Over 100 years of Anker in Lucerne

Hotel Restaurant Anker was opened in 1914 at the Pilatusplatz in Lucerne. The monumental construction near the station was financed by the Central-Swiss labour movement and was realized single-handedly. From then on it became a meeting point for the working class, who were then struggling to find a place in society and could not enter the culinary establishments of the «upper class».

The inn was known as a community centre similar to those in Zurich or Basel and also functioned as a political centre – for example in case of national strikes.

This political aspect continued into modern times. Thanks to its large hall, Anker was the meeting place for the local social democratic party. It also served as conference venue for labour unions. During the last years, cultural events were frequently held in the Anker hall.

The «old» Anker closed in the summer of 2014 and a reconstruction phase of more than 2 years began to renovate completely the building. This was hardly visible from the outside, as the landmarked façade was untouched. Inside, however, a complete «new world» was created, with 40 stylish rooms divided over several floors with views either of the Pilatus, Rigi or Musegg Wall.