Revisiting a Switzerland Tour

Sep 24, 2018

I made a very short trip to Switzerland in reply to an invitation from a new hotel group called the Buergenstock collection.

I am originally from Switzerland and the Buergenstock was an iconic hotel that hosted celebrities, such as Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn, in the past but sort of disappeared for the last 20 years. I was intrigued to see what it was all about now!

My journey started with a flight on SWISS which was non-stop, from LAX to Zurich and a connection to Geneva. I lived in Geneva for 10 years and worked for SWISS at the very beginning of my career (when it was Swissair). I have been back many times since; however, always by train, so it was quite impressive to see how the airport had changed.

A short 45 minute drive and I was in Lausanne, one of my favorite cities on the lake of Geneva. This city has unbelievable history, a stunning view of the mountains and lake, and sits on the edge of the Laveaux world Heritage vineyards and wine region. You can visit the Olympic museum, or in 20 minutes get to Montreaux, Vevey or Gruyere by train. I would suggest a minimum of 3 nights to explore the region, and I stayed at the Royal Savoy hotel, which is 10 minute walk to the lake or the old town.

A 2-hour train ride and you are in Bern, the capital of Switzerland and a hidden gem. I stayed at the Schweizerhof, which is in the middle of the old town and steps away from the train station, which is an ideal location.

I would suggest a walking tour with a local guide, see the famous Clock tower, House of Parliament, or visit with Albert Einstein who lived there for many years.

The old arcades are full of locally owned shops, with an amazing selection of merchandise. Take a day trip to the famous Schildhorn, top of the alps and revolving restaurant., Jungfraujoch in Grindelwald or the Paul Kle Museum of art in Bern. I would suggest at least a 3 nights stay.

Everything in Switzerland is so close; so after a short one-hour train ride we are in Lucerne. Home of the famous Chapel Bridge and now the new Buergenstock resort.

Just a few steps from the train station you board a battery powered Catamaran for a one-hour ride, then a funicular to the resort.

The arrival is amazing with stunning fews of the lake, surrounding mountains and lush green meadows, the only sound you can hear are cowbells.

Buergenstock is made up of three different hotels, spas, wellness and medical facility and there is something for everyone.

Spend at least 4 nights to enjoy all the facilities and surrounding region, take a day trip to Lucerne, an electric bike ride on the “Heart “route through the Emmental region, or a hike in the surrounding mountains.

You can fly out of Zurich, just a one-hour train ride from Lucerne, with direct trains straight to the airport.

Susanne Hamer