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Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, located on the shores of Lake Lucerne is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a popular destination. 
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The Chapel Bridge 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 that were 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. 
The Water Tower
The Water Tower over 34 meters high (111.5 ft.) - was built around 1300 as part of the city wall and used as an archive, treasury, prison and torture chamber. It is Lucerne's landmark and the most frequently photographed monument in Switzerland. |
Lucerne Lucerne is the ideal starting point for many excursions to see the highlights of central Switzerland. A trip up one of Lucerne’s regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi – the queen of mountains – is a must. But excursions up onto the Stanserhorn, the Bürgenstock or a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many bends and arms are certainly no less worthy. The Wilhelm Tell Express originates in Lucerne and ferries its passengers to the foot of the Gotthard pass via Lake Lucerne and then continues by rail into Ticino, south of the Alpine ridge. 
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The Dying Lion Of Lucerne
The figure of a dying lion which was hewn from the face of rock in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792 is one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland. 
Pilatus The mountain massif of Pilatus, which towers above the region with its 2,132 meters in height, captures the imagination. Even today Pilatus is a source of mystical discoveries and is home to places of natural beauty that are steeped in legend. The mountain can be reached from Lucerne by gondola lift and aerial cable car and from Alpnachstad with the world's steepest rack-railroad. Thus a special roundtrip tour is possible, involving journeys by paddle steamer, rack-railroad, aerial cable car and bus. The trip can be combined with various types of sports, hiking tours or a visit to the summer toboggan run. Summer The best way to become acquainted with the dragon mountain is with the steepest railway of the world (ascent 48%), or the spectacular aerial tramway and modern soundless panoramic gondolas. For those people who like boatrides and mountains, the Golden Roundtrip is a wonderful journey. To Alpnachstad by boat or train, then to Pilatus Kulm on the world's steepest railway. Descent by the cable car and gondolas to Kriens, Lucerne or the whole tour vice versa. In the region of Pilatus, you will find tracks not only for hikers, but for mountaineers and alpinists as well. Another very particular attraction is the longest summer-toboggan run of Switzerland - a funny and sportive experience one should not miss. At Krienseregg you find a large children's playground, a recreation area with way marked hiking trails and picnic areas with tables and benches and open barbecues. Winter At 7000 feet, the summit offers one of the most beautiful panoramic view, spreading from the city of Lucerne to the Lake of Lucerne, from Säntis to Titlis, from the Bernese Alps to Jungfrau, over the Swiss borders from Schwarzwald to the French Alps. This unique panorama can be even experienced when the heavy fog hangs over the lowlands, and as one breaks through the thick layer, one arrives on top to see the sunshine embrace the peak. Cruise downhill through the woods on one of the longest and most thrilling slopes in Central Switzerland that guarantees speed and fun. |
The Swiss Alps
Rigi Queen of the mountains. A breathtaking panoramic view across the Alps, of 13 lakes and over the entire Swiss Mittelland through to Germany and France can be enjoyed from the summit of the Rigi. Summer A network of walking trails of over a hundred kilometres extends down along the flanks of the mountain. A cableway leads from Vitznau to Hinterbergen, where guests can enjoy the views from the sun terrace of the restaurant. Winter The traffic-free resort of Rigi Kaltbad, the Queen of the Mountains with its heavenly peace and clear air, offers an ideal change of scenery for the finest days of the year. Visitors to Rigi discover a broad range of activities awaiting them: ski pistes, sled runs, ice-rinks, panoramic cross-country courses, horse-drawn sleigh rides and 30 km of winter rambling paths. Connections to Rigi are excellent with cog railways from Vitznau and Goldau and a cable car from Weggis. The TitlisThe high valley of Engelberg in Central Switzerland boasts an action-packed summer and winter programme while also offering every opportunity for relaxation.The village is characterised by the imposing monastery and the collegiate church. There are still about 30 monks living and working here today. The journey to Engelberg by road or narrow-gauge railway can take as little as one hour.
The Titlis is the highest glacier excursion destination and biggest ski and snowboard paradise in Central Switzerland. The Titlis, Engelberg's 'house mountain', and its glacier park are accessible by revolving rotair cableway. At an altitude of 3020 metres above sea level visitors are treated to a fabulous view of the central Alps. Summer Several theme trails provide the perfect opportunity to explore the countryside on foot. The hiking paradise of Trubsee, popular starting point for tours to several mountain lakes, is located halfway up the Titlis. Other options for adventure include paragliding, river rafting, canyoning and biking. Winter The 12-kilometre-long descent from the Titlis to Engelberg is the longest and overcomes a difference in altitude of 2000 metres. The Joch Pass ski region extends all the way to the Bernese Oberland. Life on the sunny side of Engelberg is a whole lot calmer: the Brunni is perfect for beginners, families, groups as well as relaxing. And the valley can also be explored on cross-country skis, doing Nordic walking, winter walking as well as in a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh. 
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