Franz Josef Bucher was Swiss business magnate, politician and patron who built his wealth in hotels and railroads. Bucher established the Bürgenstock hotel complex and was the owner and patron of Europe's largest hotel company in the 19th century. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated at 14 million Swiss Francs. Between 1886 and 1896, Bucher served as a member of the Cantonal Council of Obwalden. He was an energetic entrepreneur who attracted anecdotes reflecting his original and direct approach.

The Bürgenstock Resort is a Swiss hotel and tourism complex situated above Lake Lucerne in Canton Nidwalden. The resort is located on the Bürgenstock Mountain and comprises a total of 30 buildings, including four hotels and a number of sports facilities. It is the largest integrated hotel resort in Switzerland. The complex is built above a ridge offering north-facing views of the lake 450 metres below. Linking resort and lake is the Bürgenstock railway. Views to the south encompass mountains and scattered settlements on their flanks. The resort is of cultural and historical significance.