---
type: "Article"
title: "Gourmet and Romance in Hotel des Balances, Lucerne"
description: "We stayed one night in Hotel Des Balances last weekend, a discreet hotel situated directly on the beautiful Reuss River in what must be one of the most postcard-perfect cities in the entire world: Lucerne, Switzerland."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/switzerland/gourmet-romance-hotel-des-balances-lucerne"
author: "Walter Schaerer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 8
tags: ["Dinner", "Gourmet", "Restaurant", "Switzerland"]
entities:
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/switzerland"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/restaurant"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/experience-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/hiking"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/lake"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/organizations/swiss-international-air-lines"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2026-07-04T14:30:09+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2013-11-07T17:40:17+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: gourmet-romance-hotel-des-balances-lucerne.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Walter Schaerer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T14:30:09+00:00
---

# Gourmet and Romance in Hotel des Balances, Lucerne

> Hotel des Balances is a romantic, gastronomy-focused four-star hotel set on the Reuss River in the heart of Lucerne's cobblestone old town, recommended primarily for its exceptional seasonal cuisine helmed by Chef Andi Fluri.

## What to see
- **Hotel des Balances façade** — Neoclassical exterior with frescoes depicting regional history dating back to 1187.
- **Reuss River waterfront** — The hotel sits directly on the river in one of Lucerne's most picturesque old-town settings.

## What to do
- **Fine dining at Hotel des Balances restaurant** — Seasonal menu by Chef Andi Fluri; highlights include duck liver crème brûlée and venison entrecote; 5- or 7-course wine-paired menus available.
- **Sailing on Lake Lucerne** — Recommended by the article as an athletic activity for couples visiting the city.
- **Hiking on Mt. Rigi** — A popular outdoor excursion accessible from Lucerne.
- **Classical music concerts** — Lucerne hosts a large number of concerts and cultural festivals relative to its population of 140,000.

## Good to know
Hotel des Balances has 56 rooms styled with a romantic aesthetic; two complimentary drink vouchers are provided at check-in. The article notes that comparable or better-value accommodation is available within a five-minute walk. The restaurant menu clearly prints the origin of all meat and fish served.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Luzern-Kappellbruecke.jpg"
    caption: "Kappellbrücke and Wasserturm in Lucerne, Switzerland"
```