Lucerne

Settled at the north end of Lake Lucerne, in the heart of Switzerland, is a city that is said to be a miniature version of Switzerland itself. Lucerne is a striking city with an ancient soul and a modern spirit. This is where history, culture and stunning natural beauty come together to invite you for a memorable Swiss holiday. Nestled snugly amidst the soaring mountains, overlooking Switzerland’s fourth largest lake, Lucerne is the gateway to some of the most spectacular Alpine rides.

Lucerne serves as a base for adventurers looking to explore the lofty heights of Mt. Titlis, Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi and Jungfraujoch. The city is home to some remarkable slices of history such as the Museggauer (Museg Wall), the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and the Spreuerbrücke. The latter are two of the oldest covered wooden bridges in the world. Take a trip back in time at the Old Town which still preserves the essence of Lucerne in its little squares and old burgher’s houses.

You can spend hours at the Verkehrshaus der Schweiz (Swiss Transport Museum) which showcases the evolution of mechanised transport in Switzerland. Pay your respects at the Lion of Lucerne. It is a poignant monument that honours the Swiss mercenaries who were massacred during the French Revolution. Not far from the monument is yet another natural wonder, the Glacier Garden. It is a group of glacial potholes that were formed during the last ice age around 20,000 years ago! But the most amazing exhibits here are the 20-million-year-old fossils of shellfish and palm fronds, from a a time when this area was a subtropical seashore.

For those following the culture trail, the Richard Wagner Museum, the Rosengart Collection and the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre will give hours of joy and memories of a lifetime. Here’s a detailed look at Lucerne’s tourism to help you plan the best Swiss holiday.

Highlights of Lucerne Tourism:

Lucerne tourism is a compelling mix of history, art, culture and the outdoors. The rugged mountains around the city make for some challenging treks and climbs that end with some of the most breath-taking vistas imaginable. The 2073-metre-high Mt. Pilatus gives you some amazing panoramas of Lucerne from the top. You can take the world’s steepest cogwheel train to reach the summit or make it into and adventure with a trek.

One of the more unusual attractions in Lucerne is the Bourbaki Panorama. It is 118 metres long and 10 metres high! What’s even more amazing is that many elements from the painting spill out from the canvas and continue in 3D, in the foreground. This is one spectacle you should not miss. Yet another highly recommended art exhibit is the Museum Sammlung Rosengart (Rosengart Collection). This incredible exhibit houses some of the most important works of art produced in the 19th and 20th centuries from artists like Picasso, Monet and Chagall.

After art and adventure, nostalgia ranks high in Lucerne tourism. The Lucerne Altstadt is a little piece of the history that connects the city with its roots. The gaily-coloured, wood-framed buildings bordering the cobblestoned-streets give it a fairytale atmosphere. The whole of Old Town is closed for vehicular traffic, so you can explore the quaint shops and houses to your heart’s content.

Lucerne is a holiday destination for the entire family. It will steal your heart with its old-world vibes that bring on a strange feeling of fond nostalgia.

Adventure activities in Lucerne:

With its mountain terrains and Alpine weather, Lucerne does not lack in adventure. From simple treks to challenging climbs, Lucerne welcomes and challenges all types of adventure-seekers. The serene city has an exciting side that will set your pulse racing with eager anticipation of a promised adventure.

In Lucerne, mountain tops are not the only places to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. There are many paragliding operators in the city who offer tandem flights. But the real adventure in and around Lucerne begins in winter. The snow-covered mountain slopes become the playground of thrill-seekers who ski or snowboard down the exhilarating slopes. Whether you’re a rank beginner or a Level 9 expert, Lucerne has a slope for everybody.

Venture a bit outside Lucerne and head to Mount Titlis, the highest point around Lucerne. The Titlis Glacier experience will introduce you to the world’s first revolving cable car, the Titlis Rotoair. Once at the top, you can walk across the Titlis Cliff Walk, which is Europe’s highest suspension bridge. Get up and close with glaciers at Glacier Grotto and the Titlis Glacier Park.

If you’re looking for a break from adventure, take a peaceful paddlewheel steamer ride on Lake Lucerne. It is the ultimate throwback to a more leisurely way of travelling. One other recommended soothing activity is the Mt. Rigi cogwheel train ride. Marvel at the views as you make the unhurried journey to the top in Europe’s first cogwheel railway.

Lucerne will give you the unbridled high of an Alpine adventure and soothe your soul with its innate calm.

Shopping in Lucerne:

There’s something about shopping in Switzerland that holds a special allure rarely found elsewhere. From its delectable chocolates to precise clocks and watches, Switzerland is a buzzing shopping hub. And on account of being a pocket-sized version of Switzerland, Lucerne is no different. The city has its share of exclusive haute couture boutiques, chocolatiers and gift shops that will cater to your every whim and fancy.

