LOOK INTO THEIR HEARTS

We thought that you might want to know a bit more about us as your hosts and the whole Stäfeli family. Because behind every smile, every lovingly laid breakfast table and every ‘welcome’ there is a person with a story.
With our little friends-book-questions, we want to share these stories – honestly, warmly and sometimes with a wink.

Here you can take a deeper look into the heart of the Stäfeli family.

Gitti Birk

Zodiac sign: Sagittarius

Where to find you at Stäfeli?
As often as possible at the reception desk or at breakfast – otherwise anywhere in the house – in the evening you find me in the kitchen.

Which book, song or film has been inspiring you for a long time?

Books are my passion – at the moment I am reading ‘Die Passantin’ by Nina George, ‘Du musst meine Hand fester halten’ by Susanne Abel and ‘Mormor danset i regnet - when grandma danced in the rain’ by Trude Teige. But when I want to relax, I prefer to leaf through cookbooks.

If your day were a fragrance, what would it smell like?

Like herbs from our garden – especially rosemary in the kitchen, lightly sautéed, which I love – or the scent of grapefruit, which represents happiness, joy and sunshine. Incidentally, both of these ingredients are also found in one of our organic hand oils, which you can find at the reception.

What does happiness mean to you?

I am happy. Family, health, trust and contentment are important to me. As is a fulfilling career – in my case, as a hostess – which I love, even though it is very demanding and challenging. I am also happy about our daughter Stephanie and her partner Thomas, who are embarking on the adventure of the hotel business and taking over the Stäfeli. Recently, of course, our granddaughter Ida Josefina has become the centre of our lives and makes Heinz and me overjoyed.

If you were a mountain, a dish or a feeling, which would it be?

I would be the Omeshorn – an imposing mountain that watches over the entire village and gives us its strength, its shade, but also its beautiful sunny sides in every season.

Your favourite quote:

‘The courage to try new things lightens your heart and makes you happy.’

A single moment of pleasure at Stäfeli – what would that be for you?

That's really difficult, because breakfast, afternoon snacks and dinner at the Achtele are all special moments. But since I put a lot of thought into putting together the breakfast menu, I'll choose that.

What do you wish for guests at Stäfeli with all your heart?

To arrive and consciously enjoy time together with their loved ones or simply on their own. To enjoy the uncomplicated hospitality and cosiness of Stäfeli. To grab a book or a game of the house and just hang out. To recharge their batteries and regain energy for everyday life. Simply to be happy here and, of course, to come back to Stäfeli again and again.

Heinz Birk

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Where to find you at Stäfeli?
Everywhere, really, but especially in the kitchen. I'm usually there in the afternoon, making preparations for the evening service. Together with my daughter Stephanie, I prepare "Käsknöpfle" on the old grandmother's stove in the ZeitRaum for theme nights – a real family highlight. I also run a wine business, which still keeps me very busy, but also gives me great pleasure. In addition, I take care of all the pool technology and water cleanliness, which also requires a lot of time and attention.

Which book, song or film has been inspiring you for a long time?
I am a big fan of Sebastian Fitzek and have certainly read most of his books. I used to love the films starring Bud Spencer and Terence Hill – they always had me in stitches. At the moment, I love watching Formula 1 – it's guaranteed to be exciting.

If your day were a fragrance, what would it smell like?

Like snow. This scent has something very special for me: fresh, clear and almost magical – it reminds me of winter days full of peace and special moments.

What does happiness mean to you?

For me, happiness means above all good health, time with my family and, of course, moments with our little granddaughter Ida Josefina. The time we spend together is priceless to me.

If you were a mountain, a dish or a feeling, which would it be?

As a dish, I would be veal liver – classic, strong in flavour and prepared with love.

Your favourite quote:

‘No day has enough time, but every day we should make time.’

A single moment of pleasure at Stäfeli – what would that be for you?

A quiet moment in the swimming pool – swimming a few laps, enjoying the peace and quiet and leaving everyday life behind. For me, that's pure relaxation, recharging my batteries and a little moment of luxury at Stäfeli.

What do you wish for guests at Stäfeli with all your heart?

I hope our guests enjoy their time at Stäfeli to the fullest, find peace and happiness. May they consciously experience the small and big moments, recharge their batteries and go home with a smile in their hearts.

