Unique culinary experiences in Eastern Switzerland
From three-star restaurants to regional wineries and innovative farms
Eastern Switzerland is a paradise for gourmets. Not least thanks to tourism, which brought culinary impulses from abroad and gourmets from all over the world to Switzerland as early as the 18th century. Take Bad Ragaz in St. Gallen, for example, which has been known as a sophisticated spa resort since the 19th century and is now once again home to one of the few three-star restaurants in Switzerland. But tradition alone cannot explain this, it is always people who create great things: committed personalities with vision and creativity, restaurateurs such as Graubünden three-star chef Andreas Caminada of the IGNIV in Bad Ragaz.
Urchiger Stall 247
Taverna Stall 247 offers uncomplicated access to wines from Graubünden in combination with regional dishes. From May, the converted former cowshed in the village center of Maienfeld - 10 minutes from the train station - will once again serve wine five days a week, including Sundays. As part of the "Herrschaftlich: Geniessen & Schlafen" project, Stall 247 will also become a new point of contact for guests staying in rooms scattered across several locations in the region. The innovative hotel project makes use of existing properties: vacation apartments, rooms or even entire houses. High above the vineyards, up to 14 people can also hold meetings in the new Torkel at Salenegg Castle and enjoy an all-round service for one-day seminars.
How to get there: by IR Aare Linth to Landquart, by S12 or bus 22 to Maienfeld
Creative IGNIV
At IGNIV, excellent products are used to create very special culinary experiences. The concept of this stylish restaurant, which is located in a historic vault of the "Grand Resort Bad Ragaz", comes from top chef Andreas Caminada. "IGNIV" is Rhaeto-Romanic and means "nest". And - nomen est omen - IGNIV is all about well-being, sharing and communal enjoyment. The usual menu courses are deliberately not served. Instead, various sharing courses are served with matching wines. Each course of the menu consists of several small dishes that are ideal for sharing. This makes IGNIV a place for the senses, where the focus is on sharing culinary delights, enjoyment and time together. The elaborate, creative cuisine and the communal experience are inspiring.
How to get there: with the IR Aare Linth to Bad Ragaz
Währschaftes Restaurant Schlüssel
The Restaurant Schlüssel in Mels is an institution. Since 1974, the family business has stood for exquisite gastronomy, which gourmet chef Roger Kalberer creatively continues. Restaurant Schlüssel in Mels demonstrates that tradition and modernity need not be a contradiction in terms when it comes to cuisine. Roger Kalberer interprets classic dishes in a bold and creative way in the historic patrician house dating back to 1811. Deeply rooted in his homeland, he serves his guests regional and seasonal dishes in the Schlüssel with a fresh and light culinary signature. There are various dining rooms to choose from at the Schlüssel. In the elegant gourmet restaurant Nidbergstube, "Schlüssel" classics such as the legendary veal patties are served. The restaurant is named after the Nidberg in the village, where wine has been grown since the 15th century. The bistro, the "Schlüsselstube" and, from early summer to fall, the garden restaurant are also excellent places to dine, and offer excellent value for money.
How to get there: take the IR Aare Linth to Walenstadt, take the S17 to Mels
Culinary ships
Discover the deep blue Swiss fjord, as Lake Walen is also known. In March 2024, Schiffsbetriebe Walensee added another modern and versatile ship to its fleet. The ship will be used as an event and course ship. It has its own galley, which enables an expanded culinary offering on Lake Walen. You can look forward to an even greater selection of culinary delights. The popular, regular gourmet cruises (Raclette boat, Fondue-Chinoise boat and Brunch boat) will be supplemented and expanded.
Arrival: with the IR Aare Linth to Walenstadt
Highland cattle and saffron
The Bündner Herrschaft is not only a wine-growing region, Jürg Adank also has saffron in bloom in the fall and happy highland cattle graze outdoors for half the year. In the small region of great wines, as the Bündner Herrschaft is also known, innovation and the pursuit of the highest quality are part of its identity. More than ten years ago, Adanks in Fläsch switched from traditional sheep farming to Scottish Highland cattle. Due to their frugality, the animals grow more slowly, the meat becomes finely fibrous and the taste more intense. Adank markets the meat directly to private individuals and the food service industry. In 2017, the innovative farmers in Fläsch also planted saffron tubers for the first time. In the fall, when the warm foehn days arrive, thousands of flowers push up through the earth's crust every day. They open as soon as the sun shines on them. Once the dew has dried, the flowers are harvested by hand, dried and sold online via a partner.
How to get there: by IR Aare Linth to Bad Ragaz, by S12 to Maienfeld, by bus 22 to Fläsch
Verjus and vinegar from the castle
Wine and fruit have been grown at Salenegg Castle since 1068. It is considered the oldest winery in Europe. Since the 17th century, the knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation in the same family. All products from Schloss Salenegg - wine as well as distillates, delicatessen vinegar and cold-pressed oil - are cultivated and matured naturally. The winery produces a large selection of wines and brandies as well as excellent vinegars and verjus. More than 18 different fine vinegars are offered in the online store. There is also verjus - the name comes from the French "vert jus", green juice. And that describes quite well what verjus is. Verjus is pressed from green grapes. Verjus is particularly popular in fine cuisine, as it serves as a mild vinegar or lemon substitute.
How to get there: by IR Aare Linth to Landquart, by S12 or bus 22 to Maienfeld
Discover Graubünden wines in the Torkel
70% Pinot Noir is grown in the Bündner Herrschaft, but 42 other exciting grape varieties are also cultivated. For the team at the Alter Torkel in Jenins, there is nothing better than showing guests the latest wine discoveries from Graubünden on site. You can also have the Graubünden wines conveniently delivered to your home. The Alte Torkel wine shop regularly puts together lists of special wines and assorted wine boxes. They can be taken away directly during a visit. Wines can also be delivered to your home on request by e-mail. Access to the Alte Torkel's wine archive is provided by an online store in which the favorite winegrowers of the Bündner Herrschaft are listed by village. Here, you can sometimes find gems that have long been sold out elsewhere.
How to get there: by IR Aare Linth to Landquart, by bus 22 to Jenins
