In 2023 Bürgenstock Resort, Switzerland’s most prestigious and legendary resort, will celebrate 150 years of rich history, authentic culture and innovation. Perched on the Bürgenberg mountain high above Lake Lucerne, the iconic resort’s heritage of luxury Swiss hospitality dates to 1873.
To commemorate the 150-anniversary milestone, the Bürgenstock Resort will launch a series of celebratory ‘Beyond Imagination’ experiences, exciting events and retro revival offers in April 2023. Discover the avant-garde spirit behind the brand through unique and innovative experiences showcasing the brand’s motto, “the future has a past”, by blending classic Swiss heritage, innovation and world-class design.
Reflecting those pioneers involved in the development of Bürgenstock Resort whose stories last today, the new ‘Biographer-in-Residence’ package allows guests to have their own life story written by an award-winning author. During the stay, guests will sit with a biographer for several engaging and thought-provoking interview sessions to chart your most precious and meaningful memories. Private sessions will be held in the 1903-Palace Hotel, each between 60-90 minutes in duration. Once finalized, the memoir will be printed and ready for guests to share with their loved ones, protecting their treasured stories.
Additional events will take place throughout the summer season, to celebrate the innovative spirit of the resort. The ultra-personalized package, “The Ultimate Stay”, includes the best of the exclusive experiences the resort is known for. Forest, Sunset Garden and Opera Dinners, Chefs United “Legends” Edition, Historic Menu Revival, 150th Anniversary Special Editions of an exclusive cigar, cheese from the Bürgenberg and locally brewed beer will celebrate the unparalleled food universe of the resort. The launch of a new Beauty Lounge at the Alpine Spa and new Spa Journeys will take wellness to the next level. Stepping on legendary grounds, Bürgenstock Resort’s guests will also feel like pioneers.
Beyond Imagination Since 1873
Business partners Franz Josef Bucher and Josef Durrer, two visionaries without a background in hospitality who later were considered as the first hotel chain in the world, founded the Belle-Époque-style Grand Hotel in 1873. A big success which led to expansion and the Palace Hotel opened its doors in 1903. The hotels attracted a highly international clientele, from wealthy Russians and Indians, British and American industrials and bankers, to Austrian, Hungarian, French and German Aristocrats.
Setting new standards for hospitality and leisure, Bürgenstock Funicular opened as the first electric railway in Switzerland in 1888, powered by a hydroelectric plant and whisking guests in comfort and style up the mountain to the hotel above. In addition, this period saw the construction of the Hammetschwand Lift, the highest outdoor elevator in Europe which remains to this day, accessible via a daring Cliff Walk.
In the mid-20th century, known as “The Golden Years”, Bürgenstock Resort became the must-visit holiday destination, a place to see and be seen by luminaries such as Henry Kissinger and Jimmy Carter. Audrey Hepburn was married to Mel Ferrer in the Bürgenstock Chapel in 1954; Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti were residents for several years; and the crew shooting the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger stayed at the Palace for a month when they were filming the nearby Hammetschwand Lift. The exclusive Bürgenstock Club with its outdoor Hollywood Pool was the setting of fashion shoots and films, while the Alpine Golf Course and Tennis Courts, one of the first in Switzerland, created the desired Palm Springs style.
Following a visionary investment from Katara Hospitality, the 21st-century Bürgenstock Resort was relaunched in 2017 and unveiled a brand-new look. As one of Europe’s largest resorts, with all of its twelve landmarked historic spaces refreshed and multiple new hotels, spas, residences, and restaurants added, the multi-property Bürgenstock Resort is a year-round destination.
For further information on Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, please visit https://burgenstockresort.com/en
