Lifestyle hideaway at the lake
Hotel Vitznauerhof
At the foot of Mount Rigi (1,797 meters) and right on the crystal-clear waters of the mystical Lake Lucerne lies Hotel Vitznauerhof – a place where all the beauties of nature come together. This monumental Art Nouveau boutique hotel from 1901 combines historic walls, Jugendstil details, and modern design elements in perfect harmony. Host Raphael Herzog runs the hotel with great passion, supported by an equally dedicated team. The story of the Vitznauerhof reads like a novel: built in 1901 as a First-Class Hotel by architect Kühn from Mannheim, it offered luxury of the highest order – a telephone connection, electric lighting, steam heating, and a beautifully landscaped park. Over the decades, it welcomed illustrious guests such as Hermann Hesse, Richard Strauss, General Henri Guisan, Paul Klee, and Princess Gina of Liechtenstein, who sometimes reserved an entire floor for herself. After a storied past – with renovations, ownership changes, and even a flood disaster in 2005 – Raphael Herzog breathed new life into the hotel in 2018. Today, its 53 stylish rooms and suites each offer a unique view of the lake and the enchanting mountain panorama. From your window, you gaze upon shimmering waves, and at night, you hear nothing but the silence of the water. Every room invites you to stay – not to rush through. This is not just a hotel – it’s a place where you feel you’ve arrived somewhere truly special. The longest sunset on Lake Lucerne? You’ll find it here. A private beach? Right at your doorstep. A place that touches you deeply? Welcome to the Vitznauerhof.
Culinary refinement with a view
Restaurant Inspiration
Restaurant Inspiration delights with seasonal and regional dishes that showcase healthy cuisine in its most enjoyable form. The kitchen team impresses with crisp vegetables, fresh fish, and tender meats – creative, flavorful dishes prepared with finesse. Simplicity meets sophistication. Gault&Millau awarded the restaurant 13 points, writing: “The quality of a hotel’s chef ultimately reflects the excellence of its à la carte restaurant. And, in short, what is served in Restaurant Inspiration and on its romantic terrace is outstanding.” The menu is built on a vegetarian foundation using regional and seasonal ingredients, with optional additions of locally sourced fish or meat. Think parsnip with quail egg and herb beurre blanc, pumpkin risotto with smoked ricotta and saffron, or caramella di magro with forest mushrooms, vacherin, and truffle. Toppings like smoked trout, Swiss beef fillet, or Alpine pikeperch elevate each dish to perfection. Restaurant Inspiration proudly collaborates with local heroes: Holzen Fleisch provides meat from the slopes of the Bürgenstock; Markus Heinzer supplies Swiss meat from Muotathal; and family Reichmuth delivers lake trout from Sattel. Fresh vegetables come from Biohof Grubisbalm on the sunny southern side of Rigi, and eggs from Albert & Brigitte Zimmermann in Vitznau. Even Oona Caviar – authentic Swiss Alpine caviar – graces the menu. But it’s not just the cuisine that impresses. The panoramic terrace offers one of Switzerland’s most stunning views: dine at sunset as the lake and mountains glow before you. A moment you’ll never forget.
The summer residence of star chefs
Restaurant Sens
From May to September, Restaurant Sens transforms into a culinary playground for award-winning guest chefs. Every few weeks, a new Michelin-starred chef takes the helm, crafting an exclusive menu that turns each visit into a one-of-a-kind gourmet experience. Host Raphael Herzog welcomes you to the Sens summer residence on the Swiss Gourmet Riviera, where world-class culinary artistry awaits. As the flagship restaurant of Vitznauerhof, Sens serves refined regional specialties and modern creations by renowned guest chefs. Situated directly on Lake Lucerne, it offers one of Central Switzerland’s most breathtaking sunsets. Here, bold flavors meet artistic presentation in an intimate atmosphere that lets you enjoy haute cuisine in a relaxed lakeside setting. Outside the summer season, Restaurant Sens is available for exclusive private bookings. Take advantage of the opportunity to reserve this unique location and first-class ambiance entirely for yourself and your guests. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a business gathering, or a private celebration – Restaurant Sens offers the perfect setting for unforgettable moments.
Discover the world around Vitznauerhof
Wellness, nature & the lake
Right by the water. A dreamy garden. Shimmering waves. A place that moves you deeply. Hotel Vitznauerhof is not only a stunning retreat but also a base for relaxation, adventure, and connection with nature. The wellness area features a Finnish sauna, steam bath, gondola sauna, outdoor whirlpool with lake view, fitness facilities (cardio & strength training), and stand-up paddleboarding – the perfect recipe for unforgettable wellness moments by the lake. Treatments range from the Swiss Flow Relax Massage (deep relaxation with aromatic oils) to the Alpine Active Release (muscle recovery with mobilization and stretching) and the luxurious Caviar Suprême Facial – an anti-aging treatment enriched with premium caviar extracts. All treatments use Swiss-made cosmetics. But Vitznauerhof is about more than wellness alone. Lake Lucerne invites you to dive in – rent an electric boat (Vitzenova 2.0) that requires no license, a speedboat (Bayliner) for thrill-seekers, a sailboat for the adventurous, or try the Otter Bike, a tandem e-bike on water that’s guaranteed to bring smiles. Stand-up paddleboards are available free of charge for hotel guests. The surrounding area offers endless possibilities: hike the Mark Twain Trail to Rigi Kulm (5 hours, 10.4 km), enjoy the panoramic walk from Rigi Kaltbad to Rigi Scheidegg (2 hours, 7.2 km), or visit the Rotstock bench for a breathtaking view over the lake and the Central Swiss Alps. Vitznau’s location is ideal for excursions to Lucerne (for culture and shopping), Mount Pilatus (one of Central Switzerland’s most legendary peaks), or even to Lake Texel via ferry. The idyllic village of Vitznau, home to about 1,500 residents, offers hidden gems such as Switzerland’s first artillery fortress hotel, its largest flag, and an impressive cave with a lake and waterfall. Here, you experience the pure essence of Swiss nature – not just a place by the lake, but a place that truly touches you.
KEY FEATURES AND SERVICES
Rigi Kulm
Lake Lucerne
Lucerne City
Reviews
"This ornate building from 1901 has been carefully restored and today features an elegant interior, very good service and a therapeutic spa. It also has its own lido. International cuisine is served in the modern and elegant Inspiration."
Gault&Millau 13/20
QLUB Experiences
An once in a liftetime experience
Quality Lodgings loves nothing more than to pamper you thoroughly. That’s why Hotel Vitznauerhof has created a QLUB Experience. Each QLUB Experience is more than just an overnight stay; it is a carefully curated arrangement that combines luxury and personality, exclusively available to Mastercard cardholders.
“Discover a world of relaxation and enjoyment.”
‘’Discover a world of relaxation and enjoyment in the heart of Switzerland. It begins here!'' - Raphael Herzog
Host: Raphael Herzog
Chef: Ruud Oostdijk