Ghost inn on the Gold Coast has been empty for years

What a dream place! Waldhof Guldenen in Forch ZH is located in Pfannenstiel on a 56-hectare recreation area. The plateau is surrounded by forests. Hiking trails and a cross-country ski trail in winter attract guests from near and far. Just stupid: No more food and drink provided. The once magnificent country inn has been empty for almost 16 years.

The garden has grown, the facade has faded, and the beams of the half-timbered house have rotted. The inscription “Stadtbier Chur” on the glass case, where only the menu is displayed, resembles an inn. A truly sad sight. And a little scary.

But nothing happened

The restaurant should have reopened a long time ago. Flühgass Immobilien AG acquired the property in 2015. Provided that hikers, winter sports enthusiasts and gourmets can return. Flühgass Immobilien AG is owned by Urs E. Schwarzenbach (74), owner of the luxurious Grand Hotel Dolder in Zurich. And Hotel Sonne in Küsnacht ZH. He wanted to reopen the restaurant in Forch in 2016. It also offers guest rooms. But nothing happened.

Reason for delay? Was Schwarzenbach scared? When the weather is nice, the country inn is like a gold mine, but when it rains, at most a few dogs get lost while hiking. Accordingly, it is difficult to call personnel and purchase goods. So it’s no surprise that four different tenants have taken over the restaurant in 26 years. But they all failed after a few years.

Schwarzenbach is not deterred by this. Blick said on request that selling the property was not a problem. Various projects are currently under review. They’re at Schwarzenbach’s desk. Among other things, it’s about whether an extension is possible. It should be clear what will come out of the inn by 2023. For example, whether it’s an upscale restaurant with classy hotel rooms. Clarity will soon prevail.

hosting refugees

Waldhof Guldenen has a vibrant history. And even gained worldwide fame. A prominent racing driver had his eye on the property in 2000. Seclusion appealed to him. He wanted to build large stables for his wife. He wanted to convert the restaurant into a residential building. Even the menu the two ate when they first visited the restaurant has been passed down from generation to generation: beef fillet with stroganoff and spaetz.

The 100-year-old half-timbered building has been owned by the Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) since 1979. Among other things, the bank wanted to turn it into a conference center. Then came the proposal from the ranks of the SVP to host the refugees in the inn. The Zurich government destroyed the project. Sold to Schwarzenbach in 2015. To this day, there is a pause.