into more than a guesthouse—it’s a celebration of “slow living.” The Pension’s interiors, crafted with help from Danish architects, glow with Nordic warmth: soft textures, natural materials like wool and wood, and curated furniture that invites lingering. Each room feels intimate, a cozy nook where guests can unwind with a book by the window or sip tea as snow dusts the peaks outside. The Herberge, designed for families or extended stays, offers semi-serviced apartments that balance convenience and charm—think sleek kitchens alongside rustic beams, a space where new memories meld with the past. “We wanted to create an environment that feels warm, inviting, and visually harmonious,” Ruth explains.

Photo by Martin Kaufmann and courtesy of Brücke 49

The heart of Brücke 49 lies in its ability to feel both personal and expansive. The Pension’s refined elegance caters to solo travelers or couples seeking a quiet escape, while the Herberge’s generous layouts welcome families to settle in, cook together, and let the Alps become their backyard. Beyond the walls, Vals’ unspoiled beauty beckons—crisp mountain air, the murmur of the river, and vistas that stretch to jagged horizons. It’s a village untouched by mass tourism, where community ties run deep, and the famous thermal baths are just one of many treasures.

“Brücke 49 attracts travelers who appreciate aesthetics, tranquility, and a connection to nature—they come for the thermal baths, hiking, or simply to retreat from the fast pace of life, finding solace and inspiration here.”
— Ruth Kramer, Owner

Building a Dream

Transforming these historic structures was no easy task. Ruth faced the logistical hurdles of a remote mountain setting—sourcing materials, maintaining authenticity, and ensuring seamless service. Yet her passion for design and human connection fueled the effort. “Maintaining a balance between authenticity and operational excellence has been a learning experience,” she admits. The reward? A growing circle of guests—design lovers, nature seekers, slow travelers—who leave with stories of quiet mornings, shared laughter, and a renewed sense of peace.

THE ALLURE OF VALS

Vals is a world apart, a tranquil enclave cradled by the Alps. Beyond its renowned thermal baths, Ruth highlights local gems: Ganni B for artisanal coffee and pastries, the Michelin-starred Restaurant Silver at 7132 Hotel with its stunning views, and the Vals Cheese Dairy for a taste of tradition. Hiking to Tomülpass offers panoramic vistas, while a bracing dip in the ice-cold river—summer or winter—pairs perfectly with returning to Brücke 49’s cozy embrace. “It’s about slowing down, feeling at home, and immersing yourself in the beauty of Vals,” Ruth says.

A VISION IN DESIGN

Ruth’s touch is everywhere—her fusion of Scandinavian and Swiss influences creates a dialogue between past and present. Natural light floods the spaces, bouncing off pale woods and soft linens, while vintage pieces nod to the buildings’ histories. It’s a design that transcends trends, a living canvas where guests craft their own narratives—be it a solo retreat, a family gathering, or a romantic getaway. Looking ahead, Ruth aims to deepen the guest experience, perhaps with subtle enhancements that honor the property’s spirit, ensuring Brücke 49 remains a timeless retreat.

AN ALPINE INVITATION

Brücke 49 is more than a stay—it’s an odyssey into meaningful moments. Against the backdrop of the Alps’ majesty, it offers solitude’s serenity and the joy of togetherness, a place where design and nature dance in harmony. “It’s not just a place to stay; it’s an experience,” Ruth insists, and she’s right: whether you’re tracing the village’s quiet paths or sinking into the Pension’s plush calm, Brücke 49 beckons you to pause, breathe, and belong.

“It’s about slowing down, feeling at home, and immersing yourself in the beauty of Vals—we welcome guests who appreciate the little details and the tranquility of a thoughtfully designed space.”
— Ruth Kramer, Owner

RUTH’S FAVORITE RETREATS

Ruth shares her inspirations: Ett Hem in Stockholm for its warm luxury, a Swiss Sheed high in the mountains for its raw connection to nature, and Svinkløv Badehotel in Denmark, a family tradition blending solitude, beach, and community.