One trip, three stunning Swiss destinations with Bürgenstock Collection

Travel between three fabulous Bürgenstock Collection destinations, from Lake Geneva, to the Swiss capital, to a spectacular mountainside resort above Lucerne

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Written by Olivia Simpson (Time Out) in partnership with Bürgenstock Collection.Friday 25 April 2025

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Apparently, the average adult makes an exhausting 33,000 choices a day. With so much on our minds, it’s no wonder we’re in need of a holiday. And what could be better than a holiday where you don’t have to choose, where you can get three fabulous destinations in one, each offering a luxurious experience and local flair?

The Bürgenstock Collection’s Swiss resorts promise just that. Located in Lausanne, Bern and Lake Lucerne, they each offer something distinct, from a mountain top hideaway to a city centre sanctuary. And the best bit? Journey times are around one hour between the locations, and the trips can be made by car or train. Happy touring!

Lausanne

Photograph: Bürgenstock Collection

What makes the ideal small city? Everyone will have slightly different criteria, but we’re guessing rich and varied culture, proximity to breathtaking nature, and a cosmopolitan spirit would be near the top of most people’s lists. Lausanne has these in spades, so it’s little wonder it’s been voted the best small city in the world multiple times. Perched on the northern shore of Lac Léman, the city offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, but it’s not just the picturesque setting that makes Lausanne a must-visit. The city is also home to the Olympic Museum, an interactive treasure trove of sporting history, as well as impressive architecture dating back to the medieval era (the city’s Notre Dame cathedral, which dominates the skyline, is a particularly beautiful example).

Stay here: Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa

With its fairytale turrets and impressive gardens, the Royal Savoy Hotel and Spa is both regal and restful. The interiors are modern and airy, and there are plenty of dining and drinking options, including the stunning SkyLounge , which is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while the sun sets. Make the most of the concierge service by requesting a private sommelier-led tour and tasting in the nearby Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site producing elite Swiss wines, which can be hard to find outside of Switzerland.

Bern

Photograph: Bürgenstock Collection

Bern, Switzerland’s capital city, is known for its impressive history and unique geography (the old town is tucked into a crook of the River Aare), but it’s got a modern side too. It’s a creative hub, full of independent boutiques and architectural gems, such as the avant-garde Zentrum Paul Klee designed by architect Renzo Piano, a museum dedicated to the Swiss/German artist Paul Klee. And the locals know how to have fun, too: on a hot summer’s day, you’ll find Bern residents and visitors alike floating down ‘the loop’ of the River Aare, enjoying views of the historic city. If you do want to dive into the history, head to the Zytglogge, which first chimed way back in the thirteenth century.

Stay here: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa

Liz Taylor, Christina Onassis, Maradona and multiple Prime Ministers: there aren’t many hotels which have hosted as many luminaries as Schweizerhof Bern & Spa. Hotel guests enjoy free access to a funicular that carries you up to Gurten, Bern’s local mountain, where you’ll find spectacular views, hiking trails and, come summer, a thrilling toboggan run. The hotel also has a fleet of e-bikes for those who want to explore the area on two wheels without breaking too much of a sweat.

Lake Lucerne

Photograph: Bürgenstock Collection

Lucerne is a colourful city that’s rich in both culture and history. Every year, it hosts a classical musical festival which sees talented international artists take to the city’s stages. Lucerne is also famed for its charming old town, where a short stroll will take you along quaint streets, past buildings with beautiful facades and into characterful squares. One of the most popular old town spots is the charming Chapel Bridge, which spans the River Reuss. With its pitched timber roof and pretty flower arrangements, it’s impossibly quaint and unsurprisingly popular with tourists looking to snap a scenic pic.

Stay here: Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne

The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is a true legend of Swiss hospitality. Nestled into a 500-metre-high mountain ridge, it’s neighboured by the Hammetschwand Lift, Europe’s highest outdoor elevator, first opened in 1905. You could quite easily spend an entire summer up in these high reaches, playing golf or tennis at the resort's facilities, enjoying the private cinema, relaxing in one of the world’s largest hotel spas, or sampling some cigars, chocolates or wine at the rotating selection of masterclasses.