Imagine lying in a cozy bed, tucked under warm linens, while the stars twinkle above you and the cool breeze from the Alps gently brushes your face. There's no ceiling, no doors, no window to separate you from nature. This isn’t a dream or a camping story. This is Null Stern Hotel, Switzerland’s boldest hospitality concept that dares to do away with everything but the essentials. Null Stern, which translates from German to “Zero Star.”

Where Luxury Meets Simplicity

While most hotels compete over the number of stars or the square footage of their spas, Null Stern takes the opposite route. This “zero-star” hotel removes every traditional hotel element—walls, roofs, TVs, and minibars—and centers the entire experience around the guest’s connection with nature. The bed sits directly under the open sky, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Swiss Alps, at an elevation of over 6,400 feet. The concept is not about removing comfort; it’s about redefining it. And what you gain is not a downgrade in hospitality, but an upgrade in human experience.

A Stay Unlike Any Other

At first glance, it’s minimal: a queen-sized bed, crisp white linens, two nightstands, and a pair of reading lamps. But look around, and your room becomes endless. You’re surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, infinite skies, and the peaceful silence that only nature can offer. Despite the rustic setup, you’re not alone. A personal butler, stationed in a nearby cabin, ensures your comfort by bringing meals, answering requests, and making sure your stay feels like a five-star experience minus the walls. Need breakfast with a sunrise view? Done. A warm blanket during a chilly night? Handled. As you might expect, there’s no ensuite bathroom. Guests are given access to a public facility a short walk away. While it’s not a typical hotel experience, guests come prepared, knowing that this is part of the adventure. This unique experience doesn’t come cheap. A night under the stars at Null Stern costs around $210 (roughly ₹16,000), but for many, the memories made here are priceless.

The Story Behind Null Stern

The first iteration of the Null Stern Hotel was born in 2008 in an abandoned nuclear bunker in Teufen, Switzerland. It was a statement on minimalism and repurposing space, created by Swiss concept artists Frank and Patrik Riklin in collaboration with hospitality expert Daniel Charbonnier. Later, the concept moved outdoors to embrace something even more radical: nothing but nature. 

Since its outdoor launch in 2016, the hotel has become a sensation, with bookings filling up fast and international media calling it one of the most unconventional hotel experiences in the world. Due to high demand, the team is now working with local tourism agencies to create similar "rooms" in different parts of Switzerland. What sets Null Stern apart isn't just the novelty of sleeping outside. It's how it makes us feel. In our fast-paced, screen-filled lives, we rarely pause to look at the stars or listen to the wind move through the trees. Null Stern gives guests that pause, a quiet, profound space to reflect, reconnect, and simply be.