Luzern, Central Switzerland
Where festivals come to life in a picture-book setting
Centrally located, Lucerne is easy to reach. Once you've arrived, you may want to linger in the picturesque old town, which is car-free and small enough to be explored on foot.
Don't forget to stop for a cup of coffee and marvel at the famous covered bridge, the "Kapellbrücke," that spans the Reuss river. And should there be water everywhere, why not take refuge in one of the ten town museums - among them the famous Swiss Transport Museum? Once the rain lets off, you may feel inspired to board a steamboat that takes you to every nook and cranny of Lake Lucerne or one of the nostalgic mountain railways that lift you up high to one of the surrounding pre-alpine summits. But sightseeing is not all there is to do.
The people of Lucerne just love to party and this very same spirit has kept alive many different customs and traditions which, together with more recent events, shape the local cultural scene.
The new Culture and Congress Center is but one welcome addition to this abundant variety.
Once you've enjoyed your day and explored the nightlife, you may appreciate sinking into a soft pillow in a special place such as a room with a view in a five star hotel or your own private cell in a hotel that was a prison not so long ago. There is something for everyone and you will certainly feel at ease in Lucerne, the town with the highest quality of life in Switzerland!
Highlights
Chapel Bridge – one of Europe's oldest wooden bridges and landmark of Lucerne, faithfully restored to its original design after a serious fire.
Culture and Convention Centre of Lucerne (KKL) – unites a large concert auditorium, the convention centre and the art museum under its imposing roof.
Swiss Museum of Transport – one of the most diverse museums in Europe for transport and communication, and the most-frequented museum in Switzerland. Has its own IMAX cinema on site.
Lake Lucerne – the scenic beauty of the lake can be discovered on the many different cruises offered by paddlewheel steamers and motor vessels.
Pilatus, Rigi, Stanserhorn – excursion mountains made accessible by cableways, offering up picture-book panoramas of the regions around Lucerne.
How to get there
Public Transport: Lucerne is situated at the important North-South axis and is excellently connected through the Swiss rail system. Direct express trains link Lucerne with the international airports in Zürich, Basel and Geneva.
By car: Lucerne is situated at the national highway A2. A dense network of excellent national and major roads link Lucerne with all important centers of Switzerland and the neighboring countries.
Other/Air: The international airports of Zürich, Basel and Geneva are only a few hours by car from Lucerne and are easily reached by direct express trains.