VITZNAU, Switzerland -- Know some corporate executives who need to
hunker down for a meeting? An authentic, World War II Swiss army
bunker may be the answer.
This year marks the first time the Park Hotel Vitznau will open
its bunker for the hotel's full season, April through mid-October,
for private parties and meetings. The village of Vitznau recently
bought the structure, which is managed by the Park Hotel
Vitznau.
The bunker is built into the mountainside above Vitznau, a
five-minute drive from the hotel. It was built during World War II
by the Swiss Army but was never used during the war, according to
the hotel.
The Park Hotel Vitznau will offer the bunker as an additional
meeting and catering space for special events, private parties,
wine tastings and receptions.
Guests enter the bunker through a hidden metal doorway built
into the hillside and make their way through a labyrinth of long,
lighted corridors and passageways. The site has electricity, a
ventilation system, telephones and running water. Visitors will
have the opportunity to tour the facilities, which also contain two
large cannons and an ammunition room. Special events will be held
in the housing quarters, which include a complete kitchen as well
as the original dining hall and sleeping rooms.
Original signs and all of the furnishings and essentials are
still in place from more than 50 years ago, the hotel said. "The
overall decor is stark and functional, but the bunker offers a
unique experience for people looking for something a little
unusual," said Peter Bally, managing director of the Park Hotel
Vitznau. "We've had significant interest in booking the space, as
many people are fascinated by the Swiss bunkers and consider it a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the facility," he said.
For those seeking the complete experience, the Park Hotel
Vitznau will arrange for guests to spend the night in one of the
officers' chambers. The bunker is available to rent from April
through October, the season which the Park Hotel Vitznau is open.
The hotel opened the bunker later in the season for the first time
last year, on June 15.