A newcomer at The Living Circle
Zurich, 4 December 2025
The Living Circle expands its portfolio and acquires Hotel Bergwelt Grindelwald The Living Circle is expanding its portfolio and will acquire Hotel Bergwelt Grindelwald from HRS Real Estate and the operating company from Swiss Design Collection by the end of November 2025. The operational handover is planned for autumn 2026 and will take place in close collaboration with the current operator.
With Hotel Bergwelt Grindelwald, The Living Circle adds a destination situated in one of Switzerland’s most impressive mountain regions. The boutique hotel opened four years ago and has since been successfully positioned and managed by Swiss Design Collection – most recently honored as “Hotel of the Year 2025” in the renowned SonntagsZeitung ranking by Karl Wild and Andrin Willi.
“Bergwelt has been a project close to our hearts that we – together with our outstanding team – have developed with great passion. We’ve demonstrated that alpine tradition and modern design are not contradictory, creating a resort that captures the spirit of the mountains while setting new standards for lifestyle, hospitality, and premium hotel experiences,” says Luzius Kuchen, co-founder and co-owner of Swiss Design Collection.
Patrik Scherrer, co-founder and co-owner of the current operating company, adds: “After a successful build-up phase and thanks to the great commitment of our team, the right time has come to hand over Bergwelt. We are pleased that The Living Circle, a Swiss family-owned company known for quality and heartfelt hospitality, will take over. Bergwelt Grindelwald will remain in good hands. Over the coming months, we will work closely together to ensure a well-coordinated and careful transition.”
Martin Kull, CEO and owner of property developer HRS Real Estate, which developed and realized the hotel, comments: “We are delighted that a Swiss company like The Living Circle will continue Bergwelt’s story. For us, this is the ideal moment to refocus on real estate development and new projects.”
With Bergwelt Grindelwald, The Living Circle is taking a strategic step into a region of great importance for the group. Chairman Jürg Schmid states: “Grindelwald is an international and forward-looking destination. With its design, atmosphere, and positioning, Bergwelt fits seamlessly into our group and ideally complements our properties in Zurich, Ticino, and the Jura.”
The importance for guests is also emphasized. CEO Marco Zanolari explains: “Our guests seek authentic, nature-connected places with character and soul. With Bergwelt, we can now offer them an unforgettable experience in the Bernese Oberland that perfectly embodies our philosophy of ‘luxury fed by nature.’ We are very much looking forward to this collaboration.”
All current employees of Bergwelt will be retained. Zanolari adds: “The success of Bergwelt Grindelwald is inseparable from its team. We are excited to get to know them and to shape the future of the hotel together.”
Until the operational handover in autumn 2026, Swiss Design Collection will continue to manage the property. Both companies will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition.