The Magic of Lucerne awaits!

The most populous city in Central Switzerland, Lucerne is nicknamed “Lucerne Riviera” because of its temperate climate. Blue skies, fluffy clouds and… well-preserved medieval architecture, fabulous alpine scenery, cheese, chocolate and wine. What’s not to like? Oh, and its the base area for some unforgettable railway trips to enjoy the full splendor of the Swiss scenery without getting on and off a bus dragging your luggage. You’re intrigued aren’t you? Lucerne is one of the cities GetAway Travel can include in your next adventure, or join us in 2027 with a trip crafted just for us. Check out the details here, and we’ll go through some more specifics in an upcoming blog.

Iconic bridges, Old Town and more

You would expect a city on the shores of Lake Lucerne and the Ruess River to have lots of bridges and you won’t be disappointed.

The Chapel Bridge or the Kapellbrucke was destroyed in a fire but meticulously restored. This carved wooden bridge spanning the Reuss River, dates back to the early 14th century. Featured in many photographs of the city, it is the oldest covered truss bridge in Europe.

Originally there were 158 painted roof panels created by artist Heinrich Wägmann highlighting important events in Swiss history and mythology. Fires and time have whittled the display panels down to 30, but they are still a treat to behold.

Downstream from the Chapel Bridge is the Spreuer Bridge.The ceiling of the bridge has more than 60 triangular “Dance of Death” paintings depicting mortality.

Old Town Altstadt has beautifully decorated buildings with wonderful, colorful frescoes showing all aspects of the city’s cultural foundation including Fasnacht, the annual carnival and the legend of William Tell. The Pfistern, a traditional guild house is just one of the well-preserved buildings.

Lucerne was once a fortified, walled city and there is a stretch of wall with nine towers that is still standing so you can walk the ramparts.

Just off Altstadt is the Lion Monument, a large stone relief of a dying lion. Mark Twain referred to this monument as the “most mournful moving piece of stone in the world.” It is a memorial to the Swiss Guards who died protecting King Louis XVI from revolutionaries in 1792.

The Glacier Garden is near the Lion Monument. It is a natural, historic and cultural museum highlighting ice age glacial potholes from 20,000 years ago, subtropical fossils and a 50-mirror 19th century maze. The Swiss House Museum with antique alpine, geological and regional artifacts is on the grounds.

Museums and points of interest

Runs like a Swiss watch applies to Swiss time pieces as well as the transportation system. Plan on your rail trips being on time and spend some time at the Verkehrshaus der Schweiz. The Swiss Museum of Transport embraces the transportation system. This fascinating museum is very hands-on, from cockpits to sit in, simulators to test, digital and physical games and all things trains, planes and automobiles.

The villa where German composer Richard Wagner lived and composed is a quaint museum.

The Picasso Museum or SammLung Rosengart houses the private collection of Swiss Art from art dealer Siegfried Rosengart and his daughter, Angela. They were friends with Picasso and an entire floor with 40 of his works is dedicated to him. The basement has paintings as well as sketches from Swiss artist Paul Klee. The upper floors have more modern works from Cézanne, Monet, Matisse, Braque, Miró and Chagall.

Hofkirche-Abbey Court Church or St. Leodegar is one of the most important Renaissance churches in Switzerland. The church was built in 1639  on the foundation of a previous church. The prominent towers are the remains of the former church as well as St. Mary’s altar.

At the Hergiswil Glass Factory visitors can watch traditional glass making. The factory tour shows the revolution of glass making from 1817 to the present. In addition to the live glass making demonstrations, you have the opportunity to create your own glass ball at the end of the tour.

Mountains and railways

Mount Rigi, also known as the Queen of the Mountains, is 5,899 feet high and accessible by cable (funicular) railway. It is 7,000 feet to the top of Mount Pilatus and on a clear day, you can see 73 Alpine peaks from the top. In the Middle Ages, area residents believed Mount Pilatus was haunted by the ghost of Pontius Pilate and inhabited by dragons.

The Jungfraujoch, which takes you to the Ice Palace, and the other Swiss rail adventures offer spectacular views including alpine scenery and glaciers, but some great stop options, too. You can experience vintage rail cars, chocolate, cheese and wine if you take the Chocolate Train.

You get to go to the Château de Gruyères, walk the ramparts, tour the gardens, observe cheesemaking — and taste — in the village. Have fabulous fondue at one of the village restaurants.

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the terraced vineyards have been nurtured here since Roman times. The current vines trace back to the 11th century. Visit the wineries and cellars and enjoy the tastings. During harvest season, the cows journey down from their alpine locales. The famous cow parade features bovines decked out in flowered head dresses and brass cowbells, accompanied by farmers and their families who also sport floral head dresses.

Then you get to embrace the chocolate experience at Cailler. Founded in the early 1800s, it became a major member of the chocolate world in the early 1900s and merged with Nestle in the 1920s. The tour goes through the history of chocolates from the raw ingredients to the tasty finish and then you get to taste six or seven different chocolates.

Are you interested in experiencing Lucerne, either with a GetAway Tour or as part of a separate adventure? Travel advisors at GetAway Travel are available to help! We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel