Trauffer Hotel: Trauffer Erlebniswelt and Trauffer Bretterhotel

Visit to the Trauffer Erlebiswelt (world of experience), the Trauffer Bretterhotel and Dine at Alfred’s Restaurant

In June of this year, the Trauffer Bretterhotel and the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) opened in Hofstetten near Brienz. Marc A. Trauffer, who is the third generation of his family to run the wooden toy company Trauffer Switzerland, and his wife Brigitte have created a world that will delight young and old alike. We visited the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience), the Trauffer Bretterhotel and of course Alfred’s Restaurant*. Read all about our visit in this article.

Matthias from Hike&Dine in the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (World of Experience).
Matthias from Hike&Dine in the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (World of Experience).

Our visit to the Trauffer Erlebeniswelt (World of Experience) and the Trauffer Bretterhotel

We visited the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience), the Trauffer Bretterhotel as well as Alfred’s Restaurant on a Sunday. The imposing wooden building of the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) can be seen from afar. The facade of the building consists of long wooden beams. It looks like they have been piled on top of each other. The wooden bars or beams surround the building, the color of which was kept in black. A large logo with the name “Trauffer Switzerland” adorns the facade.

At Trauffer Switzerland an oversized wooden cow greets us.
At Trauffer Switzerland an oversized wooden cow greets us.

We were greeted by an oversized Trauffer wooden cow with red spots and a cowbell around its neck. The cow is standing in front of the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) and it seems as if she is looking across the road to the pasture where her fellow flesh and blood animals are grazing.

Trauffer Erlebniswelt (World of Experience): History, Tradition and Swiss Craftsmanship

First, we pay a visit to the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience). Inside the building we go to the second floor. There, the rotary wheel takes you to the Trauffer world of experience. In the first room we learn about the history of the company Trauffer Holzspielwaren. Various “Vogelhüsli” are waiting to be opened. In it you can find answers to questions like “who actually founded the Trauffer company” [answer: Alfred Trauffer founded it in 1938 together with his wife Rosa] or “who is actually the inventor of the Trauffer wooden cow” [answer: it was Alfred Trauffer]. Visitors learn more about the Swiss family business in a playful way. More about this in the box “history of the Trauffer family business” at the end of the article.

Trauffer Erlebeniswelt: Carve and paint yourself a Trauffer wooden cow

The next room is about handicrafts, more precisely about the creation of a Trauffer wooden cow. Before our eyes, a block of wood is transformed into a ready-made Trauffer wooden cow.

Now that we’ve seen how this works in theory, you can get hands-on in the next room. There, you can carve your own Trauffer wooden cow. Besides the carving knife, there are also “Pflästerli” in case you slip while carving the wooden cow. Once the carving is complete, you can paint your very own Trauffer wooden cow in the next room.

Wooden cows in the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)
Wooden cows in the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)

Unfortunately, we did not have time for this during our visit, but we will make up for it during our next visit to the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience). Both offers can be booked together or separately and cost 15.- (painting) resp. 35.- (carving). Children must be at least 12 years old; groups can reserve the carving bench entirely for themselves.

The Alpentainer's favorite guitar in the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)
The Alpentainer’s favorite guitar in the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)

A look behind the scenes of the Alpentainer in the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)

Until the self-painted Trauffer wooden cow is dry, visitors can take a tour through the world of the “Alpentainer”. Through a red door, we dived into the fascinating world of the Alpentainer: Pictures of concerts adorned the walls; gold, platinum and double platinum sparkled at us; awards, record covers and Trauffer’s favorite guitar were on display. Fascinated, we stopped in front of a TV showing clips from the Trauffer and Gölä concert at Letzigrund in Zurich. It’s amazing what this man has achieved.

In the Kuhniverse of the Trauffer World of Experience (world of experience)

But the best came at the end! Before you leave the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience), you stand in a hallway of mirrors full of different colored Trauffer wooden cows. Beautifully lined up here in the “kuhniverse” the cow (German: Kuh) team is reflected into infinity. Time for some photos and dancing [viewable on our Instagram channel here].

Conclusion of our visit to the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)

We enjoyed our visit to the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) very much. It is made with a lot of attention to detail. In a playful way, you learn a lot about the family business Trauffer Switzerland, the Trauffer toys and the Alpentainer Marc A. Trauffer himself. We thought it was great that you can carve and paint a Trauffer wooden cow.

Small store in the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)
Small store in the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)

Trauffer Hotel: Pure relaxation in the Bretterhotel

After the hike on the Axalp and the visit of the world of experience, we were pretty tired for the time being. Before we went to dinner, we wanted to relax a bit. We entered the Trauffer Bretterhotel and checked into our room.

The interior of the room matches the overall look of the Trauffer Bretterhotel: wooden elements alternate with black elements. To Matthias’ delight, there was a sauna in the room, which he also heated up right away. We really liked the modern rooms; we even caught a glimpse of the sunset through the beams of the Trauffer Bretterhotel. Time for dinner!

Our room at the Trauffer Hotel had a sauna
Our room at the Trauffer Hotel had a sauna
Sunset seen from Trauffer Hotel
Sunset seen from Trauffer Hotel

Food at Alfred’s Restaurant

At Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) in Hofstetten, there is Alfred’s Restaurant and Rosas’s Bakery & Bistro. The second offers small dishes and baked goods (including homemade bread). We ate at Alfred’s Restaurant. It is located on the second floor of the main building of the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience). At our table, we took a look at the menu.

Swiss cuisine and good meat at Alfred’s restaurant

The menu is traditional Swiss cuisine. The names of the dishes were adapted to the Trauffer world. For example, there is a “Müeh mit de Chüeh” veggie burger or a hearty “Büetzer burger”, which Solène ordered right away. Matthias was almost tempted by the seasonal fall menu, but ended up opting for a good cut of local meat that had been stored in the Dry Ager between 30 to 60 days. Meat fans take note: The charcoal grill is in operation from Tuesday to Saturday.

“Dry Aged” meat from the region in Alfred’s Restaurant

As an appetizer, Matthias ate a nut salad with egg and bacon. Solène was so hungry that she ordered a bread salad with sundried tomatoes and a burrata. Portions are generous – plan your courses well.

We enjoyed the traditional cuisine of Alfred’s Restaurant. The meat was perfectly prepared and strong in flavor. Matthias usually eats meat without sauces, but he couldn’t resist the Bérnaise sauce. He also liked the celery and potato stick, which was finished with truffle. Solène was convinced by the Büetzerburger – which disappeared in no time.

Büetzerburger with fries at Trauffer's restaurant Alfred's
Büetzerburger with fries at Trauffer’s restaurant Alfred’s

We had no more room for the desserts. However, we saw what the other guests were served – and it looked delicious.

Friendly service and relaxed ambience at Trauffer in Alfred’s Restaurant

What struck us extremely positively is the courteous and friendly staff. Uncomplicated, we were picked up from the beginning. Proactively, we were asked if we needed anything else. The gastro-team did a really great job, one feels at home right away. In addition, we liked the interior.

The Büetzerburger at Restaurant Alfred's by Trauffer
The Büetzerburger at Restaurant Alfred’s by Trauffer

The tables are made of wood, the boards stretch along the walls. Benches and chairs are in black. For sunny days there is a terrace. Somewhere, a fire was burning in a fireplace. It is extremely cozy and uncomplicated here. The restaurant works for families as well as for couples. If you prefer less people, you can sign up for the second service.

A long table and three refrigerators in the back for Dry Aged meat, wine and cheese at Alfred's Restaurant by Trauffer
A long table and three refrigerators in the back for Dry Aged meat, wine and cheese at Alfred’s Restaurant by Trauffer

Oh yes: Since the Trauffer Hotel also offers seminar rooms, there is a table for groups. In another part of Alfred’s restaurant, there is a long wooden table. At the bottom of the table are three refrigerators: the Dry Ager, where the meat is stored. A wine fridge with good drops. And – to Matthias’ delight – a fridge full of cheese!

The breakfast buffet at Trauffer in Alfred's Restaurant
The breakfast buffet at Trauffer in Alfred’s Restaurant

Trauffer Hotel: Delicious breakfast at Alfred’s Restaurant

Hotel guests have their breakfast in Alfred’s Restaurant. Everything that belongs to a good breakfast buffet is there. At the entrance to the restaurant, a poster wished us a good “Mührgen”(Good muhorning). Since we had to leave early, we were already there at 07:30. Whether cheese, eggs or bread – the products come from the surrounding area. Solène especially liked the Birchermüesli.

Fine croissants for breakfast at Alfred's Restaurant
Fine croissants for breakfast at Alfred’s Restaurant

Trauffer Hotel und Trauffer Erlebniswelt: Unkompliziert und bodenständig

We really enjoyed the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience), the Trauffer Hotell, and also Alfred’s Restaurant by Trauffer. We can imagine how families spend their vacations here: While the children carve their Trauffer wooden cows, the parents have fun eating in the restaurant or relax in the sauna in the room. The Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) thus offers plenty of variety for all age groups.

The building of the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) in the evening
The building of the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) in the evening

For couples who want to spend a relaxing weekend near Lake Brienz, we can highly recommend the Trauffer Bretterhotel. Within walking distance is the open-air museum Ballenberg, Alfred’s Restaurant offers very good food, and in the surrounding area you can do many beautiful hikes. Couples beware: just do not choose the rooms with slide when booking ;).

