Lucerne, Switzerland: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
So, Lucerne, right? It’s almost like stepping into a painting, to be honest. This Swiss spot is sitting pretty on the shores of Lake Lucerne, framed by mountains, very big, mighty, gorgeous, majestic mountains. People rave about the views, but it’s more than that. The vibe there, it is actually hard to explain, almost makes you feel like you’re in some ageless fairytale.
Must-See Attractions in Lucerne
The Chapel Bridge, in that case, a covered wooden bridge, might be Lucerne’s superstar attraction. That thing goes back to the 14th century, so that’s quite something. It has triangular paintings under its roof, each with its own little story about Lucerne’s history. Fun fact: it is that place burned down in ’93 but was then rebuilt. Seeing it now, so though, you’d nearly not know. It connects the old town to the new and then crossing it, it’s kind of like walking through history, really.
The Water Tower, well that’s pretty cool because that’s right next to the Chapel Bridge. That octagonal tower, a bit, seems like something out of a storybook. That used to be a prison, also a treasury and just that place it has seen things. It adds to the feeling, anyway, of old-world charm of Lucerne.
The Musegg Wall, also, is a defensive rampart still very much standing strong and mighty. You could say it is dating back to the 13th century, complete with its towers. That climb up one of these towers offers just quite something of a panorama of the town and the lake. Very worth the climb!
Experiencing Lake Lucerne
Now, the lake itself, you know, that is the centerpiece of the place. Lake Lucerne’s shape is irregular which, arguably, gives it this unique feel and you can get onto it with paddle boats. The views across the water towards the mountains are quite breath-taking. Picture it, clear water, then really big mountains and it is really an experience you have to see to believe.
There are steamboats, well that gives you another way to enjoy the lake. Those aren’t just any boats and they’re old-school, paddle steamers and it’s very nice on a beautiful day.
You want more, then maybe try a cruise to various spots around the lake. Vitznau, for example, the bottom of Mount Rigi or Alpnachstad which is, of course, near Mount Pilatus. All have things to do like hikes, mountain railways and places where you get a decent lunch.
Venturing Up Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus
Speaking of mountains, why not head up one? Mount Rigi, nearly ‘Queen of the Mountains’, offers something quite special: views. It is surrounded on all sides with panoramas and you also don’t have to walk all the way if you can’t, because you could take a railway or cable car. At the very top, just have a look around.
Mount Pilatus, in that case, a cool option that is accessible by the steepest cogwheel railway ever made, is pretty fantastic in my view. The views, when you arrive up there, can actually be something really stunning as well, giving a different, broader perspective on the area. You may like to consider checking this out. If you do it will, of course, add to the experience!
Delving into Lucerne’s Old Town (Altstadt)
Lucerne’s Old Town, really is charming with streets that have been here for a while and very colorful buildings too. The cobblestone streets twist a bit and turn and then it might lead you to plazas, very quiet. They are spots perfect for a relaxed wander and then you will also take a moment at a cafe, sit down, grab a coffee and then watch people.
Check out Weinmarkt Square, is that what they are calling it? It’s used to be a medieval market spot and around it buildings show what feels almost like artwork on the fronts. This location, basically, hosts events and festivals too so look it up while you’re there!
Hirschenplatz has very pretty buildings too and it is, anyway, another of those spots in the Old Town. Then go through the streets looking at places, you may just find some old fountains. Fountains like Fränkli Fountain show Swiss history in different kinds of ways.
Day Trips from Lucerne
From Lucerne, then taking trips to other spots isn’t too bad and there are several locations within distance to have an afternoon adventure to a mountain village, nearly. Engelberg, which has this Benedictine monastery, just quite calls you to go over for an exploration and is accessible just with public transport. That setting is pretty amazing, in my view, in a valley that is surrounded by big hills.
Bern is worth that day trip, very the Swiss capital. It is so that the old town in that place is pretty and a spot where one would consider it worth the visit. It is located beside a bend in a river so it really feels pretty isolated.
Interlaken is also worth consideration, really it’s found in mountains right between two lakes. So this place may offer outdoors stuff, nearly lots to do!
Zug is accessible with a train from Lucerne, basically on a different lake in the center of Switzerland and that town really deserves exploration, and the views, too, can be quite amazing.