This historical Belle-Époque five-star hotel located up on the hill next to the Gütsch forest is visible from most parts of Lucerne. Built in 1888 and inspired by Bavarian Neuschwanstein Castle, many a famous guest including international dignitaries, royalty and entertainment celebrities has stayed here. It was a favourite holiday home for Queen Victoria of Great Britain in its early days and relatively recently before his untimely death there were rumours that Michael Jackson was interested in buying the property. Château Gütsch reopened as a hotel, restaurant and cafe in May 2014, following a refurbishment. You can climb the steps for 15 minutes starting on Gibraltarstrasse (A-4), or walk up via Hochbuehlstrasse (A-4) through the forest for 20 minutes following the yellow hiking signs. There is road access via Kanonenstrasse. After a stroll on Sonnenberg or in the forest this is the luxury stop off for some afternoon tea, coffee, cakes, ice cream or indeed a Swiss style apero combined with a spectacular panoramic view over Lucerne, the lake and the mountains in the distance.