Sitting on a deep blue lake and surrounded by a mountainous panorama, Lucerne is a gorgeous city and a gateway to Central Switzerland.
Dating back to the 8th century, there is a strong atmosphere of culture and tradition in this picturesque city. Frescoed walls line the streets, interspersed with cultural sites and historical curiosities. The twin towers of the Hofkirche with its two tall, dark and slender cones form a beautiful backdrop to the 17th century town squares and churches. Admire the luxurious and intricate interior of Baroque style churches, and experience the quaint ambience of the Old Town.
The centrepiece of Lucerne is the medieval Chapel Bridge that spans across the Reuss River. It is the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge and contains a series of interior paintings that are hundreds of years old. Another iconic scene is the Lion of Lucerne, a sculpture of a dying lion that has been described by Mark Twain as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”.
Lucerne is also a place of festivities that keeps a vibrant upbeat all year round. Carnivals, music gigs and festivals keep the year occupied in merry and mirth. The dynamism of the city is further reflected in its rising modernity, with contemporary architecture adding a different flavour to the cobbled streets.
Apart from being a travel destination in its own right, Lucerne is also the ideal starting point for excursions to Mt. Rigi, Mt. Pilatus and future explorations into the Swiss Alps.
Mount Rigi
Just half an hour’s drive east of Lucerne is Mt. Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains”. “Breadth” is the word to describe Mt. Rigi. Rising to 1,801 metres, Mt. Rigi is almost like a peninsular surrounded by an expanse of lowland cottages, meadows, deep blue lakes and grey serrated mountains draped in snow. Mt. Rigi is, in all honesty, not a large or tall mountain. But its gentle summit offers travellers one of the most famous views in the world—a 290 km panorama that is unrivalled in extent and grandeur among the Alps. Like a gracious maiden who, wins her suitors’ hearts with her generosity and gentle charisma, the openness of Mt. Rigi makes it a perfect holiday destination for travellers of all types and ages.
Immersive Experience
Cruising along the broad, easy paths to the summit of Mt. Rigi, one loses oneself in the vastness of nature with the deep blue lakes of Aegeri, Lauerz and Zug to the north and the grand Swiss plateau leading to the Black Forest in the northeast. To the south at a turn of the head are the lofty, snow-capped Alpine ranges that present a more sublime beauty. Sunrise at the mountaintop is a sight to behold. The fresh sun sweeps the horizon with a radiant amber and envelopes the grey mountains in golden morning light. Sunset at Mt. Rigi is equally stunning as the evening sun flares across the water, casting the wide landscape in a rosy tint. Honestly, the panoramic view on Mt. Rigi is not easily forgotten.
Sitting on a deep blue lake and surrounded by a mountainous panorama, Lucerne is a gorgeous city and a gateway to Central Switzerland.
Privacy and Serenity
Even though Mt. Rigi is a popular tourist destination, everyone can find his or her own private corner in its vast space.
Travellers may wander off the beaten path and enjoy undisturbed peace and tranquillity at the mountainside. It is a good idea to stay overnight on the mountain and have the night sky and broad landscapes all to yourself. Perch comfortably on the soft grass and await the dawn of morning light. It will be a night to remember.
A Special Experience
At Mt. Rigi, travellers may traverse the ascending snowy landscape at night in a vintage railcar. Gather around a pot of delicious cheese fondue with friends and spend the evening in mirth and laughter. The cosy warmth of the carriage provides a remarkable vantage point to experience the moonlit night with stars as the backdrop and sparkling lights in the valley.
You may also descend the gentle mountain on a sledge. Feel the refreshing evening air brushing against your face and end your day with some warm liquor coffee. Otherwise, you may begin a memorable journey under warm blankets in a horse drawn sleigh.
Mount Pilatus
Mt. Pilatus, only 21 minutes’ drive South from Lucerne, is an ideal place for a day trip. At 2,132 metres, Mt. Pilatus towers above the city of Lucerne and provides a panoramic view of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. Mt. Pilatus is a place of legend and lore. In medieval times, the mountain is closed to travellers as it was thought to be haunted by the ghost of Roman governor Pontius Pilate. It had also been frequently reported as a site for dragons in the previous centuries.
The Golden Round-Trip
For most, the best way to experience Mt. Pilatus is through the golden roundtrip which includes a boat ride, train ride, and a ride in gondolas and cable car. Begin with a leisure boat ride across the picturesque Lake Lucerne, arrive at Alpnachstad and ride on the steepest cog railway in the world to the summit. Ascending at a gradient of 48 degrees, the ride will bring thrills down the spine. At the same time, enjoy the spectacular view and the chilly mountain breeze as the train is an open carriage.
