If you want to see any of the great places in Central Switzerland or if, like most travelers, you arrive in Zurich on your way to a Swiss Untour, you’ll most certainly pass through Lucerne. Just an hour away from the Zurich airport, Lucerne is brimming with reasons to visit – Lake Lucerne is breathtaking, Mount Pilatus is in plain sight (although its dragon is not as visible these days), the beautifully rustic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), which was originally built in 1333 and, after most of it burned down in 1993, was restored to much of its original glory a year later.
While it is, in and of itself, a great place to visit, Lucerne also opens the door to excellent Swiss adventures. Also known as the city of lights, Lucerne is an important stop along a popular summer tourist route, the “Golden Round Trip.” It involves taking a boat from Lucerne across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, going up on the cogwheel railway, coming down on the aerial cableways and panorama gondolas, and taking a bus back to Luzern. Does the “Golden Round Trip” sound too involved? Check out Mount Rigi.
If you do get to spend some time in Lucerne, though, when the sun goes down, be sure to have a cocktail (or just take a look) at the Monopol Hotel rooftop lounge. It’s on the 7th floor and offers superb views over the city, lake and mountains. You will see remnants of the old town walls that still exist on the hill above Lucerne, complete with eight tall watch towers, of which most are lit up. See if you can find them all!
A LITTLE EXTRA: Like spotting old buildings? An additional gated tower sits at the base of the hill on the banks of the Reuss River.
What’s your experience with Lucerne?