Vera Weber: hotelier by day, activist by conviction

The daughter of renowned environmentalists Franz and Judith Weber, Vera Weber now heads an influential foundation – and temporarily runs the historic Grandhotel Giessbach. For Vera Weber, the Grandhotel Giessbach, perched above Lake Brienz in canton Bern, is more than just a workplace – it’s home. Her mother played a major role in renovating the hotel during the 1980s, and as a child, Weber spent almost every weekend there. Today, she serves as interim director of the iconic building her parents helped save from demolition. The hotel remains full of memories: “I feel at home here,” she says. But she emphasises that her role is temporary. As soon as a suitable successor is found, she plans to step aside – because her true passion lies beyond the hotel walls. Fuelled by the fight Weber is an animal rights activist, conservationist and committed campaigner. “I can’t help it,” says the 50-year-old. “It’s not a role or a duty – it’s a deep conviction.” She has worked with the Franz ...