Lucerne sits at the point where its namesake lake narrows into the Reuss River, spanned by the Chapel Bridge, a wooden covered structure from the 14th century that remains one of the most photographed landmarks in Switzerland. The surrounding mountains (Pilatus and Rigi chief among them) are close enough for a half-day trip that still leaves time for the old town in the same afternoon.
The Old Town and Chapel Bridge
The Chapel Bridge, rebuilt after a 1993 fire destroyed much of its original 17th-century interior paintings, still carries a series of triangular panels depicting Lucerne's history along its roofline, walk it slowly rather than rushing across, since the panels are easy to miss at a normal walking pace.
The Lion Monument, carved into a natural rock face to commemorate Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution, is a short walk from the old town and was described by Mark Twain as the most mournful and moving piece of rock in the world, a quiet, unexpectedly powerful stop.
Mountains Within Reach
Mount Pilatus is reached by the world's steepest cogwheel railway, climbing nearly 2,000 metres from the valley floor, combine the ascent with the descent by cable car and gondola for a full loop that takes in three different transport systems in one trip.
Rigi, reachable by a combination of boat and cogwheel train from Lucerne's harbour, offers a gentler alternative with panoramic views over a ring of lakes, a good option for anyone short on time or preferring a less vertiginous ascent than Pilatus.
Recommended Stay · Lucerne · Lakefront
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
A 19th-century grand hotel directly on the lakefront promenade, with views across the water toward the Alps and a five-minute walk to the Chapel Bridge.