Steffi Birk

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Where to find you at Stäfeli?
Our guests notice it immediately upon arrival: I can mainly be found at the reception. Recently, however, I have also been spending a lot of time with our daughter Ida Josefina, being well represented by our Stäfeli team. Of course, I also help out wherever help is needed. B the way, we also speak fluent English and French at Stäfeli – a service that always delights our international guests.

Which book, song or film has been inspiring you for a long time?

I have always enjoyed reading and read a lot. As a new mum, I have had to put my books aside for a while, but slowly I am finding opportunities here and there to enjoy a good book again. A song that has definitely been with me for a while now is ‘Schena Mensch’ by Folkshilfe. This song was a surprise at our daughter's baptism and it was a truly heart-warming moment. My favourite film – especially at Christmas time – is ‘The Holiday’. It's funny, uncomplicated and yet touching. 

If your day were a fragrance, what would it smell like?

Definitely lavender – this scent calms me, gives me a feeling of home and is simply pure joy for me. 

What does happiness mean to you?

Spending time with my family and friends – no matter where or how.

If you were a mountain, a dish or a feeling, which would it be?

I would be the Roggelskopf in the Zuger valley. It's a truly impressive mountain with a fantastic view of the valley towards Vorarlberg. The route there is varied and adventurous – just like life is.

Your favourite quote:

‘The little things in life are often the greatest gifts.’

A single moment of pleasure at Stäfeli – what would that be for you?

Definitely the Käsknöpfle evening at ZeitRaum and our winter garden.
I find this evening so informal and uncomplicated, yet it is still a culinary highlight. The candy bar at the end of the evening provides the perfect sweet end to the day.

What do you wish for guests at Stäfeli with all your heart?

I wish for our guests to experience moments of genuine relaxation at Stäfeli – moments in which they can take a deep breath, enjoy themselves and simply be. I hope they look back on their stay with a smile and perhaps even take a little piece of that Stäfeli feeling with them back home.

Thomas Krichbaum

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Where to find you at Stäfeli?
You will mainly find me serving at the Achtele wine restaurant and during the day at the reception. I also occasionally help with parking cars or handyman tasks – I am happy to help wherever support is needed - or whatever Steffi asks me to do ;)

Which book, song or film has been inspiring you for a long time?

I am more of a film fan than a reader and have been passionate about Star Wars for a long time. The epic stories and thirst for adventure fascinated me even as a teenager and still evoke memories of light-hearted hours full of curiosity and imagination.

If your day were a fragrance, what would it smell like?

My day would smell like the forest: light wood notes, fir tree tops, moss, resin and pine cones. A fragrance that radiates freshness, tranquillity and a connection to nature – just the way I like it.

What does happiness mean to you?

For me, happiness means spending time with the people I love – whether family, friends, colleagues or our little daughter Ida Josefina. Spending time together outdoors in nature, playing, exploring or going for walks with her are particularly precious to me. It is these moments, the laughter, the conversations and also the quiet moments in nature that make life worth living.

If you were a mountain, a dish or a feeling, which would it be?

As a feeling, I would be freedom – that indescribable feeling you get when you stand on a summit and the world lies at your feet.

Your favourite quote:

‘Those who love the mountains find peace, freedom and themselves in them.’

A single moment of pleasure in Stäfeli – what would that be for you?

A moment outdoors in nature, when I can admire the clear starry sky above Stäfeli. The vastness, tranquillity and twinkling stars create a moment of pure relaxation and bliss for me.

What do you wish for guests at Stäfeli with all your heart?

I wish all guests that they consciously enjoy their time at Stäfeli, recharge their batteries and experience nature to the fullest. May they discover small joys, draw new energy and go home with a smile in their hearts.

Ida Josefina

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Ida Josefina, born in January 2025, brings joy to the Stäfeli world. With her curious eyes, infectious laugh and little hands full of wonder, she enchants not only her family, but also the entire team and guests. Every moment with her is like a tiny adventure: squealing in the breakfast room, marvelling at the nature around the hotel or cuddling quietly and trustingly with Mummy and Daddy. She reminds us to consciously notice the little wonders of everyday life – and makes Stäfeli a little bit more colourful, warm and loving for guests and team alike.