Breathtaking landscapes, crisp clean air, fresh food… what's not to love about Switzerland? One of the oldest cities in Switzerland, Lucerne owes its fame to its uniquely picturesque location. Nestled among the foothills of the Alps, the city lies at the end of a lake that has been eternalised by poets and composers.
City, lake, mountains all rolled into one
An incredible panorama begins in the small town of Lucerne, which stretches from Mount Rigi to Mount Titlis and Mount Pilatus. And depending on the weather, season and time of day, it sets dramatically different moods. Locals will tell you that you've never experienced Lucerne until you've enjoyed a lunch cruise on a paddle-steamer boat. Lucerne has about 20 vessels, including five century-old paddle steamers that ply the lake daily offering numerous round trips, or ones that are combined with mountain adventures.
Everyone speaks English
Lucernians speak perfect English and most street signs offer English translations, making the city tourist-friendly. Summer is the best time to visit, between July and September, where azure skies and cool weather pave the way for a smorgasboard of outdoor activities. Summer is also when the city plays host to internationally acclaimed festivals like Blue Balls Festival in July featuring a cornucopia of musical genres from jazz to rock. Lucerne Festival in August is when classical musicians fill the halls of Lucerne's Culture and Convention Centre for orchestral concertos.
It's accessible by train
The fastest way to get there is by train from Zurich's international airport, which takes about an hour. If you fly Swiss International Air Lines from Singapore, you would make the 8am train to Lucerne — just in time to have a leisurely breakfast and check-in at the hotel before noon. Make sure that you've purchased your Swiss Pass on Rail Europe to enjoy free travel on the whole rail, bus, tram and boat network of the Swiss Travel System. This pass also gives you free entry to almost all museums.
Everything is walking distance
The main town area is small in comparison to Zurich and is 30 times smaller than Singapore, yet it remains the most popular tourist destination in all of Switzerland. A leisurely two-hour walkabout is a great way to explore the city. This can be arranged by your hotel concierge or with the local rep from Luzern Tourism. Some attractions include the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, Jesuit Church, and a curation of Pablo Picasso's art The Rosengart Collection Museum.
Posh nosh all the way
Top on the list for the best dining experience in Lucerne are restaurants with romantic views. Dine at Hotel Des Balances situated along River Reusse and enjoy Mediterranean-European fare while watching swans glide by. Scala at Hotel Montana, which specialises in fine Italian cuisine, has a spectacular view of the lake and mountains. Château Gütsch, which serves modern European fare, sits on higher ground offering unparalleled views of the entire city. Closer to the water's edge, we discovered superb service and excellent nosh at Grand Hotel National's Restaurant 1871 — a veritable oasis for the soul, eyes and palate.
Luxury accommodations
The best hotels for a memorable honeymoon sit along the lakeshore promenade of Lake Lucerne, such as the five-star Palace Luzern. Over a century old, the hotel underwent massive renovations in 2005 to reduce the number of guestrooms for more spacious accommodation. Today, there are 129 plush rooms, 65 of which are suites with classical or contemporary interiors. Chilling out at the opulently decorated Palace Bar with the charming bartender is the best way to get to know Lucerne and if you fancy a posh bite to eat, make reservations for Restaurant Jasper and sample the fine flavours of Switzerland like delicious roasts and seafood entrees.
This trip was sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. Call (65) 6468-5788 or e-mail info@myswitzerland.com.
