Review: Swiss Alpine Lounge (A gates) – Zurich (ZRH)

…a sleek alpine aesthetic with outstanding food, views, and comfort. One of the best in Zurich. When: March 10, 2025. Rating: 9/10 – Very awesome. Access: Star Alliance Gold.

The Swiss Alpine Lounge at the A gates in Zurich is one of the nicest lounges at Zurich Airport. Highlights are the wood-alpine décor, the variety of seating, the live cooking station.

On a recent early morning, after clearing security, I visited this lounge before heading over to the E gates for my departure to the US. This lounge is in the A concourse at ZRH, which is loaded with designer goods and places to eat. The A gates serve inter-Schengen flights – no passport check required to access this part of the airport.. The lounge is sort of hidden near the transfer desk. The entrance of the lounge is marked by a spiral staircase – but there is a useful elevator for those with luggage. From what I understand, this lounge was a former first – class lounge. The lounge seems akin to a luxurious ski lodge.

Upon entry to the lounge, travelers can go right or left. To the right is the main seating area with a variety of changes, wood tables, smaller alcoves, sofas, even small semi-private phone rooms. The lounge has expansive runway views.

To the left of reception is the main dining and drinking area. Beverages, including alcohol, are all self-serve. I have never seen such a large beverage station. The main breakfast buffet has meats, smoothies, yogurt, fruit, a cereal wall, breads and more. Adjacent to the buffet is the coffee/espresso machine. The highlight of the food service is the live cooking station. I ordered a cheese and vegetable omelet. It was delicious! Seating in the dining area was a combination of booths and larger communal tables.

Another great feature of this lounge is the outlet availability. Outlets are everywhere and have EU, UK, and US chargers, which is great surprise. There are also wireless phone chargers next to the booth seating – eliminating need for any cords. The washrooms were modern and clean. Staff this early morning were always cleaning and refilling the buffet.

Although difficult to find, this lounge is definitely worth the visit.

I rate this lounge 9/10. Best features: The live-cooking station, décor, seating, buffet, outlet availability. Flaws: None – Showers would knock this into the top-tier