Review: SWISS Alpine Lounge Zurich (ZRH)

At the SWISS Alpine Lounge in Zurich, less is more and yet the simple, subtle design and offerings of this lounge make it one of my favorite in the world.

SWISS Alpine Lounge Review ZRH

I recently spoke fondly of this lounge in the context of a recent visit but wish to provide a more comprehensive review of this stylish former first class lounge at ZRH.

Access + Hours + Location

The lounge is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and provides a tranquil lounge environment and pleasant alternative to the SWISS Senator Lounge, also located in Concourse A of Terminal 1.

After you clear security, head left and down the escalator toward the transfer desks. There, you will find a vestibule that opens to stairs that will take you up to the lounge.

You can also use an adjacent elevator to access the lounge, which includes a visible reminder this was once a first class lounge.

Lounge access is limited to 1.) Star Alliance Gold members or 2.) business class passengers traveling on a Lufthansa Group carrier. That means a passenger traveling on business class on Air Canada or United or Ethiopian Airlines would not have access absent Star Gold status.

Design + Seating

Modeled after an alpine lodge, this lounge is tranquil and full of natural wood and muted colors. Upon entry, you can turn left for the dining area or right for the seating area, which includes a number of smaller areas with comfortable chairs and couches and end tables that resemble tree stumps.

There are a few work areas with a desk power outlets, and a stool. Doors close, so this is the place you want to make calls in this lounge, if necessary.

The dining room includes individual booths with room for four and then long communal tables with benches and chairs.

The space is well-thought out and there are power outlets everywhere (even on the long tables in the dining room) as well as wireless charging ports for your mobile phone throughout the lounge.

Food + Drink

As much as I love the design, my favorite part of this lounge is the food and beverage offerings, which include a live cooking station with a rotating egg dish in the morning and a hot dish like cannelloni later in the days. The food is made fresh before your eyes and everything I’ve eaten here (over multiple visits) has been superb. 

In addition to the live cooking station, you will find a small buffet with a morning selection including:

• Fruit salad
• Yogurt with berry compote
• Bircher müseli
• Sliced meat and cheese
• Bread, pastries, and croissants
• Cereal
• Whole fruit

The bread and croissants freshly baked and delicious and the cheese and meat is from Switzerland.

Later in the day, except a generous salad bar, two selections of soup, fresh bread, and dessert like pudding and cake.

Beverage selection includes automatic coffee machines with the largest selection of espresso-base drinks I have ever seen.

Around the dining area is another beverage station with juices (and not just the usual orange and tomato juice, but carrot juice and beetroot juice as well), a tap with oft drinks (and sparkling water), and a large selection of beer, wine, and spirits.

You won’t find boiled water in the lounge. Instead, there’s just a faucet. Unlike the Germans, the Swiss embrace “tap” water.

Say hello to Daisy if you see her. She cooked my breakfast and lunch on my most recent visit and epitomizes the kind staff at this lounge.

Restrooms

While this lounge does not have shower facilities, the bathrooms are clean and include soap and lotion from Soeder that smells so great.

CONCLUSION

I love the Alpine Lounge in Zurich and unless I am flying first class, will make a beeline for this lounge every time I fly out of ZRH. Stop by and enjoy the lovely rustic design, delectable food, and gracious service. This is certainly a lounge worth arriving early for.