Press Release
120 YEARS OF HAMMETSCHWAND LIFT AND CLIFF WALK: THE BÜRGENSTOCK RESORT LAKE LUCERNE CELEBRATES Obbürgen, 25th February 2025 – The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is delighted to celebrate the 120th anniversary of its legendary Hammetschwand Lift and historic Cliff Walk “Felsenweg”. Since its opening in 1905, the technical masterpiece of this unique lift has been enchanting visitors from all over the world. To mark this occasion, the Bürgenstock Resort invites guests to a festive weekend from 18th to 21st April 2025. Historical Significance of the Hammetschwand Lift and Felsenweg The Hammetschwand Lift is still today a groundbreaking engineering achievement and the highest outdoor lift in Europe. Inspired by the architecture of the Eiffel Tower, which was presented at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, the lift was a visionary project of hotel pioneer Franz Josef Bucher-Durrer. To further increase the number of visitors of his hotels, he decided to build this spectacular lift, which to this day provides access to the top of Hammetschwand – the highest point in the Canton of Lucerne. The construction of the Felsenweg along the steep cliffs was an immense challenge and made the project a technical sensation of its time: the construction lasted from 1900 to 1905, five years in total, and was a great challenge due to the fact that the path was carved directly into the steep rock walls above Lake Lucerne. At the time, modern machinery was scarcely available, so the work was mostly done by hand – with explosions, chisels, and plenty of physical labor. Celebrations During the Anniversary Weekend Throughout the Easter holidays, visitors can expect a varied program. On 18th April, the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne will offer free entry to the Hammetschwand Lift, weather permitting. History enthusiasts can look forward to exclusive and free guided tours with historian Evelyne Lüthi-Graf, which will take place on 19th April at 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00. The tours will last 1.5 hours, starting at the Piazza and concluding at the Felsenweg. On the evening of Saturday, 19th April, folklore entertainment at the Restaurant Taverne will create a special Bürgenstock Hotels AG T +41 41 612 60 00
6363 Obbürgen, Switzerland
info@burgenstockresort.com
burgenstockresort.com