It’s been 175 years since Johannes Baur opened the iconic Baur au Lac as the first hotel built directly on Lake Zurich. As one of Europe’s few grand hotels it is owned by the same family since its inception. The Baur au Lac is definitely the place to be when it comes to high end celebrations. Just one weekend ago, I was honored to be invited to the hotel owner’s daughter’s wedding that was one of the most beautiful and romantic events I have ever attended.
Countless stories could be told – if it were not for the hotel’s discretion which also became part of its reputation. But the hotel was making its own history: In 1853 in its Petit Palais, the «Peace of Zurich» was made. And in 1892 Baroness Bertha von Suttner convinced, here in the Baur au Lac, the Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel of the necessity for an international peace prize.
Marc Chagall sketched his glass paintings for Zurich’s Fraumünster Church while staying as a guest of the hotel. And it was here that Franz Liszt accompanied his son-in-law, Richard Wagner, on the piano for the world premiere of Die Walküre. The Baur au Lac has welcomed the likes of Kaiser Wilhelm II, General Ulysses Grant, Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Henry Kissinger, Queen Elizabeth II and many more.
To celebrate its big birthday year, the Baur au Lac has been rolling out the red carpet with some enticing events. One of them was the famous truly scintillating summer party that took place last Saturday in the incredible ambience of the hotel’s garden with stellar performances and all you can drink champagne! The first and finest social event that marks the end of the summer break brings together everyone who loves to live it up! Epic performances and a culinary explosion of flavours: from hot to cold and sweet to spicy, the buffets were filled with all sorts of culinary delights. I had a lot of fun that night …
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © David Biedert Photography
