This Gorgeous Lake Town Has the Highest Outdoor Elevator in Europe — and It Leads to Fondue, Alpine Cows, and Hiking Trails With Water Views

Not all elevators lead to such lofty heights, but the Hammetschwand Lift — the highest exterior elevator in Europe — is worth facing acrophobia for. Located above Switzerland's Lake Lucerne, the elevator was built in 1905, and 120 years later, it continues to dazzle riders with its sweeping views.

The Hammetschwand Lift is located on the grounds of the historic Bürgenstock Resort and is the highest point on the property. The resort first opened in 1873 and, at 2,000 feet above sea level, Bürgenstock also requires great heights to reach. One of the most popular ways to arrive is via the Bürgenstock Catamaran, followed by a ride on the Bürgenstock funicular that ferries visitors up the mountain. (The funicular was Switzerland's first electric cable car when it was first built in 1888.)

After the boat and funicular ride, you will still need to walk a bit to reach the elevator. The Felsenweg path is about three miles in total and hugs the lakeside of the mountain. However, you will only need to hike a little over a mile to reach the bottom of the lift.

Here, you'll find a small station built directly into the mountainside where visitors can purchase tickets and board the elevator. The ride is just under one minute long and takes visitors 500 feet up in the air.

At the top, visitors will find Taverne 1879, a small restaurant serving hearty Swiss chalet classics such as rösti and fondue. Best of all, the restaurant has a large outdoor patio surrounded by grazing cows. After you get your fill of Swiss cheese, wine, and the sound of tinkling cowbells, you can ride the elevator or hike down the mountain and head back to the resort.

If the Bürgenstock Resort looks familiar, it's probably because you've seen it on the silver screen: it served as a filming location in the 1964 James Bond flick "Goldfinger." Sean Connery even lived on-location during production.

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