Switzerland was one of the first countries I traveled to as a young student when I still lived in the Philippines. I was part of a team that helped Philippine Air Lines inaugurate their flights to London, Paris and Zurich. While in Zurich, I bought Swiss Lace handkerchiefs embroidered with my initials and my very own Bucherer Swiss watch, which I still have to this day.
Michael and I traveled to Switzerland in August and explored the Lake Lucerne Region with a quick stop in Lugano. This was my third time to Switzerland, and I certainly hope, not the last.
PARK HOTEL VITZNAU
From Zurich airport, we took the train to Rotkreuz (halfway between Lucerne and Vitznau) where the hotel’s chauffer met us for our complimentary private transfer to Vitznau. Built in 1906 on Lake Lucern and Mount Rigi, this 5* LHW and Virtuoso property has 2 Michelin restaurants, a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the lake, an extensive Spa/wellness program and the nicest and friendliest team. We’ve dined lakeside every morning and evening because the breathtaking views are everything you want when you come to Lucerne.
BURGENSTOCK RESORT & SPA
Location Location Location - The best way to reach Burgenstock is by boat. From the pier, take the cogwheel train up the mountain and it stops directly at the hotel.
Burgenstock Resort’s Alpine spa alone measures 10,000 sqm, the largest in Europe and this outdoor heated infinity pool has views of Pilatus, Rigi and Lake Lucerne. Trust me when I tell you that everyone at the pool had a phone camera because the location is just too good to pass up.
The Waldhotel at Burgenstock Resort is also a Medical Center (not hospital) where wellness is taken seriously by professionals who will create a plan for your health goals. We loved our dinner at their Ritz Escoffier restaurant and Spices Kitchen had the best Chinese food I’ve had outside of Hong Kong! Big plus is that one of their chefs is a Filipina from Iloilo province and speaks the same dialect as me. It’s always heartwarming to meet my fellow Filipino countrymen/women anywhere in the world.
On a historical note, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren lived in Burgenstock for privacy from the paparazzi. Scenes from the Bond movie Goldfinger was also shot here.
@burgenstockresort is a member of @leadinghotelsoftheworld and @virtuosoltd
MOUNT RIGI
aka Queen of the Mountains 🏔 in the Lucerne region, rightly so. At the top, stunning views of Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, Lake Lauerz and the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the ride up and down to @rigi.ch on Europe’s first cogwheel railway.
So many ways to get up to Rigi but we rode the funicular from Vitznau and was treated by @rigi.ch to ride upfront with the engineer in his special cabin, so VVIP ❤️
There are many stops u til you teach the very top so we did stop at @mineralbadrigikaltbad to swim in their thermal pool overlooking Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. At the top, the views will take your breath away. Thank you to @rigi.ch and @ilove_lucerne for this very special experience ❤️
PILATUS
The beauty of Lucerne is the access to so many activities in the region. One of these is a visit to @pilatus 7,000 ft high, either on Europe’s steepest railroad or on foot (approx 5hrs to the top said a fit hiker we asked). Once on top, have lunch at the Hotel Pilatus-Kulm and enjoy their excellent Swiss cuisine. On the way down, either take the cable car and stop at the family friendly Rope Park. Switzerland is glorious in the summertime.
LUCERNE
Simply gorgeous in the summertime with its lakes and mountains. Even an afternoon downpour makes it more fun - just duck for cover in an outdoor patio with a wide enough umbrella and have some bratwurst 🌭
The Swiss Travel Pass is a MUST as we traversed the country on rail, boat and bus with ease. Public Swiss transportation is precise and accurate like Swiss watches!
LE’TS PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LUCERNE!