Teatime!

It's that time of year again, when tea in a cozy atmosphere and with loved ones is a real soul warmer. Claus Schweitzer, the author of numerous travel guides, presents us his Top 6 Swiss tea places.

#1 Bürgenstock Resort, Lucerne

Visitors looking to upgrade their tea break into a full-on experience should take a trip to the Bürgenstock. The resort offers teatime packages with boat and funicular transfers. Tea is served in the Lakeview Lounge of the Bürgenstock Hotel during the week, and in the lobby of the next-door Palace Hotel at the weekend. Wherever you take your tea, the fabulous views are included in the price. buergenstock.ch

A large room with wooden floors, green velvet chairs, and large windows with a view of Lake Lucerne.
Amazing view over the Lake Lucerne at the Bürgenstock Resort.

#2 Miyuko, Zurich

You’ll need to be lucky to get one of the few tables at Miyuko without a reservation! Located in District 6, this very charming tearoom with its playful Japanese decor certainly lives up to Tom Hanks’ sentiment when he has Forrest Gump say that life is like a box of chocolates! Miyuko is packed with colourful cakes and sweet treats obviously a not-to-be-missed part of teatime here. The home-made scones are well worth trying too. miyuko.ch

A table set against a green wall, set with china, a vase with a red rose, and an etagere filled with cakes and sandwiches.
The few tables at Miyuko are rare - and very popular!

#3 Suvretta House, St. Moritz

If you manage to tear your eyes away from the comings and goings in the wonderfully old-fashioned hotel lobby and the breathtaking views of the Engadine mountains, you’ll find an equal spectacle in contemplating the afternoon tea offerings. The delicate sandwiches, the scones and clotted cream, the pastries – all are happily served a second, or a third, time. Remember to leave room for dinner! suvrettahouse.ch

Table set with white china and an etagere, on which are placed a variety of cakes, biscuits and sandwiches.
The wonderful old-fashioned lobby at the Suvretta House in St. Moritz.

#4 Les Trois Rois, Basel

Something magical happens when one steps into “Les Trois Rois”. A Cinderella moment in which, for a brief time, the world appears more wonderful than it really is: merrier, brighter and softer, as if Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” could be heard floating through the halls. High tea in the elegant lobby is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse oneself in the enchanted atmosphere of this grand hotel. lestroisrois.com

A luxurious hall in the Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel, furnished with velvet couches and chandeliers and big windows looking out on the old town.
Something magical happens when one steps into "Les Trois Rois".

#5 Länggass-Tee, Bern

Tea is a way of life at the tea shop of the Lange family – connoisseurs rate it as the best in Switzerland. Leading up from the shop with its choice of 400 teas, a wooden circular staircase opens into the tearoom. Guests on the “tea journeys” are guided through the stages involved in processing the tea plant (white, yellow, green tea, Oolong tea, black tea and Pu Er), each served with appropriate delicacies. laenggasstee.ch

Close up of an etagere, on which are placed green and white cakes.
Tea is a way of life at the tea shop of the Lange family.

#6 Hôtel d’Angleterre, Genève

This is not the only hotel in Geneva to serve afternoon tea, of course. Almost all the big names offer exquisite canapés, creamy pastries and a pianist who appears to be performing half in a trance. But the “Angleterre” is a classic of the genre, living up to its name in many regards, including its devotion to first-class tea culture. The afternoon tea comes in traditional, gluten-free and vegan alternatives. dangleterrehotel.com

Table set with china, a vase with roses, an etagere with cakes and sandwiches, and a waiter's hand filling up a glass with champagne.
Afternoon tea in Genevas Hôtel d'Angleterre

Selection & Text: Claus Schweitzer