Lucerne and the Alps... Switzerland Diaries

The frequency of trains is very good and you can check the train timings on EuRail website or Swiss Train site or DB Bahn

If you have a Euro pass or a Swiss pass, the journey will become very comfortable as you need not worry about booking tickets, just board any train in that direction.

When to go- Well I travelled during December month.. The weather was cold and you could clearly notice the snow capped Alpine Mountains. I am sure it would be equally pleasant and enjoyable to visit during summers and autumn seasons.

What to do- Firstly as you get down on the Luzern zentrum station, take a city map from the tourist office on the station itself. If you plan to stay here and have to checkin into a hotel, normally the hotel reception will also have a tourist map free of cost. I was there only for a day trip- hopped from Freiburg, spent one day and then went to Zurich the next day.

Here are a few things that might interest you- most of them are at walking distance from the city center, so no need to worry about bus or trams.

1. Lion Monument or Löwendenkmal- Have written a detailed post on this since I loved it so much. This is a Lion statue built in commemoration of Swiss guards who fought bravely and were killed in the French revolution of 1792. It is said that this wounded Lion statue is the most sad and moving piece of art in the world. More on Lion Monument, Switzerland.

3. Kapellbrücke or Chapel Bridge- This bridge stands tall for so many years, it was originally built in 1333, was almost completely burnt in 1993 and was reconstructed in 1994. It connects the old and the new parts of the town.  Yes its wooden and it was built long long ago. It actually shakes if too many people are walking on it and its a bit scary.

4. Luzern Ferry cruise- This is a must try and I would recommend everyone to try it. They have ferry with different routes, different timings- half day, full day and hour trips as well. As such the city is amazing, but as the cruise moves forward, it takes you closer to the Alps and its gets really chilly. There are stops at small villages and you are free to get down wherever you want. I remember there was one village stop from where you could get to Mt. Rigis and there was a cable car as well. And while returning you could take any other boat while on its return journey. However we were so mesmerized by the cool winds and beautiful views that we decided to continue on our journey rather than stop over. We had taken a half day cruise but regretted that we should have taken a full day one as this was the best highlight of our Switzerland trip.

We had a euro pass so it was free to board any ferry, train and luckily ferry was covered in it. This is also covered in Swiss pass. You will notice the ferry office just outside the station, they do not understand English but they will give you a pamphlet with timings and routes.

The prices and tickets can be found on this website- LakeLuccerne ferry

5. Old town- Similar to other old towns in Switzerland or Germany. Narrow streets with shops on either sides. Somehow I noticed there were many Saloons on the way.
On my Swiss trip.. I have also written blogs about Zurich and Bern.. do visit for more details..

All in all this is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland and I would recommend everyone to include this in our itinerary.