Portrait von Marc A. Trauffer
Trauffer’s Hike-Tipp

Trauffer’s Hike Tip: Hike on the Schnitzler Trail from Axalp to Hinterburgseeli

Great honor for Hike&Dine: Trauffer himself went hiking with us: “The Schnitzlerweg is my favorite hike. Here you can see all the splendor of the Bernese Oberland. There are traditional wood carvings to see on this hike. They are human and animal figures carved from tree stumps.”

Wooden Cows in the Making at the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)
Wooden Cows in the Making at the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)


Trauffer Switzerland – the history of the Swiss family business


The Trauffer company is a Swiss family business with a long tradition. Alfred Trauffer founded the company “Holzspielwaren Trauffer-Michel” together with his wife Rosa in 1938. He was a bear carver by profession and is the inventor of the legendary Trauffer wooden cow. In addition to his expertise, he was also a sales talent. Alfred Trauffer not only expanded the product range with many more carved wooden animals, but also sought contact with major customers. Alfred Trauffer himself worked in the company until 1992. In 1976 Alfred Trauffer handed over the company to his sons Franz and Kurt Trauffer. It was them who gave the previously flat wooden animals their three-dimensional form. Through continuous development of the product range – figures, farms and more animals. Franz and Kurt Trauffer visited the Ornaris trade fair for the first time in 1984 and developed a cow logo with the inscription Trauffer Spielwaren a year later. In 2000, Marc A. Trauffer joined the company. In 2006, Trauffer Holzspielwaren AG was founded and Marc A. Trauffer took over its management in 2009. He modernized the company and implemented Swiss and European quality standards. Likewise under his hand, the companies Pilgram and Kiener were taken over, whose products extend the assortment of the company Trauffer Switzerland meaningfully. Marc A. Trauffer then also succeeded in establishing the Trauffer family name as a brand. In 2012, Trauffer Switzerland was created under his hand, which stands for Swiss quality, tradition, craftsmanship and sustainability. With the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) and the Trauffer Bretterhotel, another cornerstone for the further development of Trauffer Switzerland was laid in June 2022.

Dawn in Hofstetten near Brienz seen from the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)
Dawn in Hofstetten near Brienz seen from the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience)

How to get there

Name:Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) and Trauffer Bretterhotel
Location:Hofstetten bei Brienz, Bernese Oberland, Canton of Bern
Address:Holzkuhplatz 1, 3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz
Arrival car:From Bern: via Interlaken. Duration about 1h. Route here
From Lucerne: via Brünig-Hasliberg. Duration about 45min. Route here
From Zurich: via Lucerne. Duration around 1:20h. Route here
Parking lot:Museumsstrasse 100, 3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz
Arrival train / busFrom Bern via Interlaken (train) via Brienz (bus) to Hofstetten (PostBus). Duration 1:52h
From Lucerne via Brünig-Hasliberg (train) via Brienz (bus) to Hofstetten (PostBus). Duration: 1:49h
Bus stopHofstetten near Brienz, Kritz


Practical information for your visit to the Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) and the Trauffer Bretterhotel

Arrival by public transport

The Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) and the Trauffer Bretterhotel are accessible by public transport.
If you are coming from Lucerne, you have to change to the post bus at Brünig-Hasliberg.
If you are coming from Brienz, you can change to the post bus at the Banhof Brienz and go to Hofstetten bei Brienz.
Timetables for public transport are available as always in the SBB timetable or on Google Maps(Hasliberg / Brienz ).
Note: The connections are not easy depending on the time of day, as you have to change trains a lot. Depending on the situation, it may be worth switching to a Mobility car in Lungern or Brünig-Hasliberg.

How to get there by car

Those who arrive by car have it a bit easier. Important: Do not park in the village, but in the Ballenberg parking lot. Here you can find the location of the parking lot: Museumsstrasse 100 in Hofstetten in Brienz.

Opening hours

The Trauffer Erlebniswelt and the Trauffer Hotel are open daily.

Alfred’s Restaurant is open daily from 11:30 to 23:00.

The Trauffer Erlebniswelt is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Rosa’s Bakery & Bistro is open daily from 06:30 to 18. From 11:00 to 16:00 there is also hot food like burgers, French fries or hot dogs.

There is also a village store with a post office, which is open daily from 06:30 to 19:00.

The address

Trauffer Erlebniswelt (world of experience) & Bretterhotel
Holzkuhplatz 1
3858 Hofstetten near Brienz
+41 33 952 15 00
hallo@trauffer.ch
www.trauffer.ch
Google Maps

* Note: Hike&Dine was offered the food and accommodation.

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