Holiday in Lucerne

What makes Lucerne special as a destination?

Lucerne on Lake Lucerne is the postcard ideal image of Switzerland: Snow-covered Alps reflect in the crystal-clear lake, medieval bridges cross the turquoise-green Reuss, and the charming old town enchants with painted facades and car-free alleys. The Chapel Bridge, Europe's oldest covered wooden bridge from the 14th century, is Lucerne's landmark — inside, triangular paintings from the 17th century adorn the gables. The Lion Monument, described by Mark Twain as the saddest and most moving piece of stone in the world, commemorates the Swiss Guards who fell in Paris in 1792. The Swiss Transport Museum is the most visited museum in the country and delights with historical locomotives, airplanes, a planetarium, and an IMAX cinema — perfect for families. The true magic of Lucerne lies in its location as a gateway to the Alps. Mount Pilatus (2,132 meters) is accessible by the steepest cogwheel railway in the world and offers a panorama of 73 peaks. The Rigi, Queen of the Mountains, can be reached by cogwheel train or cable car and has been a tourist destination since the 19th century. Steamboat trips on Lake Lucerne with the historic paddle steamers are among the most beautiful boat tours in Europe. Lucerne's cultural scene offers world-class acoustics at the KKL (Culture and Congress Center by Jean Nouvel) and the Blue Balls Festival in summer. The city combines Swiss precision with a coziness that one often does not associate with the country.