A Swiss escape
Between presentations and meetings, a pleasant stroll across the historic Chapel Bridge and the old town, or along the most azure mountain streams surrounded by nature. Ending the day at a Michelin-starred restaurant or with a cozy cheese fondue.
Swiss Luzern and Engelberg offer the ideal balance between history, sustainable elegance, and unforgettable nature. For two and a half days in September, we had the pleasure of experiencing these beautiful locations firsthand. Lucerne, nestled by the serene Lake Lucerne, and the picturesque Engelberg in Obwalden, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, are easily accessible – something we quickly discovered after stepping off the Swiss Air flight that took us to Zurich.
What truly makes Switzerland ideal for MICE events is its well-developed and efficient public transportation system. For travelers, the Swiss Travel Pass provides unlimited access to all public transport (in your chosen class and dates) throughout your journey. We swiftly enjoy an hour walking along the Limmat River in Zurich, exploring some of the charming streets and viewpoints before boarding the train to Engelberg (with a short transfer in Lucerne). As the landscape slowly transforms from urban to hilly, with finally some impressive mountain ranges looming in the distance, we know we are close to our destination. Engelberg feels straight out of a postcard, with its bright blue mountain stream and towering mountains framing every view. Beloved by skiers and snowboarders in winter, in summer, it’s a haven for hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, and all things outdoors.
Cheese Fondue
At arrival, we are checked in and introduced to two excellent hotel options: Hotel Bellevue-Terminus and H+ Hotel & SPA, both perfect choices for accommodating smaller or larger groups. Both are centrally located in the village, with everything within walking distance, and with most rooms offering stunning mountain views. H+ Hotel & SPA Hotel features 128 rooms and seven event spaces, with movable walls to adjust for groups of up to 200 people. The hotel also boasts a cozy restaurant/bar and a welcoming breakfast area with a generous buffet. While H+ Hotel & SPA offers reliable four-star accommodation, Bellevue-Terminus also makes for a great option with some extra flair and personal touches. With 73 rooms, it’s a bit smaller, but a 2017 renovation is evident in the modern rooms. The lobby, doubling as a dining area and decorated like a ‘cozy living room’, and the stunning classic wooden conference rooms (max 150 people), make this hotel a real gem. Where to end the first day in an alpine village like Engelberg? Naturally, at the local fondue restaurant Alpenclub, where the aroma of cheese and chocolate mousse greets you as you step inside. The restaurant not only offers cozy dining spots but also a unique upstairs loft designed for private group dinners, complete with modern meeting technology.
Rolex clocks
Engelberg, founded as a Benedictine monastery village in the 12th century, has long been a retreat for both spiritual pilgrims and aristocrats. One of the eyecatchers while exploring the village is the Kempinski Palace, built in 1904. It is a prime example of Belle Époque grandeur, hosting European royalty and celebrities during its heyday. The Kursaal room, once the center of social life where high society gathered for concerts, balls, can be rented for events to this day. The hotel offers five-star luxury at its finest, and after touring the lavish spa an
d wellness areas adorned with Rolex clocks above the doors, and the equally impressive five seminar rooms, we enjoyed a tasting at the accompanying Cattani Restaurant. We end our local journey of discovery with dessert and a fun gin tasting at our next venue, Hotel Terrace. Located on the mountainside, what strikes first is the castle-like building the hotel occupies. Picture yourself kicking off your snowshoes and sinking into the cozy sofas at one of the largest gin bars in the country (we even got a peek at the stockroom, with over 1,400 varieties of this drink!).
Mount Titlis
While the village and its lovely terraces and shops – especially in the perfect sunny weather we enjoyed – are delightful, it’s time to head up the mountain. Whether you’re here in winter or summer, a visit to Mount Titlis is a must. After a fifteen-minute walk from the village center, you reach the cable car station, where you can purchase a day pass for around 90 euros, offering access to a range of activities. For many, this includes scenic hikes or mountain biking (with gear available on-site), but most visitors start with the must-do, breathtaking cable car ride to the summit. In gondolas named after countries from around the world, you slowly ascend higher and higher over beautiful green fields with peacefully grazing cows and through the tops of pine trees. After a quick transfer at an intermediate station, the rotating Titlis Rotair at the end of the climb, provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
At 3,238 meters, the experience is unforgettable. From the suspension bridge, observation points, and additional lifts, you can take in the views, explore the famous (cold!) Glacier Cave, and enjoy a meal at the Panorama Restaurant, featuring delicious regional dishes. After a wonderful meal, looking down thousands of meters from the windows, we head back down, stopping midway at the Trübsee Alpine Lodge, a peaceful hotel ideal for those seeking more of a winter sports and lodge vibe. Imagine spending a full day in the snow, then gathering around the lodge’s fireplace in the evening to relax. While basic business facilities are available, the cozy rooms with views (and sounds) of the cows wearing their characteristic bells and the charming atmosphere are the real highlights. Keep in mind that after 8 pm, the only way to travel here is via the cable cars, so you’ll be staying put for the night.
Luzern
Days like these rush past, and before we know it, we were using our Travel Pass again to catch the train to Luzern, where a very enthusiastic multilingual tour guide stands waiting for us. This city, home of 80.000 inhabitants, is nestled in the heart of Switzerland, and offers not only a very friendly, charismatic but modern atmosphere, but stuns with its famous crystal-clear lake and surrounding hills with equally beautiful waterfront homes. One of its most famous assets is The Chapel Bridge, a historic wooden structure rebuilt after a fire in 1993. As we stroll through Lucerne we get to see the unique blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture and learn about the passionate way the Lucerners enjoy (or flee from) their yearly beloved Carnaval, transforming the city into a festive spectacle.
Lucerne, as a modern city, is a fantastic counterpart to Engelberg on a short trip like this. Intriguing history and culture seamlessly blend with modern amenities and conveniences. For instance, there’s the renowned KKL Luzern (Culture and Convention Center Lucerne), a premier venue right next to the central station and the lake, renowned for its striking architecture, world-class acoustics and spaces for conferences and exhibitions. We end our wonderful experience with a delicious three-course dinner on one of the lunchboats (Scheduled boats are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass), which turns out to be the perfect ‘dessert’ for our trip. As we enjoy eachothers company, the idyllic shores of Lake Lucerne with its equally beautiful forests and waterside homes drift past.
Unfortunately, stepping back onto solid ground, it is time to return to Zurich for a short flight back to Amsterdam. Until next time, Switzerland!
