Interior Design Lucerne Switzerland
The scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne set the mood for the weekend ahead.
Glorious sunshine, blue skies and glistening water against a stunning mountain range and picturesque villages got us equally excited as the Chinese tourists onboard. The Vitznauerhof, a building like from a fairytale, caught our sight from afar as we approached our destination.
The captivating charm of the Vitznauerhof… (Photo credit: Benno Klandt)
Quaint, idyllic and charming would be the best way to describe the Vitznauerhof which sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne at the far end of the village Vitznau and with the Rigi as a backdrop. The beautiful gardens of the hotel were once a shipyard back in 1870. Just before the turn of the century the property was purchased by a family of hoteliers and the construction of the hotel began. In 1901 the hotel opened its doors to its first guest as a first class property boasting luxuries such as electricity, heating, telephone services and of course the beautiful park. Throughout the decades the beautiful Belle Epoque hotel was sold and bought, its historic beauty destroyed and restored, damaged by devastating floods and has welcomed famous poets, composers and aristocrats.
There’s something magical about the Vitznauerhof… (Photo credits: Vitznauerhof)
Today the hotel is run as a 4-star deluxe hotel by the charismatic and enthusiastic hotelier Raphael Herzog (previously the General Manager at The Capra Saas-Fee). Many of the historic details, such as the stucco, stained glass and mosaic flooring have been restored. 53 modern, somewhat plain, but spacious rooms, three restaurants, a cigar lounge, a spa and a beautiful park are the perfect base for those seeking to explore this magnificent region. The hotel, however, has also made a name for itself as the ideal location for wedding parties.
Summer opening party in full swing…featuring Tamara Cantieni, Dr. Roger Müller and Simone Aïda Baur (Photo credits: Benno Klandt)
Speaking of parties… The motive of our visit to the Vitznauerhof was the ‘summer season opening party’ and what a party it was! Whilst we were still getting ready, we could see the first guests making their appearance in the gardens. Shortly after we also headed down to the lobby, were greeted with a smile and a glass of champagne and headed outside to join the other guests. I quickly made out some familiar faces and in no time we were immersed in light conversation and laughter whilst sipping on champagne, nibbling on hors d’oeuvres and listening to the soft sounds of the saxophone in the background. The guests included VIPs from across Switzerland, journalists, bloggers and other influencers and everyone seemed to be in a cheerful mood. The customary “see and be seen” effect which is so common at these types of events seemed to be missing and everyone was just being themselves and enjoying the evening. I cannot say whether it was the venue, the hosts, the summer-like temperatures or the guests or a combination of the aforementioned, but the ambiance was simply outstanding.
After a breathtaking sunset we made our way inside into the ballroom, where the drinking, eating and dancing continued until the early morning hours…
Dancing the night away at the Vitznauerhof… (Photo credits: Benno Klandt)
On Sunday morning the guests gradually made their way to the breakfast room according to the respective time of when they had left the party. Needless to say, we were amongst the last to arrive for breakfast… Yet after a sumptuous brunch and another sunny day awaiting us, we decided to hop onto the cogwheel train and head up to the Rigi for a hike. The steep ride up into the mountains and the mesmerising views along the way and from atop, more than made up for the effort after a rather short night…
Pictures speak louder than words… (Photo credit: Simone Aïda Baur)
I must admit that the Vitznauerhof and its surroundings have cast a spell on me and I have no doubt, that it will do the same to you…
Happy stylish discoveries!
Simone xx
Useful links:
www.vitznauerhof.ch
www.rigi.ch
Photo Credits:
Benno Klandt
Vitznauerhof
Simone Aïda Baur
Note: This blog post was created in collaboration with the Vitznauerhof and Rigi Bahnen (press trip).
