An Inside Look into the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne with Chris Franzen

Looking over tranquil Lake Lucerne is a thrill for the senses. Take in the pristine blue water meeting the rolling hills of the Alps. This is the ultimate luxury experience granted to guests of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, a destination resort located in Central Switzerland.

Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne sits atop a mountain ridge, 500 meters above the famed Lake Lucerne, offering an exclusive experience to guests. The surrounding area of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is home to some of the best views, and access to nature, in Switzerland if not Europe. 

However, the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is so much more than a hotel, it is a transformative luxury experience. At the resort, the world-class staff, design, and amenities ensure that you feel at home the second you set foot in the property. The spectacular site features three hotels and residences, all featuring the unique charm and sophistication that is characteristic of the Bürgenstock brand:

Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa: Guests of this hotel can delight in duality; the hotel is divided into two wings, The Heritage and The Contemporary. Each offers a different, but equally luxurious, experience. The Heritage is decorated according to old world sophistication and gilded glamor. The Contemporary is a modernist architectural marvel, allowing guests unobstructed views of the stunning surroundings from clear glass. This property has 211 wonderful rooms, all of which feature stylish interiors and awe-inspiring views.

Waldhotel Health and Wellbeing: This hotel offers serenity and a comforting environment for guests to recharge, revitalize, and reconnect with nature. Breathe in pristine mountain air on private walking trails and clear your mind while practicing yoga in lush Alpine greenery. Guests are treated to in-depth check ups so that treatments and appointments are specifically tailored to them. There are 137 rooms and suites, each designed with the principles of modernity and sustainability at the forefront. Step into the future of wellness while nestled in the perfect calm of the Swiss Alps.

Taverne 1879: This quaint property is the place to be for guests seeking to experience a cozy and authentic Swiss getaway. At Taverne 1879, tradition is combined with local charm and warmth year round. The hotel and its 12 signatures are designed and furnished according to traditional Swiss Alpine style.

Bürgenstock Residences: An exclusive postcode for luxury enthusiasts. The Bürgenstock Residences offer residents a building with sophisticated and sleek design, top of the line amenities and services, and, of course, an unforgettable view. Take a look at the glamorous Panorama Residence Suites, which feature an unbeatable 360 degree view of the Alps. Wake up with the sun in the east, and watch it set over the tranquil mountains in the west all from the comfort of your marvelous suite.

The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne offers endless fun and relaxation through its amenities and activities. Whether you want to unwind or go on an Alpine exploration, the resort has all you need and more:

Two Luxury Spa Facilities

The Alpine Spa lies halfway between the blue sky and the vast Lake Lucerne. At this spa, guests are invited to experience ‘well-being without limits’. You are sure to have a rejuvenating experience, reset in the sauna, wade in one of the five blissful pools, or receive a relaxing massage by well-trained professionals. The Alpine Spa is considered unrivalled in Europe and among the very best globally.

There is also the equally magnificent Waldhotel Spa, a space where personalized spa experiences are at the forefront, providing guests with a sense of inner peace.

Sports Facilities: There are so many different ways to get active at the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne! Tee off in the tranquil greenery of the Bürgenstock Alpine Golf Course or try your hand at racket sports at the Diamond Domes Tennis Courts.

Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne offers an extensive selection of bars, lounges, and restaurants, to cater to all your culinary needs. The resort offers a diverse range of cuisines and a five-star dining experience at every restaurant. From traditional Swiss food to Pan-Asian delicacies, poolside dining to Persian delights, you can sample the globe in style.

Unbeatable Experiences: Staying at the Bürgenstock Resorts Lake Lucerne allows you to immerse yourself in a variety of expert-led classes and experiences. For instance, the Seven Kitchens Cooking Lab, an immersive masterclass where you are guided through the creation of a three course menu. The resort also features an in-house cinema, screening the latest blockbusters. There is always something happening at the Bürgenstock.

Since its inception, the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne has catered to its myriad of guests with professionalism, class, and attention to detail. The resort is a fascinating destination for a variety of reasons. Along with its famed high-caliber hospitality and beautiful location, the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne has a long tradition of hosting international conferences and congresses. Most recently, in June of this year, it hosted the two-day international Summit on Peace in Ukraine, the largest ever conference held in Switzerland with over 90 delegations and close to 60 heads-of-state present.

We talked with Managing Director Chris Franzen to get a detailed look into the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, its history, its present, and its bright future. Read ahead to learn more key information about this fantastic resort.

The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne has a well-documented history, what are the key facts readers should know about it?

