Lovely Lucerne
The city of Lucerne – Photo courtesy of Amy Dianna
The city of Lucerne, Switzerland is a popular tourist destination due its close proximity to the Swiss Alps. Located between the Alps and Lucerne Lake the city has become known for its connecting bridges, the most famous of which is the Chapel Bridge. This bridge is the oldest covered bridge in Europe and is 669 feet long. Inside the bridge are a number of paintings from the 17th century that depict the city’s history.
Although the bridge is the city’s most famous landmark there are plenty of other things that attract tourists to this beautiful city. One such landmark is the carving of the dying lion by Bertel Thoraldsen. This carving, located in a small park off the Lowenplatz, commemorates the Swiss Guards that were massacred during the French Revolution in 1792.
Adjacent from the monument, you’ll find the Glacier Garden that was built around a glacial pothole that has survived since the Ice Age! You’ll also find a museum with lots of interesting artifacts from different points in the city’s history.
Plan a day trip to the popular Swiss Museum of Transport that features locomotives, automobiles, ships and aircraft or catch a concert at the Culture and Convention Center. Make sure you see all of the 9 towers along the old wall. They’re a great place to go for a spectacular view of the city, lake and mountains.
Travel by cable car up to the top of the Mount Pilatus for a panoramic view. Or stop at one of the 2 points on the way to the top. The Kriensegregg stop features a children’s playground while the Frakmuntegg stop has a toboggan run and rope park! At the top there are both indoor and outdoor viewing areas as well as two hotels, a souvenir shop and a couple cafes.
