If running short on time in soaring Switzerland, then cramming a few days’ worth of potential activities into twenty-four hours in Lucerne is possible. Although the surrounding snow-capped mountains may beckon, limiting yourself to exploration within the confines of the city’s boundaries - on foot - will ensure iconic features are not missed.
My day in Lucerne went like this …
Walk Across Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)
Visiting the wooden footbridge, strung across Reuss River, is an essential itinerary feature of any visit to the central Swiss city encircled by snow-capped mountains. Built in the fourteenth century as a means of escape from enemy attack, the interior is host to some exquisite eighteenth century triangular artwork, capturing a two-dimensional pictographic of the city’s progress through history.
The bridge is an iconic feature and captured my attention, particularly during the early hours of the June morning.
Visit A Chocolatier
A trip to Switzerland is incomplete without a visit to a chocolatier.
Revered by many as the most palatable chocolate in the world, indulging on a bite-size piece of sugary heaven is obligatory.
I dropped by Max Chocolatier, a workshop showcasing the handmade boutique variety. Visitors can take tours of the facilities, to obtain a clearer understanding of the processes involved in the production of the world-class delights. Don’t forget to take a sample to devour at a later stage of your European adventure and compare it to the likes of Belgian chocolate.
Sit by Lake Lucerne
Switzerland is famous for its natural beauty: rugged mountains scrape the heavens as the lakes below reflect the colours of the surrounding countryside.
Lucerne, thanks to its idyllic location nestled between the mountains, is no stranger to pristine beauty.
Part of the natural beauty is derived from the scintillating waters of Lake Lucerne, a key natural feature spreading one hundred and forty-four square kilometres around the countryside. Too big to circumnavigate on foot in an hour or two, I opted to walk along its city shores and indulge on the chocolate I’d bought earlier in the day.
Boat trips are popular among visitors and range in length from one to three hours. It’s a sight not to be missed. In fact, it’s unmissable if visiting the city.
Walk Along Museggmauer (Medieval Ramparts)
At the heart of Lucerne is the medieval rampart, a piece of history stretching eight hundred and seventy metres around parts of the city. Built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, a walk along the wall with its nine towers provides the perfect birds eye panorama of the city’s assorted rooftops.
It was a beautiful way to finish off a day of sightseeing before retiring to dinner in a restaurant, sitting beside a window overlooking the lake.
