Out and about with... Marco Planitzer

You won’t see him on his mountain bike quite as often as before, in the time before the Traube. The days and evenings of the qualified hotelier-restaurateur are packed. «It’s super exciting, super multifaceted and super challenging,» says Marco Planitzer – and we certainly believe it. The passion for his work and for life itself is written all over the face of the young host of Gasthaus Traube. At the same time, he also radiates the inner calm that someone in his position needs to stay on top of things.

We have already sat across from each other for an interview once before – back then on a pile of rubble at the construction site, a few months before the restaurant opened in January 2022. Today, more than a year later, we meet to chat and enjoy an espresso in the Traube’s cosy lounge. Marco Planitzer has now replaced his sportswear with his Traube uniform – starched white shirt, dark fitted trousers and white trainers. I want to find out how the first year in his role as host has impacted him.

He thinks for a moment, then says with a calm yet alert gaze: «I learned a huge amount from a gastronomic perspective, but I also gained so much knowledge about construction. Now that the restaurant renovation is complete, I’m also following the construction of the boutique hotel from the start, and have been participating in various meetings. It’s fascinating to see it all up close – fascinating and somehow surreal.»

The biggest change, however, has taken place at the personal level, he says, finishing his espresso in one gulp. He smiles: «I used to spend my life much more in my own bubble. Now, I have grown into my role as a host. It’s not just about me any more – I lead a team and share responsibility for it.» It’s very important to him that the team works together and that this is perceptible to the guests. The goal is to keep improving and overcome challenges together. «That means that I’m part of a whole, keep everyone in mind and take responsibility. My own personality has developed a lot as a result.»

And what about his work-life balance? This was also a topic of our first interview and a matter close to Marco Planitzer’s heart. He clears his throat and smiles. The best way for him to switch off is through exercise – be it skiing, hiking or a mountain bike ride. The occasional change of scenery is also important to him. He likes to use his scarce free time to visit former work colleagues in Ticino, the Bernese Oberland or Arosa. His colleagues are altogether very important to him. «And my family, of course!» he emphasises. However, he openly admits that his busy schedule doesn’t leave much time for visits. However, whenever possible, he treats himself to a short or sometimes longer ride on his mountain bike. «Without a motor!» he adds, raising his index finger and laughing. One of his colleagues lives in the Bündner Herrschaft area of the Grisons and often does the Heidi tour with him.

It leads from the town of Fläsch, first leisurely along the Rhine towards Maienfeld, then up the hill, through the middle of the town, further past vineyards and wineries, into the forest, over hedge and ditch, bridges and meadows. «The best part is when I can sometimes really let loose, get my pulse racing and feel the adrenaline – there’s no better way to switch off and recharge your batteries!»

He pauses for a moment, then says: «The fact that we can do and provide so much for our beautiful region and feel how well our establishment is accepted by the public is just amazing and gives me strength and motivation even on the days when I don’t have time for exercise.»