Apart from the environs of London, the Alps have the highest density of James Bond locations in the world. Part of the films Goldfinger, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, For Your Eyes Only, Goldeneye and The World Is Not Enough were all filmed here. One of these locations is the Bürgenstock Resort, where Sean Connery and the crew of Goldfinger stayed for over a month in 1964.
Perched on top of the Bürgenstock mountain and surrounded by Lake Lucerne, Bürgenstock Resort spans over 60 acres, with stunning views of the valley and the lake. This luxurious resort boasts a celebrity guests as long as my arm. From Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, who resided in one of its chalets for seven years, to Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer, who were married in the little chapel at Bürgenstock, which dates back to 1892.
Spanning over 60 acres, the Bürgenstock Resort majestically sits on a mountain above the beautiful Lake Lucerne.
The place is simply stunning, with views to die for, both of the valley and the lake. It comprises three hotels: the Bürgenstock, the Palace and Waldhotel, the latter being a health and medical centre with the comforts of a luxury hotel. Access to the resort is gained by car on the valley side or by the steepest funicular you could imagine from the lake shore. I recommend the latter, as you first cross Lake Lucerne in a catamaran, which offers unparalleled views of the medieval town.
Opened in 1873 under the name Hotel Kurhaus, Bürgenstock is one of the oldest resorts in the world and the largest in Switzerland. The hotel itself is a wonder of modern architecture, every room faces the lake and its 10,000 sqm Alpine Spa has a heated outdoors pool from which to enjoy the extraordinary views. The spa offers treatments to cater for every need and preference.
Sean Connery and Tania Mallet (Tilly Masterson) in 1964 at the Furka Pass, one of the most impressive Alpine crossings in Switzerland and where James Bond, in his DB5 pursues Goldfinger.
I am not surprised that the Goldfinger team decided to stay here. In between shoots at the Stans and the Furka Passs, Connery, who loved his golf, would head back to the Bürgenstock golf course, he worked on perfecting his swing, needed for an upcoming scene with Bond nemesis Auric Goldfinger (played by German actor Gert Fröbe). The 1950s Hollywood-style pool and Bull’s Eye bar at the Bürgenstock hotel were chosen as the location for the opening scenes in this film, after the initial credits – which were supposed to take place in Miami. Goldfinger is playing cards at a table located between the pool and the bar as Bond saunters by and assesses the way Goldfinger is cheating at cards because, as his accomplice notes, he always wants to win.
The hotel’s Hollywood style pool was the location for the opening scenes in Goldfinger.
Bürgenstock Resort is a foodie’s paradise. There are three wonderful restaurants plus an all-day snack bar with enviable views of the lake. On the first night we went to Spices, an Asian fusion restaurant that brings authentic flavours from Japan, China, India and Thailand to the heart of Switzerland. Maître d’ Tomas and his team – among them the brilliant Nelson – will make your dining experience unforgettable. For me, the fried dumplings and the octopus with yuzu sauce are two dishes my tastebuds will keep in their memory for ever. On the second night, we tried Brasserie Ritzcoffier, named after two of the most memorable names in French cuisine: César Ritz and Auguste Escoffier.
Ritzcoffier celebrates the classics of French gastronomy in the grand brasserie style. The restaurant is framed by panoramic windows above Lake Lucerne.
Its classic French-inspired menu would delight even the most demanding guests. From its foie gras terrine to its lobster cocktail or bouillabaisse, all the dishes are beautifully executed and bring out a smile to your face, including the Crêpes Suzette, which are masterly prepared in front of you by General Manager Andrea Tozzi. A Bond martini at their bar and cigar lounge, expertly prepared by waiter Praveen, and a game of cards – where I cleared the table – completed my evening.
All good things come to an end in the morning, it was time to move to our third and last Bond destination in this trip, the Schweizerhof Hotel in Bern.
www.burgenstockresort.com
Tel. +41 41 612 60 00
Author: Julia Pasarón
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