Thinking is work – work needs space – space should stimulate

The Kerenzerberg plateau in the foothills of the Alps is renowned for its diverse panoramic views of Lake Walensee and the surrounding mountains. But who knows that the DenkWerkstatt centre is located on the Kerenzerberg? Five seminar hotels in Glarus Nord, together with the Kerenzerberg mountain railway, form the DenkWerkstatt Glarusland.

There are many advantages to holding seminars, retreats and workshops outside of the usual business premises: you leave your familiar surroundings behind and go to a new place, usually under the roof of a hotel you are not familiar with. This is where important topics are dealt with in a targeted manner – the change of location makes a big difference to the way things are done, compared to the usual routine in company premises or the office. In addition to the effect of the new and the unfamiliar, there is also the social aspect, which is no less important: enjoying good food, experiencing the evening together, and not just talking about business, but also about other things. This is also important for the team and the culture.

Inspiring rooms for refreshing seminars can be found in the DenkWerkstatt Glarnerland. Instead of flip charts and markers, there are slate boards and chalk, instead of whiteboards, the colours of nature are used. The DenkWerkstatt on and around the Kerenzerberg is the inspiring complement to the classical, rather uninteresting everyday life in seminar rooms and offers organisers unusual locations for creative break-outs, group work or workshops – in the fresh air under the open sky. It is precisely there and in movement that new ideas are born, which replace old thought patterns. Combined with the seminar hotel rooms, this is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable seminar experience.

DenkWeg - 'Thought path'

Four oversized puzzles and thought games and four stations on the theme of mindfulness can be found on the DenkWeg, which can be walked in about 90 minutes. Movement promotes thinking. When moving in the open air, other areas of the brain are activated than when sitting: the right side of the brain automatically switches on the left side and gives it a real boost. So get out into the fresh air and plan at least one seminar sequence so that the participants can work in movement! Thinking, pondering, moving, brainstorming, discussing. The panorama, the mountains, the meadows, the forests and the colours of nature support the ongoing processes and surprise with a positive effect!

The DenkWerkstatt offers seminar organisers six unusual locations for creative break-out sessions, group work or workshops: whether in the historic museum park, on the viewing platform above Lake Walensee or at the power spot on the edge of the forest. All outdoor DenkOrte are equipped with a flipchart-sized slate board and Glarus Land-style benches. The DenkOrte bag with chalk and sponge for the slate boards and use of the outdoor DenkOrte is available free of charge from the seminar hotels.

DenkBahn - 'Thought Cablecar'

During DenkFahrten to the Alp Habergschwänd – on the slowest chairlift in Switzerland – the airy heights help to shake up entrenched thought patterns. Clear mountain air clears out stale ideas and fun is not left behind either. The DenkWerkzeug box is also on board, filled with a notepad for new ideas, drinks and a small snack.

5 times well-fed and accommodated – for all need

These seminar hotels in Glarus Nord are the base camp for the DenkWerkstatt and for companies, organisations, clubs, schools and associations: Seminarhotel Römerturm, Filzbach; Seminarhotel Lihn, Filzbach; Kerenzerberg Sports Centre, Filzbach; City Hotel Glarnerland, Näfels; lintharena, Näfels.

Captions (Photos by Maya Rhyner):

Photo 01 Outdoor seminars offer completely new perspectives for all participants.

Photo 02 Solution-oriented teamwork is required on the DenkWeg.

Photo 03 The fresh mountain air on a run on the DenkBahn can open up new horizons.