‘One day for sure’ could serve as a fitting tagline for Switzerland. This is because it is one of the most popular and beloved tourist destinations in the world, and every travel enthusiast has this beautiful country on their top five bucket lists. I had the opportunity to tick Switzerland off my list this year and explore a stunning part of this paradise. I can confidently say it’s a traveler’s favorite for all the right reasons.
Let me share my experience and take you on a journey through the vibrant streets of Switzerland’s heart—the city of Lucerne.
While Geneva, Zurich, and Bern serve as Switzerland’s financial and administrative capitals, Lucerne, just an hour’s drive from Zurich, holds the title of the tourist capital. Its central location makes all major attractions easily accessible. What’s fascinating is that, once you arrive in Lucerne, the city captivates you with its unique charm, compelling you to wander its streets first.
The city lies in the shadow of two famous mountain peaks: Mount Pilatus, which stands as your mighty compass no matter where you go in the city, and Mount Rigi, which offers extraordinary panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Both peaks can be reached by train, followed by scenic hiking trails. Each makes for a great one-day trip.
It’s worth mentioning that one of the things the Swiss take great pride in is their well-connected transportation system. Whether you’re heading to the trails, sailing on the lakes, or traveling to another city, the SBB system makes the journey through the mountains a seamless experience. When in Switzerland, the SBB app becomes your ultimate travel companion—don’t forget to download it!
Lake Lucerne:
Often considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, Lake Lucerne is the teal child of the blue waters of the Reuss River, nestled in the Swiss Alps and surrounded by steep mountains. It is known for its distinctive shape, which resembles a fjord. You can take boat trips on the lake and enjoy views of medieval towns like Weggis and Vitznau. Oh, and if you’re in Lucerne on your birthday, the city treats you extra special, gifting you free first-class rides on the yachts, ferries, and boats, along with many discounts on other things.
Chapel Bridge:
On this same lake, you will find one of Switzerland’s most iconic landmarks: the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), which is a blend of Lucerne’s rich history and stunning beauty. Built in 1333, it is a covered wooden bridge that stretches across the Reuss River, originally constructed as part of the city’s medieval defenses. Its name comes from the nearby St. Peter’s Chapel, but it’s best known for the striking 17th-century paintings that line its interior, depicting scenes that tell the story of Lucerne’s history. One of the most fascinating aspects of Chapel Bridge is its survival through the centuries, including a devastating fire in 1993 that destroyed much of the bridge and its artwork. However, after meticulous restoration, it still holds the same glory. The bridge is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe and holds the distinction of being the longest of its kind, stretching 204 meters (670 feet). It remains a beloved symbol of Lucerne, and the city associates itself with its image.
Jesuit Church, Lucerne:
Standing as a picturesque complement to the Chapel Bridge along the banks of the Reuss River, the Jesuit Church in Lucerne’s city center is a must-see for visitors. As Switzerland’s first baroque-style church and one of the oldest churches in central Switzerland, it boasts a rich history filled with notable firsts. It also preserves one of the few surviving organs, whose history dates back to the late 17th century. Today, the church stands as a testament to the Catholic Church’s reformation in Switzerland and a celebrated landmark. No picture of the vibrant city of Lucerne is ever complete without it.
Old Town:
When you look to the other side of the Chapel Bridge, you’ll see tiny entrances to Lucerne’s Old Town (Altstadt), a charming maze of narrow cobbled streets, colorful squares, and medieval buildings full of paintings—a haven for art lovers, photographers, and tourists alike. In the same old town streets, you can find artistically set dining spaces offering a mix of traditional Swiss cuisine and international flavors to food lovers. Here, you can enjoy local specialties such as fondue and raclette, and stroll through the streets eating world-famous Swiss chocolates. For those looking to shop, the Old Town boasts a range of boutiques, artisan shops, and high-end stores selling everything from Swiss watches and luxury goods to handmade crafts and local souvenirs. Whether you want a relaxed stroll through the streets or want to indulge in the culture, Lucerne’s Old Town offers it all.
The Lion of Lucerne:
Just a 7 to 10-minute walk from the Old Town is another poignant monument called the heart of Lucerne: the Lion Monument or The Lion of Lucerne. Symbolizing courage, loyalty, and sacrifice, this majestic lion, carved into natural sandstone, honors the Swiss Guards who heroically lost their lives defending King Louis XVI and his family during the French Revolution. Despite the absence of the Royal family, they remained steadfast and bravely defended the Palace of Tuileries in the face of overwhelming numbers. Each day, as part of my commute, I passed by this serene yet powerful figure—a silent guardian that added a touch of reflective beauty to my day. It’s more than a sculpture; it’s a reminder of resilience and history that attracts both the tourists as well as the locals.
Musegg Towers:
Europe, in particular, has been known to preserve its history, and Switzerland dutifully follows this tradition. The Musegg Towers (Museggmauer) in Lucerne are a remarkable part of the city’s medieval heritage and offer a glimpse into its past and how it was kept safe. Built in the 14th century, these nine towers once formed part of Lucerne’s defensive walls, protecting the city from invaders. Today, four of the towers are open to the public, with one of the most famous being the Musegg Tower itself. Its celebrated feature is the 9-foot-tall clock that is still in operation. Interestingly, this clock is the oldest of its kind in Switzerland, dating back to 1387. Visitors can climb to the top of some of these towers for stunning panoramic views of Lucerne city and the surrounding lake and mountains. Going up they also can keenly observe the step by step functioning of the Clock installed. Fascinatingly, despite their age, the towers are one of the best-preserved medieval city walls in Europe. Still standing strong, they symbolize Lucerne’s rich history and the role they once played in protecting the city.
Lucerne—the gateway to the Swiss Alps—also boasts other attractions, such as the Cathedral of St. Leodegar, chocolate factories, many seasonal markets and a variety of fascinating museums. This comparatively small Swiss city incorporates all aspects a tourist and traveler looks for. The city blooms in all seasons, has a vibrant appeal, and yet, though full of tourists all year long, maintains the serenity its snow-capped mountains and serene lake exude.
When your ‘one day for sure’ comes true, make sure it begins in Lucerne for an enchanting start to exploring the beautiful Switzerland.
By Anmol Peter- You’ll either find me studying tourism, or exploring new places, capturing moments through my lens, and most definitely writing about them. I’m passionate about travel, photography, and all the incredible experiences that come with discovering the world, and through it, myself.
E-mail:anmolpeter3@gmail.com
Instagram/ anmolpeter_1
