The Null Stern is definitely not what you’d expect from a traditional hotel. With no roof, walls, or bathroom, this room is essentially a bed with a couple of nightstands and lamps. Given this, you won’t be surprised to hear its name literally translates to zero stars.
But, zoom out and you’ll discover what the Null Stern has to offer—and it’s an experience like no other. Located 1200 m above sea level on the Göbsi summit in Gonten, the Null Stern offers guests the chance to sleep under the milky way in the heart of the Swiss mountains.
The hotel itself was founded in 2008 by Swiss conceptual artists Frank and Patrik Riklin and business partner Daniel Charbonnier. The trio previously transformed a former nuclear bunker in the Swiss city of Teufen into a hotel— branding it the “world’s first zero-star hotel”.
Charbonnier told Dezeen:
Even though this version is radically different from the first one in the nuclear bunker, the essence and the spirit of the concept remains the same—to put the guest at the centre of the experience and to focus on the intangible by reducing everything else to the minimum.
While the hotel is reduced to its bare minimum, there is still room for a little luxury. The room also comes with a butler and a TV. But these also have their own twist. The TV only has one channel showing news, weather, anecdotes and jokes from the region and the Null Stern butlers are actually local residents, with the head butler being the local farmer.
Everything about this space challenges our concepts of luxury, relaxation and hosting culture. But at CHF 295.00 (£240) a night, guests may be forced to ask what they are paying for. It’s certainly not for the materials, but for the chance to open your mind in one of the most awe-inspiring places.
Featured image: Null Stern
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