This is a very cool & interesting place to visit when touring Switzerland. You can get there by ferry and a funicular ride, or simply drive up to the resort. It's a luxury hotel, spa, resort, and tourist destination. You don't need to be a guest at the hotel to walk around the grounds, visit the restaurants, or to enjoy the trails & views from the lift.
Many famous celebrities have stayed at the old Palace Hotel. There is a "Wall of Celebrities" as you walk up to the main Bürgenstock Hotel. The informational plaque next to it lists them by name. Sean Connery stayed there during the filming of "Goldfinger" and apparently there were scenes from the movie that were filmed by the pool. Do you remember the scene when Goldfinger is playing cards on the pool deck? How about when Felix is peeping through a small window from an enclosed pool bar before meeting up with Bond? Those scenes were not filmed in Miami. Just note the fake Miami backgrounds in the movie. Those scenes were filmed in Bürgenstock at the Hollywood pool. I was more interested in the fact that Audrey Hepburn had her wedding at the small resort chapel, and that Sophia Loren lived in a villa that has since been modernized into a restaurant.
The main reason for our planned visit was to walk along the Felsenweg Path to take a ride on the Hammetschwand Lift. Only that didn't happen due to the weather. It was raining on our final tour day. It would have only been worth the hike on a sunny day to get those wonderful views of Lake Lucerne. Either way, it was great just to walk around and read about the history of the Hammetschwand Lift. It's similar to the one you'll see at Rhein Falls, only this one is much higher along the cliff at 152.8 meters tall. It's a seasonal attraction, so make sure that it's open before attempting the visit. There's a nice restaurant with beautiful views at the top of the mountain. On a clear day, you'll get great views of Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. That's the reward.
Definitely go on a clear day. I think the only time the lift is closed would be during the winter months, or due to inclement weather. The drive up to the resort was also very scenic. We even had a rare sighting of a mountain goat. For us, it was worth the trip even on a rainy day. read more