Travel Highlights

Lucerne

Today marks our third day in Switzerland, and our itinerary is to visit Lucerne. The three of us were joined by my cousin's husband. He's been to Lucerne several times, and he knows some of the places intimately, saving us a lot of trouble.

Lucerne, nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, boasts dazzling, crystal-clear waters that create a picturesque scene. Composer Richard Wagner's romantic encounters there, Beethoven's tipsy Moonlight Sonata, and a tranquil town overflowing with melodies, is often called the "Paris by the Lake." Famous for its natural beauty and renowned as "Switzerland's most romantic city," Lucerne is also renowned for its vibrant music festivals, earning it worldwide acclaim.

Located approximately 70 minutes below Zurich, Lucerne's strategic location offers easy access to other major Swiss cities, making it a must-see for travelers. Lucerne is also packed with attractions. Whether you're strolling through the old streets, taking a boat tour of the lake, or climbing the ancient city gates, you can experience the charm of this prosperous town. The atmosphere on the streets is even more lively than in Zurich.

Torbogen Luzern Train Station Archway

When taking the train from Zurich to Lucerne, the first sight is this classical archway in front of the station. The statue above the clock, representing the Zeitgeist (God of Time) by Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling, echoes the modern clock below.

Chapel Bridge

The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Next to it stands an octagonal water tower, originally used as a prison, torture chamber, observation tower, and treasury. The bridge and water tower combination has become a prominent Lucerne landmark, appearing on numerous postcards.

Jesuit Church, Lucerne

The Jesuit Church is Switzerland's first large Baroque church. Its striking vaulted roof, resembling two onion domes, is easily visible from the bridge. The ceiling features beautiful colorful frescoes, and the marble decorations and gilded beams are truly eye-catching. If you're interested, you can venture inside to experience its splendor.

Spreuerbrücke

The Spreuerbrücke is one of Lucerne's two major bridges. Like the Chapel Bridge, it is a wooden arch bridge. It was destroyed by a flood in 1566 and later rebuilt. The Spreuerbrücke's greatest attraction is the 67 "Danse des Dames" paintings by Lucerne-based painter Kaspar Meglinger, which he painted on the bridge. Hence, it's also known as the "Danse des Dames" bridge.

Museggmauer Walls: The Museggmauer Walls, with their nine towers, are one of Switzerland's best-preserved and longest defensive walls. Visitors can stroll along the walls and take in the expansive views of Lucerne from above, making them a popular spot for photographers. The walls stretch over 900 meters in length, and different sections offer unique views of Lucerne.

Lion Monument

The Dying Lion Monument is a famous landmark in Lucerne. A stone sculpture of a wounded lion can be found in a rocky cave. This lion actually has a sad story. It was erected in commemoration of the Swiss mercenaries who died during the French Revolution in 1792. After that, Switzerland stopped exporting mercenaries, leaving only the Swiss Guard currently stationed at the Vatican. This symbol of loyalty and bravery remains.

Luzern Bahnhofquai, Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne is Switzerland's most scenic lake, and the entire city is surrounded by beautiful Lake Lucerne. There's a ferry terminal (Luzern Bahnhofquai) right next to the train station. My cousin's husband, having been there before, strongly suggested we take a boat to the other side. There's a five-star hotel (Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne) perched atop a mountain, and we could take the boat there. The view from the top is breathtaking. I was debating whether to take the boat, but my cousin's husband strongly recommended it. We don't get to visit often, and such a beautiful sunny day doesn't come around every day, so why not live in the moment? So, we decided to go. Since we bought our cable car tickets for the boat ride, they treated us to a snack and a drink—a very thoughtful treat. The scenery along the way definitely didn't disappoint.

In Switzerland, this high-end hotel is not only in a great location, but also worth the money to enjoy the beautiful scenery. We can chat and drink here, which is like a paradise on earth.

This beautiful photo was taken from the boat before it entered the dock. Wei Li was surprised to see the camera and quickly took out the camera to press the shutter, because sometimes a good shot appears in just a moment.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse