One has to visit Lucerne to find out why it is one of the most popular places to visit, not just in Switzerland, but also in Europe.
Among the many things to do in Lucerne, you can simply begin with sitting on a charming lake and surrounded by mountains Lucerne - the stuff that sweet dreams are made off. Its centralized location, well-preserved Old Town, and the iconic Chapel Bridge are just some of the things that add to the charm of this gateway to Central Switzerland.
Here are the best 10 things to do in Lucerne:
1. Mt Pilatus
A visit to the Dragon Mountain will leave you mesmerised. The journey to the mountain is as exciting as the peak itself.
In summer, you can take the famed Golden Roundtrip which will take you by boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad. From here, you can ascend by the world's steepest cogwheel train with a maximum gradient of 48 degrees.
Then make your way down by the aerial gondola. You can also stop at a mid-point to enjoy Switzerland's longest summer toboggan run and let the kids hone their balancing skills in the rope park harnessed by safety nets.
Medieval legend has it that this mountain was inhabited by dragons with healing powers. Notwithstanding legend and folklore, this mountain excursion remains one of the highlights of central Switzerland.
Remember, that you stand to get an almost 50% discount on the excursion If you hold the
Swiss Travel Pass.
2. Swiss Museum of Transport
A day of fun and edutainment for the family awaits you on your
Swiss tour. Do not be fooled by its name, this museum is the most visited museum in Switzerland and deserves to be.
Other than showcasing the history of transport by road, rail, water, air and space, this museum houses so much more.
It has the country's largest cinema screen which showcases some amazing documentaries.
There is a planetarium where you can relax and watch shows on its huge dome and the most exciting for adults and kids alike, is the Swiss Chocolate Adventure - an interactive attraction, which showcases the history and production of chocolate.
Other than this, there are plenty of virtual reality attractions that are really fascinating. Do not miss this one for sure!
If you are holding a
Swiss Pass benefit from it's discounts on Swiss Museum of Transport.
3. Chapel Bridge
Your
Switzerland itinerary is incomplete is you miss - Chapel Bridge. This landmark of Lucerne was built in the 14th century and is considered to be Europe's oldest covered bridge.
It crosses the Reuss from the New Town on the Southbank to the Old Town.
Along the 200 metres, you can see paintings depicting Lucerne's history. These triangular paintings in the ceiling pediments were introduced in the 17th century.
Some of them were fully destroyed in a fire in 1993 but you can still see many of them.
The octagonal water tower was part of the city's fortification and over the years has been used as an archive, torture chamber and treasury.
4. The Lion Monument
This sculpture of a dying lion is carved into a former sandstone quarry.
The lion represents the Swiss soldiers who died while trying to protect Louis XVI during the French Revolution in 1792.
The sculpture is symbolically rich and shows a shattered shield with the symbol of French Royalty and another intact shield with the Swiss coat of arms.
Mark Twain had called the monument the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.
5. Hofkirche St. Leodegar
Lucerne's parish church founded in the 8th century was destroyed during the 30 year war in 1633 leaving only its 2 towers with their Romanesque elements, St Mary's altar and a few other objects intact.
Worth seeing are the exceptionally carved choir stalls, ornate wooden pews and the imposing organ which weighs 30 tons and has 7374 pipes making it one of the largest organ in Europe.
The church is located on a little hill overlooking the Old Town of Lucerne.
6. Cruise on the Lake
After a day in the surrounding Alps, head off for a cruise on the Lake.
There are various types of cruises that you can take. Some of them are also free with your
free with your Swiss Travel Pass.
If you are looking for something to spend your evening, a good choice would be a Lake Lucerne Dinner Cruise.
The cruise normally leaves the pier at around 7.30 pm and gets back at 9.00 pm after you have had a sumptuous meal while gazing at the amazing scenery that you pass by.
There are also smaller more exclusive yachts like the Saphir which operate at regular intervals in the day and give you an amazing perspective of Lucerne from the water.
Including a boat ride is one of the unmissable
things to do in Switzerland.
7. Mt Titlis
Though
Mount Titlis is to be done from Engelberg, almost every traveller would rather stay and visit it from Lucerne.
Ascend by the world's first revolving cable car and get blown away by the breath-taking 360 degree panorama as you make your way to the peak at 10,000 feet above sea level.
Once on top there is literally a "mountain" of things to do. Ride the Ice Flyer chairlift and visit the Glacier Park where you can indulge in some snow fun with tubing or sledding, walk into the Glacier Cave and challenge your nerves and walk along the Titlis Cliff Walk the spectacular suspension bridge.
Don't forget to apply your
Swiss Travel Pass discount.
8. Old City Wall ( Musegg Wall)
The water tower, the Chapel Bridge and the Musegg Wall are the dominant landmarks that define the historic townscape of Lucerne.
The Musegg Wall and its nine towers are part of Lucerne's historic fortifications and once upon a time, it stood as a symbol of Power.
Today, you can visit and walk along the wall, part of which is original.
4 of the 9 towers are open to the public and give an amazing birds eye view of Lucerne.
One of them, the Zyt Tower also has the oldest city clock in Lucerne which, in keeping with its age, is allowed to chime one minute ahead all the rest of the city clocks.
While visiting the Musegg wall and towers one can also take some time to visit the Hinter Musegg farm and spend some time there.
Children will be particularly fascinated and can see various animals like alpacas and mini pigs and also learn about farm life and animal husbandry.
9. Stanserhorn
Stanserhorn will leave you wondering which century you live in. Ride the old time funicular from Stans to Kalti - this funicular has been chugging up since 1893 and was once considered the longest funicular.
From there, you switch to the CabriO , the world's first double decker ‘roofless' cable car. Feel the wind in your hair and marvel at the amazing scenery as you ride up to the Stanserhorn at 1850 metres above sea level. Apart from the stunning views and experience riding up, the best part is that this amazing excursion can be experienced free of cost if you have a Swiss Travel Pass.
10. Mt Rigi
One more excursion, which is free with your Swiss Travel Pass, Mt Rigi can be reached from Vitznau or Arth Goldau from where you take the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm. Infact the Vitznau - Rigi Kulm railway has been running since 1871 which makes it Europe's first mountain railway.
Mt. Rigi is a very popular summer and winter attraction and offers miles of hiking, skiing and tobogganing depending on the weather. In essence, it's a thing to do in Lucerne in all seasons.
So start packing, purchase the super handy Swiss Travel Pass and head off to Central Switzerland to experience all the "firsts" - the revolving cable car, open double decker cable car, Europe's first mountain railway and the elegant old lady who is allowed to chime one minute prior to all her peers!
