A story that connects

Following extensive modernization in 2023 and 2024, the Solbadhotel in Sigriswil has undergone a remarkable transformation and now shines in new splendour. The gastronomic areas were also expanded. The core project of the renovations was the extensive conversion of the kitchen. Space and work processes were optimized by converting rooms. A contemporary workplace was created for the kitchen brigade with the latest generation of cooking equipment.

Peter Hauenstein went into well-deserved retirement in October 2023 but will remain with the company as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

In November 2020, Peter Hauenstein entrusted the operational management of the entire Hauenstein Group (including Hauenstein Hotels) to his twin daughters Andrea and Nathalie Hauenstein, as well as long-time employee and managing director of Hauenstein Immobilien AG, Daniel Eschmann. The group remains entirely family-owned. Peter Hauenstein will continue to serve as a project manager and consultant, dedicating 50% of his time until 2022 to facilitate the transfer of knowledge.

The multi-million renovation of the Belvédère Strandhotel started in September 2019. A terraced extension was added in two phases, the seminar wing was revamped, and 24 modern hotel rooms were designed. The costs reached the lower double-digit millions.

Nathalie Hauenstein entered the company as Vice Director before advancing to General Manager of Hauenstein Hotels. The partnership within the hotel group aims to be built and reinforced, focusing on the optimal use of synergies and ensuring the continued advancement of the Hauenstein Group's hotel and restaurant offerings.

The Deltapark Vitalresort in Gwatt was completed and officially opened 8 years after acquisition of the land. The investment sum is in the upper two-digit million range.

In 2008, Peter Hauenstein acquired the Gwatt Centre with 86,000 m² of land on Lake Thun and developed it into today's Deltapark Vitalresort with lakeside villas and lagoon.

After Walter Hauenstein passed away in 2005, his sons Urs and Peter Hauenstein continued the family businesses. Urs Hauenstein took over the Hotel Krone and later bought the Hotel Restaurant Schützen in Steffisburg. These establishments remain tied to today's Hauenstein Hotels through their purchasing organization. The Belvédère Strandhotel, the Solbadhotel, the Schönberg Clinic, and the Grizzlybär Adventure Land stayed under the management of Peter Hauenstein and Hauenstein Invest AG.

In 2001, W. Hauenstein Immobilien AG acquired the entire Hohmad Park site.

The old farmhouse in the heart of the site was completely renovated and converted into a restaurant by Hauenstein Immobilien AG (formerly WHI AG). Many parts of the original building from 1810 were preserved, creating a wonderful mix of modernity and tradition: today's Restaurant Burehuus.

In 1998, W. Hauenstein Immobilien AG acquired the Solbadhotel in Sigrisiwil, which has been successfully managed by the Wicki family since 2000.

In 1997, W. Hauenstein Immobilien AG took over the Belvédère Strandhotel, which was no longer needed by the Swiss Master Butcher's Association after the construction of their own training facilities. The necessary investments were made and the hotel was reopened in 1998. Mr. Walter Hauenstein hires external directors to run his business - who are always able to count on his goodwill and support when investments are required.

The Grizzlybär Country Inn, rich in history, was acquired by W. Hauenstein Immobilien AG from the Berner Kantonal Bank after a series of bankruptcies. The country inn's history dates back to 1899. You can discover more about the history of the current Grizzly Bear Adventure Land here.

In 1968, Walter Hauenstein acquired the Hotel Krone in Thun - marking the beginning of today's Hauenstein Hotel group. The official Hauenstein Hotel brand was first created in 1998.