This triple Swiss escape with the Bürgenstock Collection takes you from Lake Geneva to the Swiss capital and up to a spectacular mountainside above Lake Lucerne.
Any guesses which city was crowned ‘Best small city in the world’? Time and again, Lausanne claims the title, seamlessly blending breathtaking nature, rich culture, and a cosmopolitan spirit. Gaze out over the shimmering expanse of Lake Geneva, framed by majestic mountains, before diving into the Olympic Museum, an interactive treasure trove of sporting history.
Lausanne, known as the ‘Olympic Capital,’ is home to the IOC, which unveiled its striking new headquarters in 2019 – a dynamic, flowing structure designed to embody the graceful movement of an athlete.
Nearby Lausanne are the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Swiss wines are an elite production and rarely found outside of the country, but guests of the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa enjoy exclusive access, so you can let the concierge team arrange a private sommelier-led tour and tasting. The Royal Savoy’s fairy-tale turrets date to 1906, blending historic grandeur with modern elegance. Picture yourself savoring brunch in the lush gardens or sipping cocktails on the panoramic Sky Terrace. In Lausanne, there is no setting quite as regal.
Where to begin in Bern? You could go back 800 years to when the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) first chimed, then travel in time to the avantgarde Zentrum Paul Klee. The gallery with its undulating architecture by Renzo Piano is a masterpiece. Switzerland’s capital is a relaxed hub of creativity. Meander through arcades lined with artisans and independent boutiques.
The River Aare snakes around the historic old town, an amusing pastime is to float down ‘the loop’ with the current. Just outside the city lies Gurten, Bern’s local mountain with stunning views, hiking trails, and a summer toboggan run. Guests staying at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa are offered complimentary funicular passes to the peak, while more energetic guests can take advantage of a fleet of e-bikes. This classic hotel has hosted the likes of Liz Taylor, Christina Onassis, Maradona, and many Prime Ministers. Now it’s your turn to write your own name into the guest book.
Hold your breath for the view from your suite. The Bürgenstock Resort above Lake Lucerne is a legend. Carved out of a 500-meter-high mountain ridge, you can reach it by boat and vintage funicular. It proved the ideal location for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, hosting 57 heads of state. Everything you want for an exclusive Swiss escape is up here: golf, tennis, a private cinema, and one of the biggest hotel spas in the world. Their rotation of masterclasses tasting cigars, chocolates, and fine wines are an inspiration.
The views can only be topped by a ride to the peak on the Hammetschwand Lift. This icon of Swiss engineering is the highest outdoor elevator ever built.
Lucerne is a cultured and historic city. The ancient Chapel Bridge is charming, its covered timber structure and a cycle of paintings in the gables date from 1611.
This Bürgenstock Collection Swiss escape can easily be made by car or rail, either way it’s not much more than an hour between Lausanne, Bern and Lucerne. Happy traveling!