Lucerne *****

CITY TRIP

Lucerne or Luzern is a city in central Switzerland, in the German-speaking portion of the country. Lucerne is the capital of the canton of Lucerne. With a population of approximately 82,000 people, Lucerne is the most populous city in Central Switzerland, and a nexus of economics, transportation, culture, and media in the region.

Owing to its location on the shores of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) and its outflow, the river Reuss, within sight of the mounts Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps, Lucerne has long been a destination for tourists.

History

After the fall of the Roman Empire beginning in the 6th century, Germanic Alemannic peoples increased their influence on this area of present-day Switzerland. Around 750 the Benedictine Monastery of St. Leodegar was founded, which was later acquired by Murbach Abbey in Alsace in the middle of the 9th century, and by this time the area had become known as Luciaria.

In 1415 Lucerne gained Reichsfreiheit from Emperor Sigismund and became a strong member of the Swiss confederacy.

Chapel Bridge

One of the must see things includes the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a 204 meter long wooden covered bridge originally built in 1333, the oldest covered bridge in Europe, Partway across, the bridge runs by the octagonal Water Tower, a fortification from the 13th century. Inside the bridge are a series of paintings from the 17th century depicting events from Lucerne's history.

The old town

The Lucerne old town boulevard lies between city hall and Chapel Bridge along the river Reuss. Numerous restaurants invite their guests to sit at nicely arranged tables. Guests from all over the world stroll along the river and enjoy the "see and be seen".

At the Weinmarkt, one can marvel at the “most beautiful fountain in the world” built in 1841, but the colorful Fitschibunnen, located at Kapellplatz, should not be missed either.

Where to stay?

One of the best places to stay (and eat) during your Lucerne visit is Château Gütsch.

LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND