Some places are somehow out of this world. So beautiful that you think you’re dreaming. The region around Lake Lucerne, and also the lake itself are such places. Again and again I am drawn to this region. This mixture of mountains and a slightly Mediterranean touch has caught my heart.
Mountains, palm trees in the gardens and a crystal clear lake – what a wonderful combination!
The Hotel Vitznauerhof is located in the middle of this landscape, directly on the lake with a small, secluded park. From the street we immediately discover the red framework with the ornate.
The 4* Superior Hotel Vitznauerhof is a playfully romantic Art Nouveau castle, which was tastefully renovated a few years ago with fresh and modern elements. I love this mixture between modern and historical elements.
Built in 1901, the Vitznauerhof accommodated illustrious guests such as Paul Klee, Hermann Hesse and Richard Strauss.
The entrance area and the foyer are spacious and bright. Playful Art Nouveau elements and straight modern accents give the rooms a pleasant lightness.
After a warm hearted check-in and a short chat with the friendly hotel manager Raphael Herzog, we move into our room on the second floor.
Well-being room with view
Our room is modern, simple yet stylish. The house itself and the lake give this place more than enough elegance.
The view from the balcony is breathtaking. Every now and then an old steam boat passes by. The public landing stage for the boats is only a few metres away. Those who arrive with their own boat will enjoy the hotel’s own jetty. Lake Lucerne lies at our feet in turquoise. On the opposite shore, the Bürgenstock rises majestically from the depths of the lake. The eyes can hardly get enough of this view.
Here I would like to stay, enjoy the moment and just take a deep breath every now and then…
Culinary and visual delights
… if it weren’t for the culinary temptations.
In warm weather the food is served outside on the terrace. „The terrace is only a temporary solution, as Storm Burglind caused great damage to the shore in January 2018 with its hurricane gusts,“ reveals Herzog. A nice temporary solution! Dishes which are prepared on the original Feuerring® are served here. We expereince live how the delicious steaks and fresh fish, fragrant and sizzling, reach the perfect cooking point. It smells and tastes delicious.
While we enjoyed the culinary temptations on the first evening due to weather conditions in the restaurant „Inspiration“ in the house, we now enjoy the evening outside, with the view over the lake. Slowly the setting sun forms a golden shimmering stripe on the lake before it disappears behind the horizon. The magic of the moment! It can hardly get more romantic!
This little break feels like a real holiday!
If you want to enjoy it even more elegantly, you ca do so in the neighbouring gourmet restaurant „Sens“, which has been awarded 16 Gault Millau points. Here you dine in the former boathouse.
The dutch chef Jeroen Achtienis well known for his creative cuisine. During our stay there was wedding there and so we don’t get to enjoy it.
Hiking region Mount Rigi
Luckily we are in the middle of a wonderful hiking region. As a balance to the culinary delights in the evening it is great to wear the hiking boots during daytime. The Rigibahn runs right next door and so we decide to go on a hiking tour.
The Rigibahn, Europe’s first mountain railway, takes you up to Staffelhöhe station at 1550 metres above sea level.
From there we hike down to Weggis at 435 metres above sea level. After a short trip by boat we return safely to Vitznau. (Detailed hiking report will follow).
Swimming in Lake Lucerne
After 1,115 metres of altitude difference, always downhill, our legs hurt. The lake and the hotel garden are tempting and we enjoy swimming in the wonderfully refreshing, crystal clear water. It’ll revive your tired legs.
After a swim, we enjoy dolce far niente in a the deckchairs.
These are exactly the ingredients that make up my perfect day of well-being: a stylish hotel, good food, amazing mountains for hiking and crystal clear water for swimming.
Due to the fine weather we do ignore the spacious wellness area with sauna, steam shower and a small outdoor pool. And we don’t really need the fitness room after today’s hike either.
With a smile on my face I fall asleep in the evening, full of anticipation for the next morning. The first thing I will do will be a walk on the balcony to see how the day awakes, to enjoy the moment, to take a deep breath.
It is these special hideaways that make us forget everyday life very easily. Places that somehow seem to be out of this world
Go out and discover the fairy-tale hotels, the enchanting areas that refresh our lives with a good pinch of well-being.
With sunny greetings,
More info about the Vitznauerhof:
During our stay two weddings were celebrated in the Vitznauerhof. A magical ambience for a special day.
Disclosure: we were invited by the Hotel Vitznauerhof.
