LUCERNE
OVERVIEW
Every year, millions of people come to visit the magical country of Switzerland. Well known for its watches, army knives, cheese, and chocolate, this place has a lot to offer. Lucerne is one of the cities in Switzerland closest to the Alps, so it gives stunning views year round. If you’re looking for snow capped mountains, the best time to visit is between September and May. As a small, yet beautiful, city is definitely one that should be on your list.
ATTRACTIONS
Weggis-Rigi Cable Car
The Weggis-Rigi Cable car is one of the most beautiful ways to view the Alps in Lucerne. First, you will take a boat to the base of the mount. Next, a train is there to board that will take you up the mountain. Make sure to snag a window seat! Heads up, if you visit during warmer months, the train can get hot before it starts moving as there is no air conditioning. After feeling your ears pop as you gain elevation, there is a small restaurant at the top to have lunch. Enjoy the gorgeous views and take the cable car on the way down!
Lion Monument
This famous monument was created in the 1800s to honor fallen soldiers of the French Revolution. What makes it so unique is the way it is carved inside the wall, rather than being isolated. The broken spear in its shoulder creates a somber mood, as the lion waits to die surrounded by the peace of the water and trees. It is free to visit and has intricate details that are worth seeing.
Chapel Bridge
Chapel Bridge is the heart of Lucerne. Only a ten minute walk from the Lion Monument, it is hard to miss this landmark. When you walk inside the bridge, make sure to glance up! There are pictures directly below the bridge roof that go along the entire bridge. Flowers often bloom along and outside of the bridge creating beautiful views of the bridge, water, and blossoms.
Pedal Boat
Lake Lucerne offers boating activities, including pedal boats. It is roughly $20 per person, depending on the amount of time you would like to be on the lake. It is a unique and special way to gain views of the city and surrounding mountains. If you feel like you haven’t exercised enough during your trip, you will certainly make up for it with all of the pedaling. You can even jump in for a swim, just make sure to not bother the swans!
Swiss Souvenirs
The Swiss are well known for many things besides their neutrality. Chocolate, cheese, pocket knives, watches and much more can all be associated back to Switzerland. Don’t be afraid to set aside a little bit of money if you want to treat yourself to a high quality Swiss souvenir, you may only be here once! If you can find a deli, I would highly recommend trying some fresh cheese. Stores that contain watches, chocolate, and pocket knives are much easier to come by, so do some window shopping before any major purchase.
WHERE TO STAY
Although Switzerland is infamous for its expensive prices, if you are visiting Lucerne for several days, I highly recommend staying in Lucerne. During my trip, I stayed in a nearby ski town. This was not ideal as it was a 45 minute drive to and from the city at the beginning and end of the day. The commute cut into a lot of sightseeing and activity time. Zurich is the next closest major city, and if you are flying in or out, you will likely fly out from Zurich. These cities are an hour and a half apart by taxi, so staying in Lucerne is the most feasible option for your vacation.
FINAL TIPS
Depending on when you are leaving or arriving in Lucerne, you shouldn’t need more than two or three days to do and see all that you have planned. Personally, I recommend visiting more than just Lucerne if you are taking the time to visit Switzerland. The language barrier is minimal, as most people speak English. However, almost everything (street signs, menus, etc.) is written in German. Switzerland is known for its high prices, so budget appropriately so that you can enjoy your time while you visit. Finally, I recommend visiting in shoulder seasons, spring or fall, to get snowy mountains and beautiful weather. My trip was in May and it was surprisingly hot!
I took this trip as part of my Germany, Italy, and Switzerland trip with EF Ultimate break. If you are interested in booking with them, use this link for $100 off your first trip!
SKYE SIGHTS 
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