steam boat on lake lucerne
Luzern, the City of Lights, is the gateway to central Switzerland. According to legend, it owes its name to an angel who guided early settlers there, and we can see exactly why.
Sitting on the end of the stunning Lake Luzern, and surrounded by towering snow capped mountains, from Mount Rigi to Mount Pilatus, the city of Lucerne is an absolute gem. The architecture is breathtaking with picturesque paved squares, elaborate churches and narrow cobbled lanes crisscrossing the medieval city: perfect for a spot of photography. The city also prides itself as home to Europe’s oldest bridge, The Chapel Bridge, which stands strong on the Russ River acting as natural shield for the city. Alongside the historical architecture is Lucerne’s KKL, a modern sleek complex that holds one of the world’s finest concert halls and one of Switzerland’s largestest museums.
end of winter carnival
In Luzern the end of winter is marked with a fantastic carnival that breaks out in alleyways, streets and squares where the people of Luzern dress up in elaborate masks and carnival musicians (or Guggenmusigen) blast out chaotic tunes. As summer hits the city it’s flooded with musicians from all over the world that come to play the Luzern Festival. And if you’re looking to escape, nearby hiking trails invite you to climb the towering peaks of the surrounding mountains from where you can watch steamboats dance across the lake’s waters.
valley view of engelberg
If it’s an exhilarating experience you’re looking for then head over to Engelberg’s ‘house mountain’, the Titlis, where you’ll be treated to the most fabulous view of the central Alps and a glacier park that boasts endless summer adventure at an altitude of 3,020 metres above sea level. The views are spectacular, think lush green meadows, white snowy mountain peaks, steel-blue mountain lakes and the unique contrast of grey and red rocks. There are 360 kilometres of hiking paths and endless cableways tempting you to explore the valley. Turn up the adrenalin by rushing downhill on mountain bikes, clinging to the faces of cliffs via ferrata or paragliding through the crisp mountain air before ending your day with a traditional whey bath, fresh from the dairy at the foot of the Titlis.
