Beautiful scenery, folklore, history, and traditional food…Lorelei, Heidi, Anneleis, Cassie & Ron explore this gorgeous city!
Lucerne
Activities
I cannot say enough good things about this city. Lucerne was such a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. The views from the lake and the mountain were breathtaking and you just felt like you were in an ancient city. Get some chocolate and a genuine Swiss army knife!
Pilatus Mountain
We rode the rail line up the Pilatus Mountain, and took the cable cars down. You can do the rail up and back or the cable cars up and back; the advantage of the cable cars is that there is a stop halfway up the mountain to get off and explore or get on a hiking trail. We saw a lot of families with smaller children stopped here. All the views were beautiful, idyllic, Swiss mountain scenery so you can’t go wrong. The rail is the steepest ‘cog wheel rail’ in the world and holds about 6 people per car. The cable cars fit about 4 I think. We went in the morning and it was not so crowded.
If you go all the way up the mountain, you won’t be disappointed. There is a legend that a dragon with healing powers lived on the mountain and you can totally envision this with all of the crags and caves. It was very slippery walking around because there was snow (in May!) but in the warmer months you can explore some of the caves. There are two buildings once you reach the top, a hotel that was built in 1890 just after the railway, and another circular hotel from the 1960s with amazing views. There’s a little cafe for cocoa with a shop and there was a traditional horn player that entertained those at the top. Really a must do if you’re in Lucerne.
Lion Monument
The Lion Monument is a monument to the Swiss Guard who were massacred during the French Revolution when revolutionists stormed the Palace of the Tuileries in 1792. The Swiss Guard were the traditional guards of the French monarchy since the 17th century. This monument was erected by a member of the Swiss Guard who happened to be on leave in Lucerne when the fight broke out that killed over 800 of his comrades. The stone relief sculpture is set on a rock wall behind a reflecting pool in a gated garden and it is one of the most moving monuments I’ve seen. The lion is dying and laying on top of a shield with the fleur de lis, a symbol of the French monarchy, to symbolize the final fight to protect the king. It is free to the public and not hard to find, but can get crowded.
Chapel Bridge
This distinctive wooden footbridge is a landmark of Lucerne. It extends from one side of the Reuss River to the other and is next to the prison tower that also stands in the water. The bridge is unique in that under the roof, a series of 17th century triangular paintings are installed that depict Swiss history. Sadly, some were destroyed in a fire in 1933 but the remaining are still fascinating pieces.
Traditional dinner with yodeling
We went to the Stadtkeller restaurant for a traditional Swiss dinner. The food was very good and the entertainment was so fun! We had traditional cheese and chocolate fondue and delicious beer. I participated in a yodeling contest and a traditional Swedish dance.
Hotel
Unfortunately the hotel that we stayed at has now closed. Here are a few other hotels in Lucerne that are well recommended:
Hotel Des Balances
Hotel Des Balances is a beautiful 4-star hotel in a historic building in Old Town Lucerne. It’s located right on the Reuss River and some rooms overlook the river and Chapel Bridge. There is a restaurant on site with indoor and outdoor, river view, seating. They also offer free wifi.
Hotel Hofgarten
Hotel Hofgarten is a more budget friendly 4-star option walking distance to the city center. It’s a small, charming hotel, located in a 17th century building, and every room has a different design. They offer free breakfast and free wifi. Childcare is available for a fee. There is a restaurant on site with indoor and outdoor seating.
Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern
Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern is a great budget friendly 3-star hotel in the center of the city. They offer free wifi and a big buffet breakfast for a fee. The rooms are standard and some overlook a busy square with a fountain. The hotel has recently been renovated.
Transportation
We walked and used the underground metro system.
Lucerne Travel Tips:
Currency – Lucerne is a little expensive and you need Swiss Francs. Most of the time they take Euros but it’s best to have a little of the local currency.
Language – Most people speak English.
Weather – We had the best weather while we were in Lucerne in May. I think any time of year would be beautiful but if you’re not okay with being cold, go in the summer.
Follow the rest of Lorelei, Heidi, Anneleis, Cassie & Ron’s Europe trip here:
Paris, France – 5 Days in Paris: Explore All the Iconic Paris Sights
London, England – Must See Spots in London
Amsterdam, The Netherlands – One Day in Amsterdam is Enough to Fall in Love with it
Other Travel Guides You Might Like:
Rome, Tuscany, Naples & Sicily, Italy – 2 Weeks in Italy: Rome, Tuscany, Naples & Sicily
Oia, Santorini, Greece – Guide to Oia: Where to Stay in Santorini
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