Apart from the environs of London, the Alps have the highest density of James Bond locations in the world. Many Bond movies were filmed here, among them, Goldfinger, which on 17th September will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Bürgenstock Resort by Lake Lucerne provided the backdrop for the iconic film and in its honour, is organising a series of fabulous events.
Sean Connery and the Goldfinger crew lived at the mountain-top resort’s Palace Hotel for a month in 1964, shooting scenes in nearby Stans and on the Furka Pass, among other Swiss locations. Between shoots, Connery headed to the Bürgenstock golf course, where 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.
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.
In honour of the anniversary, a celebratory Goldfinger Dinner will be held at the Oak Grill & Pool Patio on 20th and 21st September, inspired by the culinary preferences of the world’s most famous spy. The screenplay of Goldfinger was notable for its many gastronomic moments, with 007 dining lavishly as he traveled the globe, feasting only on the best. Guests can anticipate a four-course tasting menu featuring the finest seasonal produce, expertly flame-grilled, accompanied by an evening of live piano music. A mixologist will be on hand to prepare your preferred cocktail, whether shaken or stirred. Guests can enjoy a martini and entertainment throughout the evening, while the black-tie dress code invites both in-house and external guests to live like James Bond for the night.
The hotel’s Hollywood style pool was the location for the opening scenes in Goldfinger.
Other Bond inspired experiences during this month include a Goldfinger Tea and Martini offer hosted at the Lakeview Bar & Lounge. Here, guests can indulge in an exquisite selection of sweet and savoury delicacies crafted by the Pâtissier of the Year 2024 award-winner, Damián Carini and paired with the finest teas and perfectly crafted martinis. Imagine savouring a Vesper Martini (Bond’s choice in Casino Royale) while taking in breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne. The package includes a direct boat trip from Lucerne to Kehrsiten Bürgenstock and access to the Bürgenstock Funicular for a scenic day excursion, reminiscent of Bond’s own thrilling travel adventures.
For the ultimate Bond experience, Bürgenstock Resort offers an exclusive “The Nights Belong to Bond” package. This includes an overnight B&B stay at the luxurious Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, a destination that echoes the opulence of Bond’s world. At the Alpine Spa, each guest will enjoy a 90-minute Golden Opulence treatment by AMRA with rare rubies, stem cell orchids and meteorites, concluding with a 24kt gold hot stone massage, designed to rejuvenate and pamper in true 007 style.
During this month guests at Bürgenstock Resort will be able to enjoy at the Lakeview Bar & Lounge a spcial Goldfinger Tea and Vesper Martinis, the drink invited by author Ian Fleming for James Bond (photo © Mustostudios).
To further immerse in the Bond experience, there will be daily screenings of James Bond movies at the Bürgenstock Cinema, allowing guests to relive the classic moments of Bond’s escapades. From 16th to 22nd September, the cinema will host a special James Bond film week, perfect for film fanatics and those looking to revisit the iconic adventures of Agent 007.
Book your James Bond Goldfinger experience HERE.
Author: Julia Pasarón
Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
6363 Obbürgen. Switzerland
Tel. +41 41 612 60 00
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