Located 20 minutes from the Zurich airport, the Rote Rose is a luxurious inn set high on a hill in a medieval village that dates from 1245.

Bed and Breakfast guidebook author Karen Brown calls the Rote Rose "one of the most exquisite inns in Switzerland." Brown, author of more than 11 books about bed and breakfasts, says charm and old world ambiance are the basis for the selection of inns in her guides.

The intimate and comfortable inn, which features six private rooms and three suites nestled within several half-timbered buildings, is located in the historical part of Regensberg where there is a cobblestone square, ancient church, bell tower and fountain. Many of the rooms have a panoramic view of green patchwork farmlands and vineyards, as well as of the distant Alps.

Breakfast of freshly baked breads, cheeses, yogurts, cereal and juices is included in the rates. We were delighted to open our door each morning to find a basketful of treats, elegantly wrapped in white linen.

The village is a favorite spot for weddings, with horse-drawn carriages carrying couples to the nearby church, but one morning we witnessed something totally funky. Looking completely out of place was a mode of transportation that would have inspired Elvis Presley to kick up his blue suede shoes: A shiny, pink Cadillac. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds walked into the square and released several doves into the sky as everyone around let out a cheer.

The friendly owner of the Rote Rose, Christa Schafer, has decorated the rooms with antiques and her mother's artwork (Lotte Gunthart was an internationally famous rose artist who counted Matisse and other artists among her friends.) Each room contains a modern kitchen, bath, TV, VCR and telephone. The suites have a sitting room, bedroom with either a canopy or oversized twin beds, kitchenette and bathroom.

A short walk down the narrow road leads to the inn's garden, which features more than 1500 varieties of roses and overlooks the countryside. Guests can walk the peaceful grounds, taking in the sweet scents, delighting in the quiet symphony of clattering cowbells from grazing cattle.

The family also owns the nearby Gasthause Krone Restaurant, one of the area's finest. (It has been featured in "Gourmet" magazine.)

Schafer provides visitors with a list of day trips to places such as the ancient spa town of Baden, the Black Forest in Germany, walks along the Rhine, a scenic drive to the ruins of the Farnsburg Castle, and local attractions such as antique shops, art galleries, wineries, bicycle trails, hikes, farmer's markets and other activities.

The inn is open from March through December 20. Packages are available for multiple nights, and some include lunch, a bottle of wine, champagne, a bouquet of flowers, and a multi-course gourmet dinner.

Rote Rose

Telephone: (01) 85 31 013
Fax: (01) 85 31 559
E-mail: info@rote-rose.com

This article and all photographs ©Debra Conkey and may not be used without express permission.

See Also:

Cheryl Imboden's Switzerland for Visitors