CF: The history is essentially divided into three phases: the first phase began under Bucher and Durrer in 1873, who laid the foundations for the resort and were true pioneers of their time. With the ownership of the Frey family, starting in 1925, the resort has experienced its golden years and many celebrities, politicians, and globetrotters from all around the world visited the Bürgenberg mountain. From Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan, Sean Connery and Indira Gandhi to Audrey Hepburn, who even got married at the resort, and Sophia Loren, who resided in the resort for more than 12 years. The third phase began in the early 2000’s with the re-conceptualization, refurbishment and reopening of the new Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne in 2017. It is our legacy to keep the “Spirit of the Bürgenstock” alive.

What makes the area where the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is located special and unique? CF: Everything! Firstly, you can’t beat the views from the resort. You’re looking at either the snowy peaks of the Alps, lush green meadows of the valley, or the glistening Lake Lucerne. Wherever you cast your gaze, you’ll be mesmerized. And although we’re in a remote location, the city of Lucerne lies just at our doorstep. This mix of seclusion and accessibility makes it a unique retreat. In addition, the area around the resort offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and a vast number of watersports. One of our guests’ favorite attractions is the famous Hammetschwand Lift, Europe’s highest outdoor elevator, which provides spectacular views and is a must visit during the summer season. Our arrival experience is among the best of any resort. You can take the boat from Lucerne to Kehrsiten, and then take the hotel’s very own funicular up to the resort!

Why was the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne selected as the location for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine?

CF: Our magnificent Bürgenstock Resort is situated on a panoramic peak in Central Switzerland. The secluded location on the Bürgenberg mountain offers a high level of security and privacy, which is an absolute must for conferences of this caliber, and easy to secure. Although secluded, the resort is only a 50-minute drive away from Zurich Airport. In addition, there is a smaller VIP airport just ten minutes away from the resort, for those arriving in private planes. This balance of accessibility and seclusion makes it a practical, yet exclusive venue for international delegates. Also, the resort has only two entry points, which made access control easier. The Swiss Confederation has also previously hosted two conferences at the resort: a ceasefire conference on Sudan in 2002 and a conference on Cyprus’ EU accession in 2004.

Can you describe the selection process and subsequent preparations that were needed to successfully host the Summit on Peace in Ukraine?

CF: The negotiations and discussions with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs took place in early 2024. Our team was approached to be the host hotel and we gladly accepted this challenge, seeing the huge opportunity and potential for us and the region. We worked closely together with the federal government, the neighboring cantons of Nidwalden, Lucerne and Zurich, the Nidwalden cantonal police, the Lucerne police, the army, and additional partners to develop all the necessary security policies and logistical aspects.

Moving forward from the 2024 Peace Summit, what is the future for the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne in terms of hosting other such summits and high-profile events?

CF: The Bürgenstock Resort team has planned and executed many major international congresses throughout the resort’s 151-year history, and we would be honored to continue this tradition. The resort’s combination of luxury, security, quality, service, accessibility, and stunning natural surroundings make it an ideal venue for influential meetings and conferences on a global stage. This could be political gatherings or world summits on other topics, such as health, investment and financial services, to name just a few.

The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne was reopened in 2017 following major construction that began in 2014, what changes that were made during this period would you like to highlight?

CF: I love that the renovation preserved the historical charm of the original structures while incorporating modern amenities and state-of-the-art facilities. This blend of old and new offers our guests a unique experience, combining historical elegance with contemporary luxury. Each of our three hotels offers distinct styles and experiences, catering to different preferences and needs. To sum it up, the comprehensive renovation and expansion of the Bürgenstock Resort has transformed it into a world-class destination, offering unparalleled luxury, modern amenities, and a diverse range of experiences while maintaining its historical legacy.

About Chris Franzen

Chris K. Franzen, a Swiss national, grew up in the Alpine village of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. Growing up in his family’s hotel, he was destined to be in the hospitality business. He finished his schooling in Switzerland before embarking on the Chef and Sommelier apprenticeships; he finished the degrees with distinction, achieving the highest grades in his state. Chris then ventured abroad to complete his university education in Australia (Australian International Hotel School, Canberra) and the US (Cornell University, Ithaca).

Chris gained experience in many countries and cultures, including Switzerland, Russia, Germany, the US, Australia, the UAE, the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, and India.

Before he was nominated MD of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne and moved to Switzerland, he was the opening General Manager of Qatar’s leading 5-star luxury resort, the Waldorf-Astoria Lusail Doha Resort and Residences. Before these assignments, Chris served as the Area Vice President for Hyatt West India, overlooking the largest portfolio of Hyatt hotels in India, including such iconic properties as the Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences and the luxury lifestyle Andaz Hotel in Delhi. Before India, he was responsible for Hyatt’s operation in the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman as Area Vice President, overlooking all Hyatt brands in the region for several years.

Chris has been selected and included in the General Manager’s Power List Middle East 2023, a sign of excellence for industry leaders who have excelled and set industry leading benchmarks.

If you are interested to see more about this incredible hotel resort, click on the following link to view the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne’s promotional video.

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