First donation in 1934

The zoology professor Friedrich Zschokke donates 10'000 francs to the Basel student body with the aim of building its own ski and mountain lodge. His aim was to offer students and young scientists a place in the mountains where they could relax and concentrate on their studies at the same time. This was the foundation stone for the later Zschokkehaus Foundation.

May 1936 - Planning and project launch

The Basel student body establishes the Zschokkehaus Foundation, increases the fund to 25'000 francs and begins concrete planning for the house. Due to the political situation in Germany at the time, the previously used ski lodge in Todtnauberg was no longer available, which strengthened the desire for a house of their own. The choice fell on the Gerschnialp above Engelberg, an ideally located area for summer and winter sports.

13. December 1936 - Inauguration of the house

After intensive planning and construction work, the Zschokke-Haus is officially opened. The wooden building offers space for around 40 people and comes with simple but comfortable facilities such as central heating, showers and a well-equipped kitchen. The construction costs amounted to around 40'000 francs, and an interest-free mortgage was quickly paid off.

1966 - First major renovation

After 30 years of intensive use, the house is extensively renovated. Central heating is installed, the sanitary facilities are renovated, and the building is equipped for the first time with gender equality in mind - female students now have equal rights. The canton contributes financially to the renovation. This strengthens the building's position as an integral part of university sports.

1998 - Second comprehensive renovation

On the occasion of the upcoming 50th anniversary, a comprehensive renovation and extension of the building is carried out. In addition to replacing damaged components, the recreation room is almost doubled in size to meet the needs of larger groups. New sanitary facilities, a modern kitchen and an additional ski and storage room are added. Financing is provided by a large-scale fundraising campaign amounting to 880'000 francs.

29. May 1999 - Reopening after renovation

The Zschokke-Haus is ceremoniously reopened. Representatives of the University of Basel, the municipality of Engelberg and the Board of Trustees take part in the ceremony. The modernized building impresses with increased capacity, energy improvements and an upgraded room concept - in keeping with the original spirit of the founder.

June 1999 - A look back and new perspectives

The press pays tribute to the history of the building, whose use has changed over the decades from a place of academic silence to a lively center for university sports, courses and camps (see also media reports below). Willy Dürr and later Fritz Pieth played a key role in shaping the house through their sports education work, as did Marco Obrist from 1985, who tried to increase the use of the house with hiking camps, high mountain tours, paragliding and tennis camps in the summer months. From then on, the house was considered an important part of the university sports landscape.

2000s - New management and summer invigoration

The limited space available leads to the departure of snow sports training for sports students, which greatly reduces course registrations. Bettina Herzig-Lyner succeeds Marco Obrist as Head of University Sports in 2012. She supports capacity utilization by maintaining the University Sports facilities in the Zschokke-Haus. University Sport also supports the Zschokke-Haus by taking over the administration of reservations.

Modernization in recent years

The building is kept up to date in terms of equipment. The most important project in 2013 was the redesign of the dormitories. The rustic, sociable character of the house has always been very popular, and this was maintained during the renovation and redesign. The 8-person bunk beds were replaced by friendly, bright 6-bed rooms, which can be converted into 3-bed rooms if required.

Current use

The house is well booked throughout the winter season and is regularly used by university sports teams, student groups, professors and external guests. The convenient location, solid infrastructure and reasonable prices make it a popular destination.