Abandoned Walensee rest stop gets new plans after 20 years

After more than two decades of neglect, the abandoned rest stop on Lake Walensee could become a venue for meetings, exhibitions, culture and new ideas, SRF reports.

The former stop stands beside the A3 motorway between Chur and Zurich. Once a popular break for travellers, the distinctive building has deteriorated badly, with vandalism, broken windows and water damage inside.

Work has resumed in recent months. Rooms are being cleared, materials removed and the building’s condition assessed. Liechtenstein resident Rudolf Hilti, who has agreed to take over the property from its current owner, is leading the effort.

Hilti plans to eventually transfer the former rest stop to a foundation. His vision is an “Museum for the Future” bringing together innovation, science, entrepreneurship and art. The exact use of the building has not yet been decided.

Access by car is no longer possible. The Federal Roads Office closed the motorway exit years ago, citing a short acceleration lane at the entrance. It also said a private property could not be accessed directly via the motorway.

The operators of Lake Walensee’s shipping service could consider adding a scheduled stop at the former rest stop. A new landing stage would be required, and the company’s managing director, Daniel Grünenfelder, said the location would be ideal.

For now, the project remains a vision. Permits and concrete plans are still missing, while the possibility of opposition is unclear. The rest stop was built in the late 1960s and closed in 2003. Several plans for its future use failed over the years, partly because of access issues and disagreements with the Federal Roads Office.

Recent clearing and safety work has brought activity back to the building. Whether it will become a cultural and meeting venue remains uncertain, but the long-abandoned rest stop now has a possible future.