Arriving at the summit, take a few minutes to take in the magnificent view of the entire Lucerne city and the Swiss Alps. Travellers may take the circular trail that goes around the edge of the mountain, high above the clouds. It is an easy hike, but it might be a daunting experience for those with height phobia. Do not miss the Dragon Path, a 500-metre long rock gallery that depicts the Pilatus myths, notably those of the legendary Pilatus dragons.
Have a hearty meal at the mountaintop and conclude the daytrip with an aerial cable-car ride down Pilatus to Kriens, Lucerne.
Mount Titlis
About 44 km south of Lucerne, one leaves the mellow world of lowland cottages, grassy mountains and meadows and enters into the glacial realm of Mt. Titlis. At 3,239 metres high, Mt. Titlis is the tallest mountain of Central Switzerland and it offers a stunning view of the frozen Alps at its peak. A day trip to Mt. Titlis is highly recommended for travellers to Lucerne. The glacial and snowy surroundings of Mt. Titlis are a sharp contrast to the more colourful world of Mt. Rigi and Mt. Pilatus and offer a different form of visual grandeur.
A series of cable car rides take one from Endelberg, a resort town at the foot of Mt. Titlis to its summit. The cable car travels over the beautiful Swiss countryside, traversing wide meadow, cow pastures and placid lakes. On the last leg of the cable rides, one gets into the world’s first revolving cable car, Rotair, that provides passengers with a 360 degree view of the white and icy blue Titlis Glacier—a highlight of the journey.
The centrepiece of Lucerne is the medieval Chapel Bridge that spans across the Reuss River.
Eternal Snowfield
Mt. Titlis is a place of eternal snow. Take the “Ice Flyer” chairlift with your feet dangling above the ice crevasses and snow fields. Travellers should also attempt the Europe’s highest suspension bridge for a daunting view of the glacier and Uri Alps 460 metres below the feet.
For sports lovers, Mt. Titlis offers an amazing elevation for snow skiing. Those who want to avoid the beaten tourist paths may hike down Mt. Titlis and explore the beautify lakes and Swiss countryside on foot.
Lodging
A good night’s rest is not only crucial to day ahead, it can also be a memorable holiday experience in its own right.
The hotel industry of Lucerne is competitive and highly diversified. For those who love convenience, accessibility and the bustle of the city, hotel Schweizerhof Luzern is the first option that comes to mind. This 5-star hotel overlooks the lake and provides an unhindered view of the Swiss Alps. Remarkably, the hotel pioneered a concept of “themed storytelling” where each of its rooms is designed around a story of a famous personality who has ever stayed at this hotel. Stories of Winston Churchill, Richard Wagner are articulated through memorabilia, pictures and themed designs that run throughout the interior of the rooms. For this innovative project, hotel Schweizerhof Luzern was awarded the Milestone Award—the Oscar of tourism. For its price, this hotel provides fantastic value to travellers who are looking for a luxurious and stimulating stay.
On the other hand, those seeking relaxation and tranquillity away from the bustle of city life may find the ideal holiday hideout at Park Weggis. Park Weggis is cited on an exclusive area along the banks of Lake Lucerne, half an hour’s drive from Lucerne city. Entering the hotel, one steps into a world of natural elegance surrounded by Japanese Bonsai trees, cottages of wood and stone and petal sprinkled spa pool. A concept of relaxation and wellness resonates throughout Park Weggis, from its extensive set of “sparkling” services, Zen inspired wellness area to its black infinity-pool. The hotel also provides access to an exclusive garden area that connects directly to Lake Lucerne. Park Weggis is a 5-star holiday resort in the luxury segment, and its exclusivity and original style makes it a cult favourite among discerning travellers.
Last but not least, for travellers who seek pure perfection and the zenith of luxury and pleasure, Park Hotel Vitznau is the impeccable choice. Honoured as the Gault Millau Hotel of 2014, Park Hotel Vitznau is the epitome of luxury. Each of its residential suites and corridors is designed around a unique theme—themes of people, objects and ideas, exuding inspiration and a creative spirit. Residential rooms also incorporate high tech gadgetry in its design such as touch control and docking stations, Those who take their first steps into Park Hotel Vitznau will be amazed by its bright and lavish interior that makes extensive use of art, glass and natural light.
Make no mistake, Park Hotel Vitznau belongs to the highest end of the luxury sector and it may not fit in everyone’s budget. But it delivers what it charges and even those with smaller budget may consider a splurge here for a once in a lifetime experience.
A Holiday for Everyone
From ice blue glaciers to tender green meadows, from paragliding to a relaxing afternoon of coffee by the lakeside, Lucerne has a holiday for everyone. But whatever tastes and preferences you may have, you will leave Lucerne with its image of mountains, meadows and lakes deep in your heart—an image that is distinctly Swiss.
