Geniesser Geheimtipp Bad Bubendorf

A historic building with a modern extension, a Michelin-starred chef with character and a region that was previously unknown to me – three good reasons to take a trip to Bad Bubendorf. And this despite the fact that the Hotel Bad Bubendorf is actually not a classic weekend hotel, but has successfully positioned itself as a seminar hotel thanks to its well-developed location in the greater Basel area. It’s just a pity that all the busy business travelers don’t get to really enjoy the beautiful landscape all around. That’s exactly what the weekend is for.

At just under an hour, the train ride from Zurich to Bad Bubendorf offers just enough time to leave everyday office life behind. In Liestal we change to the Waldenburgerbahn, which chugs leisurely through the valley of the same name. In the past, the direct route from the Swiss Plateau to Basel led past here via the Hauenstein. I don’t know whether the tiny, wood-roofed station house at Bubendorf station also experienced these times – the stately building opposite was destined for it. In 1641, Bad Bubendorf was first mentioned in a document and in 1830 the rural population of Basel laid the foundation stone for the half-canton of Baselland in the Wirtschaft zum Bott. Even today, the restaurant on the ground floor of the historic building of the Hotel Bad Bubendorf is a popular meeting place for locals and guests alike.

Three stars “deluxe”

In recent years, a lot has been invested in Bad Bubendorf. The modern extension is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and in 2012 the rooms in the historic part of the building were completely renovated. Both in the exterior design and in the design of the rooms, the bridge between old and new has been skilfully drawn. The result is impressive: the Hotel Bad Bubendorf presents itself as a casual three-star superior hotel, which can easily keep up with some higher-ranked hotels in terms of service and style. The only thing you won’t find here is a wellness area. Although the spring that led to the founding of the spa business has not dried up, the old bathhouses and vats have disappeared. Instead, there are two spa suites with their own sauna and whirlpool in the new building – perfect for a romantic break for two. For those who are less interested in relaxation and more in actively discovering the beautiful region right on the hotel’s doorstep, I recommend the newly designed “Charming” rooms in the historic part of the building. We immediately felt at home here.

Clear handwriting: Osteria TRE

Throughout the hotel, the history of the house accompanies us in the form of oversized letters that continue from floor to floor. The aperitif meeting point – and well filled on Friday evening – is the bar-lounge area. But be careful! Don’t get hung up on the tempting tapas and miss the real highlight of the evening.

Just opposite the bar, in the Osterie TRE, you will be spoiled by star chef Flavio Fermi. And that alone is reason enough for a trip to Bad Bubendorf. Five years ago, he took over the kitchen sceptre and, as a half-Italian (his father is originally from Emilia-Romagna), dedicated himself to the Italian gourmet experience. He already inspires me with the bread basket including three homemade spreads, which are so good that I have to hold back – after all, there is still something “real” to follow. And that starts with Fermi’s latest version of vitello tonata – tuna with deep-fried veal milk. “Because I think veal milk is awesome,” he later answers my question about how he comes up with such ideas with a broad grin. A classic in his kitchen are the agnolotti – interpreted differently depending on the season and for the main course he convinces me with a brasato and entrecôte combination. You should also try the cantucci served with espresso – at least they are also one of Flavio Fermi’s favorites. Anyone who cooks up 16 Gault-Millau points and a Michelin star with such ease will also find time to write a 230-page book. In “Too Little Parmesan” he gives an insight into the time of his wandering years before he dropped anchor at Osteria TRE.

Und während Flavio Fermi mehrheitlich hinter den Kulissen wirkt, übernehmen die Kollegen von Serviceteam gekonnt die Führung durch den kulinarischen Abend. Wer sich gerne überraschen lässt, der wählt zum Surpise Menü die Weinbegleitung. Ganz nach unserem Gusto. Und diesem fulminanten Menu sind wir froh, dass sich unser Bett direkt zwei Stockwerke über der Osteria TRE befindet.

Blueschtwanderung im Baselbiet: Bubendorf – Lampenberg

Am nächsten Morgen sind wir die Ersten am Frühstücksbuffet. Das Wetter lockt draussen nach den Frosttagen mit herrlichem Sonnenschein. Das Schöne am Hotel Bad Bubendorf ist, dass direkt vor der Türe unzählige Wanderwegkilometer (und schöne Velorouten) beginnen. Und so zotteln wir nach einem zünftigen Frühstück fröhlich los. Wir haben uns eine Rundwanderung über den Murenberg zum Schloss Wildenstein und dann via Lampenberg zurück ins Tal entschieden. Die vielen eingestreuten Hochstammbäume unterwegs bilden während der Blütezeit tolle Fotomotive. Wir hatten insofern Pech, dass die kalten Frostnächte der letzten Woche, vieles «Zerstörten». Dennoch entdeckten wir unterwegs noch vereinzelt blühende Obstbäume. Aber auch ohne reihenweise Kirschbäume in vollster Blütenpracht, bietet der Wanderweg genügend Fotomotive und schöne Panoramablicke über das hügelige Baselbiet. Beim Schloss Wildenstein lohnt sich zudem der Abstecher ins Tobel hinab zum idyllisch gelegenen Sormattfall.

Insgesamt eine gemütliche, knapp vierstündige Rundwanderung mit rund 380 m Höhendifferenz.

Weitere Tipps für einen Wochenendausflug ins Hotel Bad Bubendorf

• Für uns glücklichen unter 30-jährigen bietet das Hotel Bad Bubendorf ein U30 Special. Preis pro Gast und Übernachtung ab 204 CHF inkl. Nachtessen in der Osteria TRE
• Für alle, die die “3” bereits seit kürzerem oder längerem am Rücken tragen, gibt es das Golden Years Special ab 307 CHF (inkl. Gourmetmenü in der Osteria TRE und Eintritt in die Fondation Beyeler)
• An klaren Tagen lohnt sich ein Ausflug mit der Seilbahn ab Reigoldswil auf die Wasserfallen
• Weitere Tipps für Blueschtwanderungen und -rundfahrten findet ihr bei Baselland Tourismus
• Und falls ihr einen Regentag erwischt, dann seid ihr in weniger als einen halben Stunde mitten in Basel. Tipps für die Rheinstadt findet ihr hier

Hinweis: Wir wurden vom Hotel Bad Bubendorf zu diesem Aufenthalt eingeladen. Wie immer sind alle Eindrücke / Meinungen die unseren.

Merken