Lucerne Area
Founded in 1178, Lucerne started off as a simple fishing village during the Middle Ages. Today, having retained its medieval ambience, it is a truly beautiful place to visit with stunning panoramas of the Alps and the world-famous Lake Lucerne right on its doorstep. In addition to Lucerne's historical attractions which may be enjoyed in one or two days, the surrounding area with its charming little towns and breathtaking vistas should not be missed.
Highlights of Lucerne
- The "Dying Lion of Lucerne" Monument
- Swiss Transport Museum (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz)
- The Chapel Bridge with its 13th century Water Tower
- Glacier Garden & Mirror Maze
- Paddle Steamer ride around Lake Lucerne
- Mt. Titlis in Engleberg
Historical Sites
Lion of Lucerne
"The dying Lion of Lucerne" is one of the world's most famous monuments. It was carved out of natural rock in memory of the heroic deaths of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792. Mark Twain described the Lion of Lucerne as "the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world".
The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
The Chapel Bridge was constructed in the first half of the 14th century as a part of the city's fortifications and named after St. Peter's Chapel, which is located nearby. The paintings (added in the 17th century) illustrate scenes of Swiss and local history, including the biographies of the city's patron saints, St. Leodegar and St. Maurice.
Water Tower
Attached to the Chapel Bridge is an old water tower which is over 34 meters (111.5 ft.) high. It was built around 1300 as part of the city wall and used as an archive, treasury, prison and torture chamber throughout the years. It is Lucerne's trademark and the most frequently photographed monument in Switzerland.
The Spreuer Bridge
This bridge was completed as a part of the city fortification in 1408. Between 1626 and 1635, Kaspar Meglinger added 67 paintings that represent the "Dance of Death". It is called the Spreuer Bridge because it was only here that chaffs of wheat (Spreu) could be dumped into the river.
Old Town Hall
The Town Hall was built between 1602 and 1606 by Anton Isenmann in the Italian Renaissance style. It was covered with an overhanging roof as is typical for Bern. The open arcades facing the Reuss are still used today as a weekly marketplace. Above the arcades is the Kornschütte hall, an earlier trading goods store, which is now used for concerts and exhibitions.
Musegg Wall
A part of the rampart walls built in 1386, the Musegg wall is still almost entirely intact. The Schirmer, Zyt and Männli towers are open to the public. The oldest city clock, built by Hans Luter in 1535, is in the Zyt tower. This clock is allowed to chime every hour, one minute before all of the other city clocks.
Jesuit Church
This church was the first large sacral Baroque church in Switzerland and was constructed in 1666 by Father Christoph Vogler for the Jesuits. The vault was redecorated in the mid-18th century. The original vestments of Brother Klaus, a famous Swiss patron, are stored in the inner chapel.
Activities
Swiss Transport Museum & Themepark (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz)
The Swiss Transport Museum is the most varied museum for transportation and communication in Europe. More than 3,000 items are exhibited in a space as large as 40,000 square meters. The planetarium, run by digital technology, takes visitors on a trip through the vastness of the universe. In the "Gotthard Tunnel" exhibit, you can travel into the mountain and watch the building of the tunnel during 1875. Another enjoyable experience at the museum is a visit to the IMAX Theatre (the only one in Switzerland), as well as the "Swissarena", which at a size of almost 200 square meters, shows spectacular images of Switzerland from the air. Additional information about the museum may be found here. There is a reduced admission fee of FR19 for ISE Cardholders.
Glacier Garden & Mirror Maze
An enjoyable stop while in Lucerne is the Glacier Garden. When the glaciers receded after the last ice age, enormous potholes were left in their place. There is a multimedia show and an interactive information system which provides interesting insights into the geographical history of the area. At the park, visitors can see fossilized mussels and palm leaves which show that 20 million years ago, Lucerne was actually a subtropical beach.
Within the Glacier Garden is a Mirror Maze which was inspired by the beautiful Alhambra in Granada, Spain. The Moorish arches seem to go on forever as you wander through the maze. Those with an ISE Card will receive 22% off of the Glacier Garden admission price with the mirror maze included. Additional information may be found at: http://www.gletschergarten.ch/en/karte.html.
Zurich Zoo-1 hour from Lucerne, 50% off
For those who are tired of museums and monuments, there's a nice zoo only one hour from Lucerne in Zurich. The Zurich Zoo has expanded and changed throughout the years. It was first opened in 1929 and is known for its beautiful animal habitats. It also now has an indoor rainforest that visitors can enjoy. Those with an ISE Card will receive a 50% discount on the admission price.
Mt. Titlis
Famous for being the highest peak in central Switzerland, Mt. Titlis is covered with snow year-round. There is a rotating gondola that provides 360 degree views while going up the mountain. On top, there is a rustic lodge with a restaurant as well as a variety of organized activities such as the Ice Flyer ride, where visitors can slide down part of the mountain on a tube. Additional information about Mt. Titlis may be found by clicking here. Those with an ISE Card will receive 20% off of the total price for round-trip transport, lunch and the sledding activity.
Places to Stay
Camping Eichholz
For a wonderful camping spot about an hour outside of Lucerne in Berne, Switzerland, we recommend Camping Eichholz. In addition to clean facilities, the area is beautiful and the camp offers a variety of optional excursions including canoe rides, hikes, etc. For additional information, please visit their site. There is a CHF 5.50 discount for those with an ISE Card.
Tourist Hotel
Situated in the historical old town of Lucerne, the Tourist Hotel is on the river Reuss with a view of Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Titlis. The rooms are clean and the location is convenient, as most of the major sites are within easy walking distance. Additional information may be found at www.touristhotel.ch. Those with an ISE Card will receive a discount of 10% off their room rate.
Additional places to stay in Lucerne may be found by searching for hostels online. To see full descriptions, photos and availability features, please click here. The $2 reservation fee will be waived when booking through this site.
Places to Eat
Spycher Fondue House
This is a fun stop for those who like fondue. ISE Cardholders will receive 10% off here.
Getting Around
Rental Car
If you arrive in Zurich and plan to drive to Lucerne, there are a variety of rental car companies to choose from. Alamo offers a discount if you have an ISE Card, otherwise, they are all quite good.
Bus
There are a variety of buses in Lucerne that will take you just about anywhere you need to go. There is a bus stop directly in front of the train station.
Train
Depending on what time you leave, there are direct trains from Zurich airport to Lucerne. Ask at a Tourist Information desk to make sure you know where you need to change trains, if at all. Usually the trains run twice per hour. One goes direct to Lucerne and the other requires a change of trains at the Zurich Main Station.
Moving On
Rental Car
If you have a rental car, you can continue on your journey only if you have made arrangements in advance to drop your car at a different location. Otherwise, you must return to where the car was obtained and find another mode of transportation from that point.
Bus
There are a variety of bus lines to choose from. Ask at the Tourist Information office and they will be able to give you specific information about how to get to your destination.
Train
Side trips from Lucerne can most easily be made by train. Those interested in visiting Mt. Titlis should catch a train to Engelberg, then walk to the base of the mountain to catch the gondola. Additional trains departing for other parts of Switzerland and Europe may also be caught at the main train station in Lucerne.
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