The perfect place to slow down: our time out in the “Spycher”

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Two and a half years have passed since we explored the Napf area on foot and pitched our tents in secluded places. Camps that can be found on Nomady, a Swiss booking platform for camping and nature-based accommodation. A hiking experience that we remember fondly. That’s why we didn’t hesitate for a second when Nomady asked us this fall whether we would like to test an offer from the growing “Accommodation” category. This decision gave us a wonderfully relaxing weekend high above Lake Sarnen.  

Special accommodations for a break in nature

Tipi, trailers, tiny houses and old spychers; all special accommodations that can be found on Nomady. The platform, founded in 2019, has continuously expanded its portfolio in recent years. In addition to pitches for campers and tent pitches with private hosts, the platform now offers over 100 special accommodations. What I like about Nomady is that the platform strives to create direct contact between hosts and people looking for a simple place close to nature. Through this commitment, Nomady supports sustainable tourism with local added value.

At Nomady, the camps can be searched by accommodation type, region or specific features. Thanks to a practical map overview, you can quickly get an overview of the approximate location of the camps and the booking costs. For each accommodation there is a short description and an overview of the available facilities and the activities in the area. You will find out the exact location as soon as a booking request is made.

The platform is user-friendly and clearly designed. One possibility for improvement would be to expand the information on the equipment elements in the accommodations. Our chosen camp is remote and since we are known to be on foot, I felt the need to find out in advance what I should pack in my backpack.

The cozy Spycher with a view of Lake Sarnen

First things first! Our choice fell on the cozy Spycher house on Luzia and David’s mountain farm high above Lake Sarnen. Among other things, I chose this accommodation because it is located in the middle of a wild and extensive hiking area below the Glaubeberg Pass. It takes about 45 minutes to the next bus stop and about an hour on foot to the center of Giswil – the attribute “close to nature” definitely applies here. The three-story Spycher is right next to the main building. The lowest floor is used by the hosts as a workshop, while the two upper floors serve as a kitchen-living room and bedroom. Heating is provided by a Swedish stove. The guest toilet and shower are in the hallway of the main building.

The Spycher is simple but lovingly equipped. All the basics are available in the kitchen, including fondue caquelon with fuel paste, ground coffee for the bialetti and various spices. Upon request and depending on availability, Luzia and David also offer seasonal vegetables or apples for purchase. A perfect refuge to allow yourself a conscious break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – something that was very good for me between all the long and work-intensive November days.

Our decelerating weekend at Spycher

Wherein; At first I didn’t want to be so relaxed about it. The location of the mountain farm seemed predestined for long hikes through the red-gold autumn forests. But most of these fell victim to the November rain. So our weekend at Spycher turned out to be even more decelerating than originally expected.

We reached the mountain farm on Friday evening just before dusk; eyed curiously by the two donkeys that belong to the farm. Host Luzia had fired up the Swedish stove shortly before our arrival and so we were welcomed into the Spycher by a pleasant warmth. After a short tour together, we unpack the supplies we brought with us from our backpacks. On the way there we made a stopover in Lucerne and stocked up on regional products in the local market hall. We use some of it to make a delicious plate for dinner.

The first thing I see the next morning is through the bedroom window to the sugar-covered peaks on the opposite side of the valley. There is still no sign of the announced rain front far and wide. Instead, a few warming rays of sunshine sweeten our morning coffee. We use the dry time window to clear our heads with a walk through the surrounding pastures and admire the wonderful panorama.

It doesn’t stay dry for long. With the rain setting in, we make ourselves comfortable inside and spend the rest of the afternoon reading on the sofa. Sometimes less is more.

This also applies to dinner. I had also bought the spicy fondue mixture in the market hall the day before. A culinary end to the day that perfectly matches the weather and the cozy atmosphere.  

This is what you can do around the Spycher

Forest bathing, walking, hiking, biking, watching animals – Luzia and David will be happy to provide you with the tips that are right for you. We combined the detour to Spycher with shorter hikes both on the way there and on the way back. Since the exact location of the accommodation can only be seen after the booking request, I don’t want to share any GPX tracks at this point. You are welcome to contact me by email if you would like to know which hiking trails and forest paths are the best way to reach the Spycher high above Lake Sarnen.

Practical tips for a relaxing weekend in nature

• You can find the details about Spycher on Lake Sarnen on Nomady under this link: Spycher – panoramic view of Lake Sarnen
• The Spycher can also be booked in winter. The overnight price starts at 85 CHF (per night for two people). Under the tab «Arrival & Departure» you will find the available dates
• The Spycher provides bed linen and terry towels and the kitchen is equipped with the most important basics.
• In some accommodations you can purchase products directly on site (farm shop). For other accommodations you have to bring your own provisions. Please note that some accommodations are very remote and you can’t get to the nearest shop quickly (at least not if you travel by public transport/on foot).
• Would you like to treat someone to a nature break? On Nomady you can not only book overnight accommodations, but also buy gift vouchers. li>