General Terms and Conditions (GTC) Naturfreundehaus Grindelwald

In case of doubt, the German version of these GTC shall apply

Naturfreundehaus Grindelwald (NFHGW) is operated by Naturfreundehaus Grindelwald GmbH. These GTC apply exclusively to all reservation inquiries and bookings made with Naturfreundehaus Grindelwald. The house rules form an integral part of these GTC.

1. Conclusion of Contract (Reservation Confirmation) and Payment

The contract is concluded directly and exclusively between the booking person (guest) and NFHGW. This is usually done via a reservation confirmation. If a written contract is requested, it must be signed and returned to NFHGW within 5 days of receipt. Otherwise, the reservation becomes void.

The overnight price confirmed by NFHGW, including additional services (e.g. parking, meals) and tourist taxes, must be paid by the guest at check-in. Consumptions during the stay must be paid at check-out. NFHGW reserves the right to invoice any additional consumptions afterwards using the payment method provided by the guest.

NFHGW is entitled to charge a surcharge for unused beds in the booked room.

The binding prices for our services are published on our own website.

Advance Payment
NFHGW is entitled to request an advance payment to secure the booking. If an advance payment is required, it must be paid by the specified due date. NFHGW is also entitled to pre-authorize a deposit on the guest’s credit card.

2. Cancellations and Modifications

Cancellations, rebookings, as well as reductions in the number of participants or the duration of stay are only valid if submitted in writing to NFHGW. Cancellation fees are calculated based on the booked services (excluding fees). Depending on group size, the following conditions apply:

Individuals and groups of up to 9 persons
– Cancellation up to 5 days before arrival: no charge
– Cancellation 4 to 2 days before arrival: 50%
– Later cancellation: 100%

Groups of 10 persons or more
– Cancellation up to 6 months before arrival: 50%
– Cancellation up to 3 months before arrival: 75%
– Later cancellation: 100%

The decisive date for calculating cancellation fees is the time the written notification is received by NFHGW (by 18:00). A cancellation is only considered valid once confirmed by NFHGW.

Withdrawal by the Host
The host reserves the right to withdraw from the contract or cancel the reservation for important reasons only (including but not limited to force majeure, operational self-use, safety concerns). Any payments already made will be refunded in full.

Early Departure
If the guest departs early, NFHGW is entitled to charge 100% of the booked services. NFHGW will attempt to reassign unused services. In such cases, the guest’s invoice will be reduced by the amount paid by third parties for those services.

3. Travel Restrictions due to external events

Guests are responsible for informing themselves about current travel restrictions. If the guest (or group) is unable to travel due to restrictions preventing departure from their country or entry into Switzerland, no cancellation fees will be charged. The burden of proof lies with the guest (or group).

In case of cancellations or changes due to official government measures, the cancellation policy according to section 2 applies.

4. Liability and Damages

Claims must be submitted in writing to NFHGW immediately, at the latest within 2 weeks after return. NFHGW is not liable if non-performance or improper performance of the contract is due to the guest, unforeseeable and unavoidable actions of third parties, or force majeure. NFHGW declines all liability for theft or damage to items brought by guests, organizers, participants, or third parties.

Damage caused by the guest or their associates, or additional costs caused by their behavior, will be charged at replacement cost (new price plus procurement and labor costs). NFHGW is not required to prove fault. Such claims must be settled within 14 days of invoicing. NFHGW may pre-authorize a deposit on the credit card.

5. Use of Rooms

The assigned room (including beds in dormitories) must be used with the utmost care. It may only be occupied by the number of persons (including children) specified in the accepted offer. Guests are not permitted to sublet or allow third parties to use rented rooms.

The guest is liable for any damage unless they can prove it occurred without their fault (or the fault of co-users). Any damage must be reported immediately to NFHGW.

6. Luggage

NFHGW is only liable for loss or damage to personal belongings in cases of intent or gross negligence by staff. Liability for third parties only applies in cases of fault. Liability is expressly limited to the coverage of the business liability insurance; any further liability is excluded. NFHGW assumes liability for valuables only if they are stored in the hostel safe or handed in at reception against written confirmation. Liability is excluded for damages caused by operational disruptions, force majeure, strikes, unrest, war, natural events, fire, etc.

7. No Liability for Pests in Accommodation

Pests may occur in accommodation, including in the Swiss para-hotel industry. To prevent or control infestations, NFHGW works closely with a professional pest control company and strictly follows their instructions. NFHGW declines all liability for luggage, vehicles, or health-related costs in connection with pests.

8. Pets

Only dogs are allowed upon prior agreement with the management. The owner is liable for any damage caused by the animal. NFHGW may pre-authorize a deposit on the credit card.

9. Data Protection

Protecting guests’ privacy is a high priority for NFHGW. Personal data collected during booking (e.g. name, email address) is stored and used for processing reservations, bookings, stays, as well as for marketing and statistical purposes. Personal data is treated confidentially and not shared with third parties. Credit card details are not stored; they are transmitted securely and encrypted directly to the credit card company for validation.

10. Place of Jurisdiction

All contracts concluded under these GTC are governed exclusively by Swiss law. The exclusive place of jurisdiction for any disputes is Grindelwald.