I’ve been to numerous spas in my lifetime in several places around the world and I can confidently say that the Alpine Spa at the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland is one of the absolute BEST! Beyond the obvious breathtaking views, the facilities are first class.
The Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa situated at the heart of the Bürgenstock Resort, is located 500m above Lake Lucerne in the canton of Nidwalden, Switzerland. The Bürgenstock Resort is comprised of four different hotels, extensive wellness facilities, several fine dining restaurants, a nine hole golf course, numerous boutiques and several recreational activities. This 5 star spa and resort has established itself as one of the “Leading Hotels of the World.”
OK, so now that I’ve convinced you that you must experience this, “Heaven on Earth” … How do you get there?
How to get there ...
There are several ways to reach the resort ~ by car, ferry and funicular or train and bus.
From Lucerne, the Bürgenstock Resort is an easy 30 minute drive winding up the mountain. It isn’t a long drive but it is up a winding road so if you get car sick easily just be sure to drive slow and you’ll be fine. Focus on the breathtaking views and you’ll be there before you know it.
Another option (which is one of my favorites) it to take the Bürgenstock shuttle boat from Lucerne, which drops you off at the funicular station. From there, you take the Bürgenstock funicular railway directly to the lobby of the Bürgenstock Hotel. It’s sounds complicated but it’s really not at all, it is actually quite scenic and efficient.
An option which I have not done but I know is possible is to take a train from the Lucerne main station (Bahnhof) to Stans main station – depending on which train you take it varies from an 18-26 minute train ride. From there you can take the Postbus to Bürgenstock.
Now to the good stuff ... How to spend the perfect day at the Alpine Spa
The Bürgenstock Hotel is quite pricey to actually stay there – I just looked up the least expensive room and it came in at CHF 953 – so unless it’s a special occasion or you just have money to burn, I’d suggest doing a day pass which is what I did, since I live 30 minutes away.
There are multiple options on the official Bürgenstock website – the one I am specifically referring to would be the, “Full Day Alpine Spa Delight.” This package includes; round trip transportation via the Bürgenstock boat (2nd class ticket) from Lucerne to the Bürgenstock funicular, the funicular ticket up to the hotel, full day spa access and CHF 100 credit to use towards treatments or products. Total cost for this package is CHF 224 (Monday – Thursday) or CHF 314 (Friday – Sunday).
If you take full advantage of your day, as I did, then this price is completely worth it! Trust me on this …
A little bit of history ...
The first establishment to be built on Mt. Bürgenberg was the Grand Hotel in 1873. This location has always been a lure to celebrities, from Sofia Loren, Charlie Chaplin, Sean Connery and in 1951 Audrey Hepburn was married in the Bürgenstock Chapel. Politicians and royalty frequented as well including, Queen Ingrid of Denmark in 1940 as well Jimmy Carter and Henry Kissinger from the USA. Sophia Lauren and her husband resided in one of the chalets for over seven years.
This establishment has gone through several owners and 550 million Swiss Francs in renovations but has always had a magical quality and once you see the views you’ll know why.
Make the most of your experience ...
The Alpine Spa is 107,000 square feet of pure bliss … offering a luxurious wellness experience with a wide range of unique treatments, facilities and services. There are multiple pools, saunas, steam rooms, salt water floating pool, hammam, relaxation rooms with waterbeds & daybeds and the list goes on.
Make sure to take advantage of each of these experiences … I began mine with heading directly to the 1,383 foot long dramatic outdoor infinity pool that overlooks spectacular Lake Lucerne. The views are absolutely incredible, you’ll feel like you’re floating … like I said, Heaven on Earth.
After spending some time soaking up the sun and the incredible views, I headed inside to enjoy more of the facilities. Make the most of your stay, take your time and I strongly suggest trying each of the unique experiences. The views from different relaxations rooms and saunas are simply beautiful, the salt water floating pool was unique and very relaxing and if you’ve never experienced a hammam, go in and try it. Each and every experience is absolutely worth trying. You’ve already spent the money, might as well make the most of it!
Take note, there are sections that are mixed facilities – men and women and a specific section for women only. Just so you’re not surprised, be aware that there is nudity in the mixed spa areas (the floor they refer to as the “wet area” of the facilities.) This may come as a bit more of a surprise to my readers from the USA, more so than my European readers as nudity seems to be much more common and relaxed in Europe.
Following my experiences in the wet area of the facilities, I headed towards the “Hollywood” out door pool to soak up the sun and experience where the Hollywood elite used to frolic back in the day.
Near the “Hollywood” pool is the “Oak Grill” where you can head to grab some lunch if you’re hungry after your hours of relaxing. No need to change as there is a specified area that individuals from the spa are permitted to wear their robes on the patio until 5p.
So, why not head to the “Oak Grill”, enjoy a glass of “Whispering Angel” Rosé and a burger or salad .. you’ve earned it 😉 Just to note – the lunch is not included in your day pass. Access to the pool is included but the cost of lunch is not.
After lunch I headed back to the dreamy infinity pool for more fun in the sun and to watch the sunset. If you have the time, make sure you stay to watch the sunset. Watching the sun slowly dip behind the mountains as the sky changes from intense mesmerizing shades of orange to various pastels is simply magic!
To conclude my extraordinary day, I decided to freshen up (the spa facilities bathroom has most everything you need ) and enjoy dinner at one of the fabulous on site restaurants (Again, dinner not included in price of “Full Day” Spa ticket).
I chose, to dine at “Spices”, which is their Asian inspired restaurant that has magnificent views over Lake Lucerne. I had dinner on their outdoor terrace which has sweeping views of Mt. Rigi, Mt. Pilatus and Lake Lucerne.
* I didn’t take a photo that evening but the picture below is from “Spices” outdoor terrace – picture from last winter.
After dinner, I caught the last ferry back to Lucerne – at the time the latest ferry was 10:42p. Always be sure to check the most recent ferry timetables.
That is what I would call a complete day and making the absolute most of my time! I caught the ferry over to Bürgenstock at 11:15a and returned at 10:42p. If you wanted to make even more of your time, there are earlier boats in the morning.
I think you can tell by this post how very much I enjoyed this entire experience and hopefully I’ve fueled a bit of wanderlust in you as well. You’re just going to have to come to Switzerland and see for yourself just how magnificent this experience (and country) is!
A Few Additional Details ...
~ As mentioned, lunch and dinner were not included as part of this, “Full Spa Day Pass” package.
~ There are specified times which you are permitted to take pictures at the Infinity Edge Pool. Times are limited for the privacy of the guests. These specified times are between 7a – 12p and 5p – 7p.
~ Access to the pool area for children under the age of 16 is only permitted when accompanied by an adult at the times mentioned below. Access to Level 1 with the sauna area and relaxation room is permitted from the age of 16.
– Pool Level 2 from 7.00am to 12.00pm and 5.00pm to 7.00pm
– Pool and Garden Level 3 from 12.00pm to 7.00pm
The use of swimming aids (apart from inflatable armbands) is prohibited.
Thank you, as always for stopping by! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my experience at the Bürgenstock Alpine Spa and hopefully I’ve given you some ideas as to how to maximize your visit.
I’d love to hear from you … let me know if you’ve been to this paradise or have now added it to your bucket list.
If you are interested in more outdoor activities, there is also a lovely hike at Bürgenstock which I have done at least half a dozen times. I will write a separate post and link here for future reference.
Cheers,
Jen
