Make the most of your visit to Switzerland's enchanted city.
Tucked away in the sloping beauty of the Swiss Alps is an enchanted, historical city, a picturesque mountain oasis with an impeccable panorama of greenery and glistening bodies of water bordered by quaint medieval architecture. Lucerne is not just aesthetically breathtaking; within its radius lives a rich history. The city exists as a hub for chocophiles and enthusiasts of Swiss-made gadgetry. As a past traveler to this marvel of a city, I have decided to share with you a list of ten things you must do while in Lucerne.
1. Stroll Around Lake Lucerne.
Unwind in the fabled city by sauntering around the perimeter of its gleaming lake. Enjoy the spectacle of gliding swans, blue sky and a marvelous backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
2. Check out the Sunday market.
Every Sunday, Lucerne hosts a farmer's market in the heart of the city that's filled with cured meats, cheeses, pastries, marmalade, fresh fruits, flowers and more. The market is sure to satisfy the needs of all its customers and entrances all of its visitors' olfactory nerves with roaring scents. Be sure to watch out for free samples!
3. Take an Excursion to Mount Pilatus.
If there was only one thing that you had time for in Lucerne, you would have to ascend the gorgeous slopes of Mount Pilatus. This natural wonder can be traversed either by foot or by cable car and supplies all its visitors with an intimate view of the Alps and a breathtaking image of the city below.
4. Explore the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and Wassertum (Water Tower).
Built in 1333, the Chapel Bridge serves as a lovely wooden crossing between the New and Old Towns of Lucerne. Futhermore, it beautifully captures the city's history. Inside of the ancient bridge, attached to its ceiling, is a series of triangular portraits that document the city's history and myths. Unfortunately, a fire broke out in 1993, destroying the bridge and ravaging most of its portraits. Thankfully, the crossing was restored and one can still see the panels along the tunnel, supplementing a lovely stroll with an informative experience.
Alongside the bridge stands the ancient Wassertum, another landmark of Lucerne. Though it directly translates to "water tower," the Wassertum actually once held a prison, torture chamber, treasury and an archive.
5. Take a walking tour through the Old Town.
No visit to Lucerne is complete without exploring its old town. Look out for the various paintings that span its numerous buildings. These images once served as signs (or logos) for the shops within the buildings. A medieval Lucernian could find the armory simply by locating the painting of men on horseback or knights in shining armor.
6. Explore the Zyt Tower.
A small walk away from downtown Lucerne is the city's oldest clock, built in the early 15th century in the Zyt Tower. At the one hour mark, the clock bell rings a minute before all of the other city clocks. The clock-tower can also be entered and houses a museum that expands upon some of Lucerne's chronometric history. It also provides a splendid view of the city!
7. Visit the Lion Monument.
Little is known about the Swiss soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the French Revolution. Carved into sandstone in the early 19th century, the beautiful Lion Monument is dedicated to the fallen Swiss soldiers and bears a Latin inscription that translates into, "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss." The monument is 33-feet long and 20-feet wide!
8. Check out the Hofkirche.
The Hofkriche, or "Court Church," of St. Leodegar, was founded in the 8th century and played an important role in the city's founding. The church is only a few minutes walk from the waterfront promenade along the lake and offers a slice of Lucerne's history that is worthwhile to explore.
9. Travel through the Spreüerbrucke.
Spanning the Reuss river in close proximity to the Chapel Bridge is the Spreüerbrucke. Because the original Chapel Bridge succumbed to destruction by fire in the early 20th century, Spreüerbrucke is now known as Europe's oldest bridge (built in 1407). Like its neighbor, the Spreüerbrucke is accompanied by portraits that depict the roots and legends of Lucerne at its height and serves as a lovely crossing between the new and old towns.
10. Don't forget to try a local bite!
It is impossible to resist the enticing aromas emanating from Lucerne's quaint bakeshops. Be sure to stop by and pick up some authentic pastries before your long journey home!