The Swiss stone pine – Queen of the Alps

A tree with a positive aura

The tree

The Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra), also known as the Arve, belongs to the pine family. This evergreen conifer reaches heights of 20 to 30 metres and is found primarily in high-alpine terrain (1,500 to 2,800 metres above sea level) and in the Carpathians. Swiss stone pines need time to grow. A lot of time. They can live for up to 400 years and it can take 50 years or more before they flower for the first time.

Swiss stone pines have a vital relationship with the nutcracker, which feeds on their seeds. For the winter, the nutcracker hides the seeds in various food stores. Around a fifth of the seeds then begin to germinate because the nutcracker cannot find all its hiding places. This is how the tree reproduces

From a human perspective, the Swiss stone pine serves as a shelter tree, a timber tree and a climate indicator. Thanks to its longevity, fragrance and beneficial properties, the wood is highly prized for furniture making, woodcarving, as well as for use as filling in upholstery and as oil for air fresheners. Swiss stone pines are an endangered species, as they have been ruthlessly felled for a long time and grow back only very slowly. The population is recovering only slowly.

The wood

Swiss stone pine wood has fascinated people for thousands of years. It symbolises well-being and is considered healthy, but why exactly? The effect of Swiss stone pine wood on sleep quality has been scientifically proven. It has been proven that people sleep better in a Swiss stone pine bed or in a Swiss stone pine room. This is linked to a reduced heart rate and consequently leads to improved night-time recovery. On average, the body saves around 3,500 heartbeats per day. This is roughly equivalent to one hour’s heart activity. This is primarily due to alpha-pinene, a compound found in high concentrations in Swiss stone pine essential oil. In combination with other constituents of the oil, this compound also has a proven positive effect on people who are sensitive to changes in the weather. Swiss stone pine oil smells wonderful, but it also has a strong antibacterial effect and prevents the growth of mould. Swiss stone pine furniture also ensures moth-proof storage of textiles. One further use is certainly worth mentioning, however, as the excellent flavour of Swiss stone pine schnapps is a staple of Alpine cuisine.

Swiss stone pine at the Hotel Winzer

The Hotel Winzer incorporates Swiss stone pine in many forms throughout the building. For example, in the guest rooms. In the Harmonie Suite, the Zirbennest and the Zirbentraum Suite, you are surrounded by Swiss stone pine furniture, and a Swiss stone pine infrared cabin is also available in the Zirbennest and the Harmonie Suite for warming relaxation. The scent of Swiss stone pine is, of course, part of the experience. This guarantees restful nights and complete relaxation. In our Edelstein Spa, too, the infrared Swiss stone pine lounge, the cosy Swiss stone pine living room and the tranquil Swiss stone pine meditation room invite you to enjoy cosy, warm moments and a relaxing break.

Swiss stone pine is simply something special in every respect – whether as a tree, as wood or at the Hotel Winzer.

Written by Christian Messmer