Opposite the Convent of St. John, in the heart of the village of Müstair, stands the Chasa Chalavaina, one of the oldest hotels in Switzerland. The building is around 770 years old and was first mentioned in 1254. Much of this history is still visible today: old floorboards, massive beams, tiled stoves, and furniture from various centuries.
Until 2021, the house belonged to Jon Fasser, who had run the Chasa for decades. When he decided to sell it in his advanced age, it was important to him that it remain open to the public and not become a private residence. Therefore, a foundation was established in 2022 to ensure the long-term preservation of the house. Since 2025, Isolde Christandl has been the managing director and host. The underlying principle remains: to change as little as possible, intervene where necessary, and allow the historic building to retain its unique character.
The interior design also reflects this philosophy. Each of the 18 rooms is unique, combining historic furniture – some dating back to the 16th century – with simple lighting, contemporary elements, and art. Superfluous decoration has been deliberately removed. Curtains have been repurposed from old bedsheets, linen fabrics adorn the windows, and the tablecloths come from the Tessanda handweaving mill. Throughout the hotel, the focus is on materials and history rather than a perfectly styled atmosphere.
The hotel also boasts a large garden and the Ottaviastube, offering tea, newspapers, and literature. Directly opposite lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. John's Abbey. Legend has it that the captains of the Grisons once held a war council in the old inn before the Battle of Calven – hence the name Chalavaina. Today, the place is considerably more peaceful: an excellent base for hiking, cultural experiences, yoga retreats, and explorations in the Biosfera Val Müstair.
Rooms + Rates
per night| EZ inkl. Frühstück | from85 € |
| DZ inkl. Frühstück | from200 € |
Characteristics
- One of the oldest hotels in Switzerland and a member of Swiss Historic Hotels
- Over 700-year-old typical Engadine house (first mentioned in 1254)
- Located in the Biosfera Val Müstair nature park, in Graubünden, directly opposite the Abbey of St. John (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Historical furniture and contemporary elements
- Quiet, spacious garden with Ottavia's Room
- Restaurant in the wood-paneled dining room with seasonal cuisine based on the nose-to-tail principle.
- Vegetables and herbs from our own garden
- Partner company of Biosfera Val Müstair and Swisstainable member
- Cultural program with the St. Johann Monastery and craft courses at Chasa Selm
- Regularly held yoga and breathwork retreats
- Sporting activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, ski touring, etc. are possible in the area.
- Also well suited for events, celebrations and seminars.
Sustainable
Chasa Chalavaina consists of two adjoining, listed Engadine houses. During the careful renovation in 2022, particular attention was paid to preserving as much of the existing structure as possible. The work was carried out step by step in close consultation with experts, heritage preservation authorities, and local craftspeople. The Swiss pine-paneled dining room and the historic smokehouse kitchen remained unchanged, as did many pieces of furniture from different eras, including a bed dating back to the 16th century. The region also plays a role in the everyday items. Table runners, napkins, and seat cushions made of linen and sheep's wool come from the Tessanda handweaving mill in Santa Maria in Val Müstair. These are complemented by soap from the Bergell Valley, terry towels made of 100% organic cotton, and featherbeds filled with goose down.
At Chasa Chalavaina, the kitchen focuses on using the best regional and seasonal produce. Chef Oliver Thialer works with certified products from the Biosfera Val Müstair and sources many ingredients directly from farms in the valley: organic veal and beef, monastery cheese, milk and butter from the Chascharia dairy, eggs, organic grains, and Tschliner beer. Some herbs and vegetables are grown in the restaurant's own garden. Even in the kitchen, minimal waste is minimized. Following the "nose-to-tail" principle, for example, a calf from organic farmer Isidor Sepp in Müstair is used as completely as possible. Many dishes are made in-house, and the bread comes from the village bakery. Even breakfast features products from the valley, including monastery cheese and alpine cheese. Food scraps are collected and composted.
Employees receive discounts on accommodation and meals. The hotel is run by the Chasa Chalavaina Foundation, which acquired it in 2022 with the aim of preserving the historical ensemble surrounding the Monastery of St. John and Plaz Grond, and ensuring the Chasa remains open to the public. The hotel is also closely connected to its surroundings culturally. A dedicated cultural program is being developed in collaboration with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Monastery of St. John. Furthermore, Chasa Selm hosts craft workshops where regional techniques and knowledge are passed on.
Cleaning is done with steam and entirely without chemical cleaning agents. Waste is collected separately, and organic waste is composted. Bed linens and tablecloths are air-dried whenever possible. The towels are made of 100% organic cotton. Chasa Chalavaina is also a partner of Biosfera Val Müstair and carries the product label for organic and locally produced goods. As a Swisstainable establishment, the hotel also participates in the sustainability program of Switzerland Tourism. Chasa Chalavaina showcases the local producers behind its products on its website through individual profiles, ensuring that the origin of the products used remains transparent and personal.
Those who wish to stay at Chasa Chalavaina without participating in a full program will find a peaceful spot in the spacious garden. Health, relaxation, and therapeutic massages are offered in the house, and yoga and breathwork retreats are also held there. For sauna sessions, Chasa Chalavaina collaborates with the nearby Camping Muglin, where the sauna is located in the former hayloft.
Features
- Hotel with 18 individually designed rooms
- Breakfast buffet included in the room price
- Hotel's own restaurant (closed Sundays and Mondays) + terrace on the square (in summer)
- Ottaviastube in the Chasa Chalavaina as a lounge (with literature and newspapers)
- Health, relaxation and therapeutic massages can be booked in the house.
- Spacious garden behind the house
- Seminar or conference room in the stable of the renovated, probably oldest farm building in the area (for up to 30 people)
- Small, elegant sauna area in the immediate vicinity
- Tourist tax (CHF 4.50) and Val Müstair guest card included
Certificates + Awards
Swisstainable
Mitglied
swiss historic hotels
Historisches Hotel des Jahres 2024
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