When walking around Lucerne, I had always been curious about the large white building on the hill overlooking the city. It is Château Gütsch, a historic 4-star hotel built in 1888 and inspired by Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein Castle. We had to visit, and this hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lucerne and Lake Lucerne. More than just a hotel, it features a viewpoint area, walking trails in the forest, and dining options. It’s a great place to escape the noisy, crowded city.
To get to the hotel, there is convenient elevator access via the Gütschbahn funicular. This charming small inclined elevator whisks you up to the hotel in just about 1.5 minutes, offering views of the city along the way. This makes reaching the hotel easy and fun for both kids and adults, avoiding the steep climb on foot. We prefer to walk back down the small trail on our way back to the city.
Behind the hotel lies the beautiful Gütschwald forest, a perfect spot for nature walks. The forest is crisscrossed with well-maintained trails where children can play freely and enjoy a picnic. It’s a peaceful green retreat right next to the hotel, ideal for an outdoor adventure in the heart of Lucerne. From the hotel’s viewing area and terrace, you can soak in stunning vistas of Lucerne’s Old Town, the Reuss River, and the shimmering lake below.
Dining at Château Gütsch is a treat with two standout options. The Lumières Restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients, perfect for a dinner with a view. We have not visited this restaurant as it is expensive; instead, we prefer the more casual vibe at the American Bar. They offer excellent cocktails, and we like to treat the kids to a scoop of ice cream. The bar area has comfy plush seats with amazing views of Lucerne and the lake below.
The entrance to the elevator is not centrally located in the old city; it is a 17-minute walk from the main train station. The elevator is located near the intersection of Baselstrasse and Gütschstrasse. If arriving by car, Parkhaus Altstadt is a nearby parking garage. Château Gütsch is not just a hotel but an experience combining historic charm, convenient access, nature trails, spectacular views, and excellent dining. Whether you stay overnight or visit for a meal and a stroll, it’s a magical spot that captures the spirit of Lucerne.