Vitznau, Switzerland

Vitznau isn't a big place - it checks in with a population around 1,500 - but you can't beat the location. While references to the place go back about 1,000 years, it seemed to catch the world's attention in the 19th century. That's when the tourists started to arrive. It led to the construction of the Park Hotel Vitznau in 1903. That resort was built to fit in with the countryside, and it succeeds nicley. 

If you want to explore the region around Lake Lucerne, this is a good place to begin if you want to be away from crowd. The most popular trip probably is going up Mount Rigi, with its fabulous views of the surrounding area.