For 180 years, “Zurich’s living room” has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in time. From the imagining of the Nobel Peace Prize to a hideaway for Empress Sisi and a visit from Audrey Hepburn herself, Baur au Lac is no ordinary home.
The captivating story of Baur au Lac begins in 1844 with Johannes Baur, the Austrian behind its establishment. Inspired by the breathtaking views of the Alps, Baur carefully positioned the hotel on the shores of Lake Zurich, forever framing the vista for generations to enjoy. Through its careful development, the hotel breathed new life into remnants of the former war harbour, swiftly becoming an elegant residence for guests seeking a private sanctuary of tranquillity.
Only ten years later, Baur au Lac was an established star, recognised for its lavishing charm that exceeded any expectation. Even in its infancy, the hotel held a special magic over the European aristocracy. Sisi, Austria's Empress Elisabeth, famously spent a whole summer here. As did the Russian Tsarina and German Emperor Wilhelm II, along with countless other princes, counts and barons.
Eight years after opening the hotel, Johannes Baur handed the keys over to his son, Theodor, who was succeeded in 1889 by his daughter, Emmy, the wife of Cologne hotel owner Karl Kracht. Whilst the hotel was now under new management, sealed with a new name, the family at the helm remained unchanged, a tradition we have proudly sustained to this day.
Under the leadership of Kracht, Baur au Lac was expanded in 1898 to its current size of 17,000 square metres, with 1,400 square metres of grounds, a true testament to the family’s labour of love over six generations.
In 1914, just after the completion of the new Pavillon, Karl Kracht sadly passed away, leaving his nephew Hans Kern to take over the business in the difficult period to follow.
After Karl came Fritz and Hermann Kracht, Karl Kracht's two sons, aged only 20 and 25, who were next to take over
the managerial role.
Our hotel’s next stage of major regeneration came under the management of Charles Kracht, who took on the role in 1949, initiating the renovation of the century. During this period of investment, Charles founded the private Club Baur au Lac - the first of its kind in Switzerland - as well as the winery in Urdorf, where 700,000 bottles are stored.
This continual circle of renovation has been a hallmark of life at Baur au Lac as we strive for refinement and perfection. Continuing the legacy of their famed ancestors, Andrea Kracht, his mother Marguita and sister Gabrielle completed a total renovation of the site in 1990, one of the largest reconstructive projects Swiss hospitality has ever witnessed.
In 2019, we celebrated our 175th anniversary, making us one of the world's oldest 5-star hotels, still owned by its founding family. This is by far our proudest achievement, acting as a testament to our unwavering commitment to both Swiss elegance and familial charm.
Today, we embrace our extended family of guests from all around the world
with renewed brilliance and the finest of traditions. Striving for innovation whilst nurturing the inherent warmth of Baur au Lac’s spirit. A story that transcends time, with so many chapters still untold.
Large corporate and private events are special occasions that require a high degree of professionalism and passion as well as pefection in every detail. At the Baur au Lac, we offer banqueting services at the highest level.
We will be happy to advise you and help you create your prefect event with us.
