WHERE TO STAY

Park Hotel Vitznau

The 5-star hotel enchants its guests not only with exclusive access to Lake Lucerne, but also with utmost luxury and one of the largest wine cellars in Switzerland. © Post Hotel Vitznau

The exclusive hotel is all about preserving the past and designing the future. Guests can expect old-world grandeur at the centuries-old building. The luxurious residences, suites and junior suites were all created individually and shine with state-of-the-art comfort. A vast spa area and two gourmet restaurants ensure unforgettable moments of enjoyment and indulgence at Lake Lucerne.

Park Hotel Vitznau
Seestrasse 18, 6354 Vitznau, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 41 399 60 60
Web: parkhotel-vitznau.ch
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from €870 per night

 

Hotel Villa Honegg

At Hotel Villa Honegg, at 914 m above sea level, you will enjoy relaxation and utmost. © Hotel Villa Honegg

With only 15 rooms and eight suites, this boutique hotel is a one-of- a-kind hideaway situated above Lake Lucerne. The kitchen uses ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own garden. The historical building also houses a relaxing spa with an outdoor pool that offers stunning views of the mountains and the lake.

Hotel Villa Honegg
Honegg, 6373 Ennetbürgen, Switzerland
Tel.:+41 41 618 32 00
Web: villa-honegg.ch
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from €800 per night

Bürgenstock Resort

Modern, contemporary and luxurious suites, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms overlooking a fascinating lake and mountain panorama, don't even begin to describe the elegance of the Bürgenstock Resort. © STUDIO Philipp Klem

Not by the lake, but 450 metres above it, the Bürgenstock Resort nestles into the crest of a majestic mountain. Opened in 1873 and now world renowned, the hotel counts Audrey Hepburn and Indira Gandhi among its famous former guests. Seven restaurants, one of which follows a farm-to-table and nose-to-tail philosophy, serve up delectable cuisine. Three luxury spa areas and an infinity pool round out the perfect stay.

Bürgenstock Resort
6363 Obbürgen, Switzerland
Tel.:+41 41 612 60 00
Web:burgenstockresort.com
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from €1152 per night

 

Where to eat

Stern Luzern

The restaurant is known for the regionality of its ingredients and its modern and creative cuisine. © hurrah.ch/photography Lucerne

The restaurant at the hotel of the same name delights guests with simple and satisfying two-course meals at lunchtime. In the evening, connoisseurs have a choice of eight alternating seasonal dishes.

Stern Luzern
Burgerstrasse 35, 6003 Lucerne, Switzerland
Tel.:+41 41 227 50 60
Web: sternluzern.ch

 

Stiefels Hopfenkranz

The holistic approach and premium quality of the house promise an unforgettable evening. © Raffaele Mariotti

Apart from the wine, everything at this gourmet restaurant is homemade. The acclaimed kitchen only uses sustainably sourced ingredients. The art on the walls, currently by Maya Rochat, is worth seeing as well.

Stiefels Hopfenkranz
Zurichstrasse 34, 6004 Lucerne, Switzerland
Tel.:+41 41 410 78 88
Web: hopfenkranz.ch

 

What to do

Splendid steamship tours

Dreamlike round trips amid mountain scenery are a real "must do" on Lake Lucerne. © Beat Brechbühl/Lucerne Tourism

The paddle steamer Die Schiller has been operating on Lake Lucerne since 1906. Unlike other fin-de-siècle steamships on the lake, its exterior appearance has barely changed over the years. The most beautiful spot on the ship is its art nouveau salon, which is furnished with ebony and mother-of-pearl inlays in lemon wood and is a protected historic monument. The steamer can be hired as a charter ship, but also operates as a liner.

More information: lakelucerne.ch

 

Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus towers majestically beside Lake Lucerne. © Lucerne Tourism

The mountain massif south of Lucerne rises to an altitude of 2,132 meters. But don’t sweat it – a variety of cable cars will take you comfortably to the top.

 

Culture abounds

There is no denying the diversity in Lucerne, there's something for everyone here. © provided

Magnificent townhouses and guildhalls from the Late Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods take you on a history tour of Lucerne. In the old town, modernity has found its way into the shops, where chic international brands and charming small boutiques vie for attention.

 

What to buy

Zuckerpeitsche syrup

Drinking syrup made from the best raw materials. © Sugar whip

Handmade in Lucerne, the delicious organic syrups add a little something extra to every cocktail or even a glass of water. €15.

More information: sugarwhip.ch

 

Cuboro tunnel

A classic for the ages. © Cuboro

The ingenious marble run system made of natural wood has been inspiring children since 1986.

More information: cuboro.ch