Press Release
120 YEARS OF HAMMETSCHWAND LIFT AND CLIFF WALK: THE BÜRGENSTOCK RESORT LAKE LUCERNE CELEBRATES
Obbürgen, 25th February 2025 – The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is delighted to celebrate the 120th anniversary of its legendary Hammetschwand Lift and historic Cliff Walk “Felsenweg”. Since its opening in 1905, the technical masterpiece of this unique lift has been enchanting visitors from all over the world. To mark this occasion, the Bürgenstock Resort invites guests to a festive weekend from 18th to 21st April 2025.
Historical Significance of the Hammetschwand Lift and Felsenweg
The Hammetschwand Lift is still today a groundbreaking engineering achievement and the highest outdoor lift in Europe. Inspired by the architecture of the Eiffel Tower, which was presented at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, the lift was a visionary project of hotel pioneer Franz Josef Bucher-Durrer. To further increase the number of visitors of his hotels, he decided to build this spectacular lift, which to this day provides access to the top of Hammetschwand – the highest point in the Canton of Lucerne. The construction of the Felsenweg along the steep cliffs was an immense challenge and made the project a technical sensation of its time: the construction lasted from 1900 to 1905, five years in total, and was a great challenge due to the fact that the path was carved directly into the steep rock walls above Lake Lucerne. At the time, modern machinery was scarcely available, so the work was mostly done by hand – with explosions, chisels, and plenty of physical labor.
Celebrations During the Anniversary Weekend
Throughout the Easter holidays, visitors can expect a varied program. On 18th April, the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne will offer free entry to the Hammetschwand Lift, weather permitting. History enthusiasts can look forward to exclusive and free guided tours with historian Evelyne Lüthi-Graf, which will take place on 19th April at 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00. The tours will last 1.5 hours, starting at the Piazza and concluding at the Felsenweg. On the evening of Saturday, 19th April, folklore entertainment at the Restaurant Taverne will create a special
atmosphere. From 18th April until the end of September, an ice cream stand will be available in front of the Taverne 1879 to treat visitors with refreshing delicacies. Along the Cliff Walk, signs will provide walkers with access to exciting facts and numerous anecdotes about the 152-year history of the Bürgenstock Resort via QR codes. A piece of this illustrious and groundbreaking history will be available to take home in the form of a brochure, which will be available at key locations in the resort starting from the beginning of the upcoming season.
“Above the Clouds – Anniversary Edition” Offer
To celebrate the event throughout the season, the Bürgenstock Resort has created the new experience package “Above the Clouds – Anniversary Edition.” It includes a ride on the MS Bürgenstock catamaran from Lucerne, a ride on the Bürgenstock Railway, and an unforgettable experience with the Hammetschwand Lift. This offer will be available from April 18 until the end of October for CHF 67.00 via the following link.
Seasonal Reopenings
In addition to the reopening of the Hammetschwand Lift and the Felsenweg, the seasonal terraces and restaurants of the Bürgenstock Resort will reopen starting April 18 (all seasonal reopenings are weather-dependent).
Local guests can look forward to the Taverne restaurant opening from April 18 and remaining open year-round from Wednesday to Sunday – with a traditional folklore program every Saturday evening. Classic Swiss cuisine, featuring regional ingredients, will be served in an authentic ambiance with a welcoming atmosphere.
The Bärgbeizli Hammetschwand offers visitors a rustic place to rest at the summit of the mountain. Here, guests can enjoy regional specialties and warm hospitality that perfectly match the mountain landscape.
At Parisa – Persian Cuisine, guests can expect an authentic Persian dining experience through a set menu featuring classic flavors expertly crafted in a vibrant and unique way – with the option to dine on the terrace with a breathtaking view in warmer weather. Aromatic Persian specialties can be enjoyed by guests in April and May on Thursdays to Saturdays, and from June to September on Thursdays to Mondays for dinner. The Parisa – Persian Cuisine restaurant will be open until 29th September.
The Palace Terrace offers a relaxed atmosphere, with drinks and snacks served alongside a spectacular view of Lake Lucerne. An ideal place to unwind at the end of the day. From July to September, the Palace Terrace will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 14:00 to 22:00.
The iconic Hollywood Pool in the Bürgenstock Alpine Spa, open from 1st June to 31st September, invites guests to relax in glamourous surroundings and enjoy the sun.
The Osteria Alpina Terrazza and the Bürgenstock Alpine Golf Course will be open from May 12 until the end of October. These venues offer a perfect combination of fine Italian cuisine and outdoor activity amidst the stunning mountain scenery.
The Hammetschwand Lift will be closed in bad weather, such as rain, strong winds, or ice. Please check the current information beforehand.
Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is part of The Bürgenstock Collection headquartered in Switzerland. The resort comprises a total inventory of 360 rooms spread across three hotels: the Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa (5* Superior), offering two distinct accommodation choices – The Contemporary and The Heritage, the Waldhotel by Bürgenstock (5* Superior) and Taverne 1879 (3*). In addition, the resort boasts 17 residence suites, twelve restaurants, lounges and bars, a 10’000 m² award-winning Alpine Spa, a holistic Waldhotel Spa and a wide range of leisure activities. The Bürgenstock Collection portfolio includes the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa (99 rooms), the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne (196 rooms) and The Adria in South Kensington, London (24 rooms).
The Bürgenstock Collection
The Bürgenstock Collection is one of Switzerland’s largest deluxe hotel groups, operating Hotels and Residences with a combined total of 677 rooms and 17 residence suites. The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne (360 rooms), the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa (99 rooms), the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne (196 rooms) and The Adria in South Kensington, London (22 rooms) dazzle guests from all over the world with their rich heritage, elegant, contemporary design, leading spas and their exceptional culinary offers, while remaining completely true to the timeless Swiss traditions of hospitality, service and discretion.
About Katara Hospitality
Katara Hospitality is a global hotel owner, developer, and operator, based in Qatar. With 50 years’ experience in the industry, Katara Hospitality actively pursues its strategic expansion plans by investing in peerless hotels in Qatar while growing its collection of iconic properties in key international markets. Katara Hospitality’s portfolio has grown to include 42 owned and / or managed hotels and the company is now focused on achieving its target of 60 hotels in its portfolio by 2030. As the country’s flagship hospitality organisation, Katara Hospitality supports Qatar’s long-term economic vision.
Katara Hospitality currently owns properties spread across four continents in Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand and United States of America. While it partners with some of the finest hotel management companies, Katara Hospitality operates owned and non-