With its crystal clear lake and rugged snow-capped mountains, Lucerne has long been one of Switzerland’s most popular destinations for an alpine retreat. Europe’s upper strata were drawn to the alps as early as the 1760s, for mountaineering and hiking. But Lucerne really took off in the 19th century, following the opening of the first hotel in 1835, the expansion of alpine health resorts and Queen Victoria visiting the town for a long summer retreat in 1868 as she mourned the death of her husband.
Today, Lucerne retains all of its medieval charm with an enchanting old town divided by the River Reuss, a sight so picturesque, it invites you to slow down. Whether lounging by the pool, the beach or floating in the lake itself, Lucerne’s natural beauty make it an obvious destination for wellness. All you need is a weekend here to feel relaxed and rejuvenated—here’s how to spend it.
Check in to the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern. Built in 1906, this Belle Époque landmark was originally designed to be a Mediterranean retreat in the heart of Switzerland. A recent renovation honors the hotel’s initial purpose by complimenting the original soaring columns and sparkling chandeliers with sumptuous textures, smooth curves and a Mediterranean color palette. The striking lake and mountains viewed from the hotel serve as the inspiration for the 136 spacious guestrooms—which include 48 of the city’s largest suites—making the hotel a sanctuary of calm you won’t want to leave.
Hiking in the Swiss countryside
While you might never tire of the view from your hotel, to feel more immersed in nature, head out to one of the many hiking trails around Lucerne. A short drive north from the city, you’ll find Lake Rotsee, known as Lake Lucerne’s little brother. The flat 4-mile loop around the lake is a popular trail for joggers and hikers. Set in a nature reserve, the lakeside area is pristine, offering many spots to pause and enjoy the views. Further afield, a slightly longer hike is found on the small mountain of Sonnenberg. A shuttle funicular from Kriens helps you get there, and it’s worth the journey for the views of the Swiss mountains, Lucerne and Lake Lucerne.
Closer to the city, you’ll find a 4.5 mile hike with more mountain and lake views through Biregg Forest. In the winter, snow and cold doesn’t have to prevent you from getting outdoors, with snowshoeing trails at Eigenthal and Schwarzenberg.
Return to the city for a hearty lunch at Burgerstube, which dates back to 1517, when it was an unlicensed bar. Don’t be fooled by the name—the menu here includes Swiss classics like veal pie and rosti, along with Italian dishes like risotto and truffle ravioli. The set lunch menu is the most popular choice, as it gets you two
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