History of the SeeHotel Gotthard
For three generations, SeeHotel Gotthard has combined tradition, warm hospitality, and a unique location directly on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Discover the story of our hotel.
1892
The Pension Schönau is built in place of the old tannery on the Rubibach. It is a house with 20 guest beds spread over three floors, including a guest lounge.
This is the time when tourism in Weggis experiences its first boom, thanks to the Rigi railway, regularly operating steamships, and the growing mobility on the roads.
1912
The Pension Schönau is transformed into the Hotel St. Gotthard, built in the form that still exists today, with bay windows and small towers. The residents of Weggis are not particularly pleased with the name change, and the name “Schönauer” persists stubbornly through all subsequent generations.
1952
The Nanzer family, with father Emil and mother Alice, move from the canton of Valais to Weggis with their five children. Upon arrival, they find the Hotel St. Gotthard in a miserable condition. However, after the war, there is a lack of funds to carry out the necessary renovations. It takes several years before Emil, the new “Schönauer,” is able—thanks to increasing revenue—to raise the funds needed to adapt the hotel to modern requirements. With the installation of bathrooms, central heating, and improved dining rooms, they are able to meet the rising expectations.
1969
At just 61 years old, Emil Nanzer passes away on March 7, 1969, far too early. It is now up to Beni Nanzer, the young “Schönauer,” to take over and continue running the hotel and restaurant together with his mother Alice.
1980
In 1980, Beni Nanzer and Irma Bührer decide to start a family. In the same year, the house undergoes a thorough and comprehensive renovation, including the installation of bathrooms in all rooms, radio and television, a fire alarm system, new furnishings, and a pizzeria on the ground floor.
The old St. Gotthard is transformed into a state-of-the-art 3-star hotel and restaurant that meets the needs of the time in every respect.
1981
On “Güdismontag” (Carnival Monday), their son Philippe is born “with great fanfare.”
1983
Two years later, their daughter Angela is born. She too is a ray of sunshine, and together their happiness is complete.
2012
Now it is time for the next generation. After completing his education at the Lucerne Hotel Management School and various internships both in Switzerland and abroad, Philippe takes over the family business.
Of course, he continues to receive strong support from Beni and Irma, as well as his sister Angela, and now runs the business with great dedication and passion as the third generation.