But the one thing that is more famous than Swiss chocolates are Swiss watches. Some of these timepieces are veritable works of art, with prices to match. One such exclusive name is the house of Chronoswiss. Here you can not only purchase a fine Swiss timepiece, but also watch one being made behind glass panes. You can even have your watch assembled before your own eyes!

One of the best places to shop in Lucerne is the Old Town. You will find a motley collection of antiques, clothes and shoes being sold in small specialty shops. For a more contemporary shopping experience, head to Pilatrusstrasse located in the newer part of Lucerne. Chocolates, souvenirs and watches are the most popular shopping items in Lucerne. However, do note that most shops are closed on Sundays. So, do not leave your shopping for the last day. Shop whenever you get the chance and you will have some lovely souvenirs to carry back home.

Cuisine Of Lucerne:

A culture’s cuisine and eating habits are perhaps the best mirrors of its beliefs and traditions. Lucerne is a foodie haven that will cater to your appetites through an evolved culinary culture with a global twist. From the trendiest haute restaurants to old, well-loved taverns, Lucerne will spoil you for choice when it comes to eating out.

The Wirtshaus Galliker is a family-run tavern that has been around for more than a century. It is loved for its food as well as its warm familiarity that welcomes you as you step in. Try their most popular dish Luzerner Chügelipastete, a crunchy shell filled with veal and a creamy mushroom sauce. If you have hankering for Italian, Valentino is the place to go for an authentic Italian experience.

For a budget meal, there’s no better place than the La Cucina with its reasonable prices and a lunch menu that rotates weekly. Brassiere Bodu will charm you with its French fare served amidst a bistro-styled theme and vintage wallpapers. Rathaus Brauerei is the perfect place to satiate your Alpine cravings. They brew their own drinks and offer familiar favourites like Älplermafronen mid Apfelnus (mac and cheese served with apple sauce), rabbit fillet with oyster mushrooms and the Luzerner Käsekuchen (savoury cheese cake).

Interesting Facts About Lucerne:

• Lucerne was the city that laid the foundation of the Swiss Confederation in 1332.
• Before 1332, Lucerne was a stand-alone city under the rule of King Rudolph I von Habsburg.
• The Kapellbrücke, built in 1333 and the Spreuerbrücke, built in 1406 are the world’s oldest surviving covered wooden bridges and are still in use today.
• Lucerne is one of the oldest cities in Europe with its mentions being found as long ago as the year 870.
• The clock inside the Zyt tower of the Museggmauer was built in 1535 and is the oldest clock in Lucerne.
• The Zyt tower clock chimes every hour exactly one minute before the rest of the clocks in the city.
• Switzerland’s first Baroque-style large church was built in Lucerne between 1666 an1677.
• The Alhambra mirror maze at the Glacier Garden was created in 1896 and uses 90 mirrors to confuse and misguide visitors.
• 20 million years ago, the place where Lucerne is now located, was a sub-tropical seashore.
• The Bourbaki Panorama is one of the largest artworks in the world to have a building dedicated entirely to it.

Location Of Lucerne:

Lucerne is located in central Switzerland, which is the German-speaking portion of the country. It is the capital of Lucerne canton (sub-division). It sits at the foothills of the Alps, on the shores of Lake Lucerne where the lake outflows into the river Reuss. The city centre is located near this outflow, while the rest of the city follows the river on both its banks. The city’s old suburbs are perched on the hills from the north-east to south-west.

Best time to visit:

Lucerne is a year-round destination that offers different experiences based on the season. But June to September is the peak season and the best time to be in Lucerne. With a pleasant weather cooled by the Alps, you can enjoy the city to its fullest with long treks, bike tours and music festivals. Winter, between October to May, is the low season. But the winter snow announces the start of skiing season. This is also the best time to go to Lucerne for some excellent travel deals.

How to reach Lucerne:

Lucerne is quite close to the Zurich Airport. You can catch a flight from any of India’s bigger cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. Operators such as Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates and KLM Royal Dutch have flights from all major airports. But Air India and Swiss Air operate only from Mumbai and Delhi airports.

There are two ways to reach Lucerne from Zurich Airport, taxi and train. A taxi will get you there in 45 minutes but is extremely expensive. The train takes around one hour but costs 8-9 times lesser than the taxi.

Thomas Cook has a range of holiday packages for Lucerne that will let you enjoy this vibrant holiday destination in every season. If you’re looking for a customised Swiss holiday package, visit your nearest Thomas Cook branch. You can also book your holiday online from the comfort of your home.