You’re invited to join American food writer Heddi Nieuwsma for a culinary retreat at the Culinarium Alpinum in February 2026. Take part in an unforgettable weekend of Swiss food discoveries in Central Switzerland.
When is the Weekend Retreat?
Friday, February 13, to Sunday, February 15, 2026 (3 days and 2 nights).
All activities and courses throughout the weekend will be held in English.
Where will it take place?
The Culinarium Alpinum, which is located in a former monastery in Stans (Nidwalden), Switzerland. As the center of excellence for cuisine in the Alpine region, it has a restaurant, hotel, cooking studio, conference space and more. It will serve as our base during the retreat.
What activities are planned for the weekend?
We’ve planned a full schedule of activities, starting on Friday morning with an optional fishing excursion to Lake Lungern. Otherwise, the official program kicks off in the evening on Friday with a welcome drink, Alpsbrinz cheese tasting and Tavolata-style dinner.
On Saturday, we’ll visit a farm in the Alps, arriving by cable car and with snowshoes! For lunch, you can choose from either fondue or raclette. In the afternoon, we’ll visit an apple orchard for a cider tasting. Then, in the evening, we’ll have a 4-hands dinner back at the Culinarium Alpinum. Chef David Zurfluh and Heddi are planning a menu for you with recipes inspired by her Swiss cookbooks.
Finally, on Sunday morning after breakfast, Heddi will be teaching a hands-on cooking class focused on Swiss Alpine dishes, which we’ll eat for lunch together before the official program ends in the afternoon.
Why should you go?
This is an incredible opportunity for a culinary journey in Central Switzerland with English-speaking guides. Our retreat combines outdoor adventures with visits to small, artisanal food producers and cooking with Heddi, an award-winning, best-selling cookbook author. Plus, you’ll be staying at the Culinarium Alpinum, a historic monastery that has become the foremost center for learning and teaching about Alpine cuisine.
How much will it cost?
Starting from CHF 950. To view the full event details, click here. Transportation to and from the Culinarium Alpinum, before and after the official program, is not included. Register today, and you won’t be billed until January 5, 2026.
What else can I do in this region?
The timing of our Weekend Retreat coincides with carnival celebrations in both Stans (Frohsinngesellschaft Stans), where the Culinarium Alpinum is located, and in the city of Lucerne (Luzerner Fasnacht). Lucerne is about 15-20 minutes by train from Stans. In 2026, these celebrations will take place from February 12-17. There will be music, costumes and regional specialties to try at both locations.
For more information about carnival and other sightseeing options in these regions, you can contact the Lucerne Tourism or Nidwalden Tourism offices.
I need more information about the trip. Who can I contact with my questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact Heddi directly if you would like more information about this special retreat.
We hope you’ll be able to join us for a winter weekend focused on enjoying and learning about Alpine food.
DON’T WAIT! REGISTER TODAY. Please note that at least 8 spots for this culinary retreat must be filled by January 5, 2026, for this event to take place.
All photos provided courtesy of the Culinarium Alpinum.