Experience
Switzerland

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : LUCERNE

A breath of fresh air between the water and the mountains

On the banks of the Lake of the Four Cantons, Lucerne enjoys unbelievable views of the surrounding mountains. Its ramparts, charming old town and its proximity to Rigi, Mount Pilatus and Stanserhorn make it a destination of choice for those who love to relax amongst nature.

TRIPS TO THE SWISS MOUNTAIN TOPS

Looking up at the summits, Lucerne is the departure point for many mountain trips, most of which take place during the day.

The most famous is Mount Pilatus which peaks at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres. At the top, a fantastic unspoilt landscape is waiting for you, with uninterrupted views of the neighbouring mountains and surrounding lakes. With lots of patience (and imagination), you might even catch a glimpse of the dragon, which legend says inhabits the mountain and has healing powers.

An entirely different experience awaits you at Stanserhorn. Take the train to Stans from Lucerne station in just twenty minutes. You’ll be transported back in time on the journey from Stans to the midway station of Kälti on the small, wonderfully retro wooden funicular, which dates back to 1893. Take the time to admire the scenery, the green forests and meadows, the alpine houses and the paths lined with wildflowers.

When you arrive, the trip continues on a cable car, a highlight of the adventure. The CabriO is a two-storey, open-air cable car with track cables specially fitted on both sides to provide unobstructed views. The upper deck is open air. With the wind in your hair, you’ll feel like you’re soaring to the top of Stanserhorn.

When you arrive, come back to earth to appreciate the scenery and the breathtaking views that lie before you. Spot ten lakes, a section of the Alps and three countries. Rangers will be able to help you catch a glimpse of the marmots and will tell you more about the local flora and fauna. To top off the experience, paraglide or hand glide back down or give in to temptation and try the alpine macaroni at the revolving restaurant, the Rondorama.

Must-sees in Lucerne

THE MUSEUM OF ART

The Museum of Art Lucerne, in the city’s culture and congress centre, is the futuristic masterpiece of French architect Jean Nouvel. In addition to contemporary exhibits featuring international works, the permanent collection is designed to showcase Swiss art from the Renaissance to the present day.

CHAPEL BRIDGE

Chapel Bridge is Europe’s oldest covered bridge. It links the New Town to the Old, winding around the old water tower. Its frame is decorated with illustrative panels depicting different historical events in Switzerland and Lucerne’s history.

THE LION OF LUCERNE

A symbol of the city, this lion carved directly into the rock pays homage to the Swiss mercenaries who died in service of Louis XVI, King of France, during an attack on the Tuileries Palace by revolutionaries in 1792. Just a few metres away, the Glacier Gardens provide a surprising immersion into the Swiss landscape from thousands of years ago.

Traffic signs at the Swiss Transport Museum

THE SWISS MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT

This is Switzerland’s most visited museum and owes its reputation to its unrivalled collection of locomotives, cars, trains and planes. It explores the evolution of transport in a fun and interactive way and retraces changes in how we travel by road, rail, sea, air and space.