The beauty of Kulm’s terraces
By
Nicolas Quiniou
Morning sun
There is something extraordinary about mornings at the Kulm Hotel. The world wakes up slowly here, wrapped in mist and kissed by the first golden rays of sunlight. Sitting on the breakfast terrace, coffee in hand, the view stretches endlessly: mountains standing tall, their green slopes still softened by the cool morning air, while the lake below reflects the pale blue sky like a mirror. As the warmth of the sun gently spreads across the terrace, the table fills with fresh fruits and a homemade crepe – it seems almost cinematic.
The morning light strengthens and the landscape begins its quiet transformation. The greens sharpen, the blues of the lake deepen, and the mist dissolves, unveiling the valley in all its brilliance. There’s comfort in familiarity and the friendly faces of the staff who have been here for many seasons. Their warm greetings make breakfast feel like a cherished ritual.
Some mornings call for a walk to Chesa al Parc, where the iconic Wes Anderson-esque facade adds a touch of old-world charm to the surroundings. A coffee and croissant on the terrace, a quiet chat with the staff, and then a slow wander through the trails – this is where one can easily lose track of time, absorbed in the ever-changing hues of nature. The greens of the landscape shift with the movement of the sun and shadows dance across the valley, while the lake below moves between sapphire and turquoise, never settling on just one shade.
“It’s the kind of indulgence that never grows old.”
By midday, the draw of the Pizzeria is irresistible. Lunch calls for an early arrival, as the best seats on the terrace fill up quickly. From here, the view is uninterrupted: a full sweep of mountains, valleys, and sky that shifts subtly as the afternoon light takes over.
The bright yellow-striped umbrellas, the scent of freshly baked dough, and the anticipation of a Campari Soda make it an easy choice. The mountains, now basking in the full glow of midday, stand in crisp contrast to the deepening blues of the sky. A pizza with its perfectly crisp crust, a refreshing drink, and an Affogato to finish – it’s the kind of indulgence that never grows old.
“...the feeling is one of complete contentment.”
Then comes the golden hour at the Kulm Country Club terrace. The mountains take on a richer hue, the peaks glowing under the softening light. The food is exquisite and the atmosphere is effortlessly welcoming. Sitting here, listening to the vinyl records and the songs of birds drifting with the light alpine breeze, the feeling is one of complete contentment.
And as the evening draws in, the landscape transforms once more. The lake darkens into deep indigo, reflecting the fading light, while the mountains soften into shadowy silhouettes. The final notes of the day play out gently: the last sip of wine, the soft crackle of a vinyl record, the shifting sky as it moves through its last shades of pink and gold before night settles over the valley.
The terraces of Kulm Hotel are not just places to sit and dine; they are vantage points for one of nature’s most spectacular performances – one that unfolds differently every day, always mesmerising, always unforgettable.
About the author
Nicolas Quiniou, born in Paris and raised in Ivory Coast and France, is an experienced traveller and photographer whose goal is to create transportive, nostalgic imagery that captures the soul of the places he visits and the people within them.