Our Story, Your Swiss Getaway

Hello!

Thank you for considering a stay with us. We’re the Zimmermann family — the hands and hearts behind Chalet Oz. We built it from the ground up and still care for every detail ourselves.

We’re a Swiss-Australian family, and our household language is a fun blend of English and Swiss German – we like to call it Swinglish!

Philipp grew up right here in Vitznau, and Karen moved here from Australia in 2003. Together, we have twin daughters, Alessandra and Maliyah, who love meeting new people and helping make our guests feel welcome.

Chalet Oz truly is a family affair. We built it together, piece by piece. Philipp, a plumber by trade and now Engineer, is the family’s resident handyman and personally fitted all the plumbing and fixtures, along with many other features. Karen took the design reins, sourcing materials and shaping every corner so it felt warm and inviting. Even the kitchen and furniture were assembled by our own hands.

Now that the building work is done, running Chalet Oz is still a family team effort. Whether it’s preparing for the next guests, helping with changeovers, or greeting new arrivals, we all play a part. Our family also includes two rescue dogs, Milla and Ossi, who live with us in the garden apartment just below Chalet Oz. While they won’t interact with guests, you may occasionally hear Ossi’s friendly bark.

And in case you’ve ever wondered about the name Chalet Oz — it’s a nod to both sides of our family. Chalet honours Philipp’s Swiss roots and the traditional Alpine character of the home; Oz comes from Karen’s Australian heritage. Inside, you’ll find artwork featuring Australian native flora, bringing a touch of the Southern Hemisphere into the space. It’s our way of weaving our story into the home, so guests feel not only welcomed but connected to its spirit.

Our goal has always been to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and personal — a complete home base for you to unwind, explore, and feel truly looked after. We’re nearby if you need anything and are always happy to share our favourite tips for experiencing the best of this beautiful region.

Enjoy your stay!

Regards

Karen, Philipp, Alessandra and Maliyah