Ever since it opened in 1873, it has been a haven for celebrities and members of the jet set, but also for many politicians. It is the Bürgenstock, a five-star resort perched on the mountain of the same name overlooking Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.
A unique location
Everyone – diplomats, actors, royalty – is drawn to its luxury but, above all, to its secluded location, 900 metres above sea level on a rocky outcrop, accessible only via a single mountain road. An ideal location for those seeking privacy and security, such as that demanded in this case by the Pakistani and Qatari mediators, as well as by the United States and Iran. And to think that, at the outset, the resort’s very location risked being a problem. But the original owners – Franz Josef Bucher and Josef Durrer – were far-sighted enough to make the remote location accessible by building a hydroelectric power station to power a funicular railway that would transport guests to the resort.
The height of fame
Since then, the resort’s reputation has continued to grow. It was, however, in the 1950s that the complex of hotels, villas and residences reached its peak, becoming a favourite haunt for celebrities. So much so that in 1954, the actress Audrey Hepburn married Mel Ferrer in the Bürgenstock chapel, and lived at Villa Bethania until 1966. She was not the only famous resident. Sophia Loren lived at Villa Daniel with her husband Carlo Ponti for 13 years. Sean Connery is also counted amongst the residents, though only for a month – the duration of the filming of the 007 film ‘Goldfinger’.
The political gathering
Throughout its history, the Bürgenstock has also hosted a number of international political conferences. Exactly two years ago, in June 2024, the complex – owned by Katara Hospitality (a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar), the Ukraine peace summit took place, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the then Vice-President of the United States, Kamala Harris.