Switzerland

The 10 Most Stunning Tourist Attractions in Lucerne, Switzerland

Switzerland is an incredible country with plenty of breathtaking tourist destinations. One of them is Lucerne, a picturesque small city in the German-speaking part of the country. Here’s what you need to see if you’re traveling there.

Lucerne is one of the most stunning cities in central Switzerland. It’s not terribly big, so many tourist locations are within walking distance from downtown. And when it comes to transport, culture, and economics, it’s the region’s central point

The city is now keeping up with modern architecture. Still, it’s preserved many of the medieval buildings, that’s why it has quite a few notable historic sites. Discover more about the tourist attractions in Lucerne, Switzerland, that you’ll want to see.

1. Chapel Bridge

Your first stop should be the famous Chapel Bridge. The view here is so beautiful that it’s almost begging you to do your best as a photographer and create some lovely memories as well.

The bridge is around 700 years old and lies over the Reuss River. Found below its roof is a beautiful collection of paintings that tell you all about Swiss history. Make sure you also check out the Water Tower. It’s perfectly preserved and its roof is the only reconstructed part.

2. Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne might not be Switzerland’s largest lake, but it’s one of the most beautiful. Its blue waters will charm you immediately and invite you to choose your way of exploring it.

If you’re optimistic enough, you can bike around the lake or follow a hiking trail. Still, the best way to explore Lake Lucerne is by boat. Several guided tours include a boat ride across the lake, allowing you to experience it to the fullest.

3. Culture and Congress Center

This gigantic center offers one of the most beautiful views of the Reuss River. It’s a sterling example of modern architecture, even though Lucerne is more famous for its medieval landmarks.

Tourists have great things to say about the concert hall within the complex and, in particular, the quality of the acoustics. Among all the things to see in Lucerne’s biggest Congress Center are a few cozy restaurants for you to catch a break. You may also want to visit the Art Museum and enjoy its precious Renaissance artworks.

4. Lion Monument

Just outside the Old Town is one of the city’s most significant landmarks. This beautiful monument features a 33ft-long statue of a dying lion carved into a sandstone cliff.

What does this monument mean? According to the inscription above the sculpture, it’s a tribute to the Swiss Guard. These soldiers protected the royal family with their lives during the French revolution of the 18^th century.

5. Museum of Transport

Who would have thought that a museum dedicated to modes of transport could be so interesting? In fact, it’s actually among the most popular museums in the whole of Switzerland. And the exhibits aren’t limited to land travel but even include space, too.

Locomotives, ships, and planes are only part of the museum’s impressive collection. Perhaps the most interesting “vehicle” of all is the EURECA satellite from the 90s. There’s also a planetarium and other artwork and photo collections.

6. Mount Pilatus

If you’d also like to take in some natural sights while in Lucerne, here’s where to go. Mount Pilatus is a spectacular mountain whose nickname is the Dragon Mountain.

You have two ways to get to the top. If you’re in shape and raring for an adventure, you may prefer to hike your way up. But if you’d rather sit back and revel in the panoramic view, opt for the cable car ride to the 7,000ft-high observation deck.

7. Musegg Wall

Musegg Wall is one of Europe’s most magnificent walls. Built in the 13^th century, this wall has been standing tall and remains almost in its original state. And restorations have been minimal so far.

It has nine towers, with the Zyt Tower being the best-known to tourists who come here to enjoy Lucerne’s panoramic view. It’s so famous probably because it houses Lucerne’s oldest clock. Its time’s a bit early, though, as you’ll find that it strikes a minute before all the other clocks in the city.

8. Richard Wagner Museum

Many houses that renowned musicians and scientists lived in have been turned into museums. That’s the case with the 19^th-century composer Richard Wagner. You can find his former home-turned-museum on the southern shore of Lucerne.

It’s been a museum for almost 100 years and showcases many antiques and personal belongings of the composer. That exhibit covers the ground floor of the building. At the same time, you can see various musical instruments from Asia, Africa, and Europe on other floors.

9. Jesuit Church

This old church from the 17^th century is one of the most elegant buildings in Lucerne. Italian and Austrian architects worked together to create this Baroque-style masterpiece.

When you step inside the church, you’ll see one of the oldest works of the famous Wessobrunner School of Germany. One of the chapels displays the 15^th-century clothes that belonged to its saint protector, Brother Klaus.

10. Glacier Garden

A glacial pothole from the Ice Age! Doesn’t it sound impressive? It’s of little wonder that the Glacier Garden is one of the most popular tourist locations in Lucerne.

Although the aforementioned pothole is the main attraction of the museum, there’s so much more to see there. Its collection includes different artifacts throughout the city’s history, including fossils from a good 20 million years ago.

You may find the fee included in some of the city passes available.

The Dreamy Town by the Lucerne Lake

Lucerne is a dream come true for those who want a quiet vacation away from the hustle and bustle of life. Of course, this dreamy town has a great cultural offering, and you can always find something to do.

Still, it’s more suitable for families than certain more heavily populated cities. To begin with, you won’t find loud and shiny tourist attractions in Lucerne, Switzerland. This is where you can recharge your batteries and breathe in some fresh air. You can enjoy organized tours, sports activities, and boat rides all day long.

Don’t forget to let yourself unwind and get lost in your own thoughts after spending the day soaking up Lucerne’s peaceful spirit.

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Zurich

10 Interesting Things to Do in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland is best known for its luxury lifestyle, tasty chocolates, and high-end shopping. But that’s not all you can look forward to on your visit.

Whether you’re up for a romantic getaway or a family trip, there are plenty of activities for everyone in Switzerland’s largest city. All-day outings, dining in at the restaurants, visiting the museums, seeing fabulous views, going on boat rides… the list goes on.

If you’re wondering how you can make the most out of your trip, here are the top 10 things to do in Zurich when you’re there.

1. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

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There’s just so much to explore in the Altstadt, Zurich’s historic city center.

Strolling down Old Town streets will make you feel like walking around a real-life 16th-century neighborhood. But don’t be fooled, as the area also has the country’s highest concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Sipping a glass of wine against a medieval background has never been more accessible.

You can’t do justice to any Zurich vacation without visiting the renowned Medieval houses and narrow lanes. And while you’re there, hop over to the GrossMünster double towers, the landmark of Zurich. Legend has it that Charlemagne built them where the graves of the city saints, Felix and Regula, were found.

2. Go on a Boat Ride

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Zurich deserves to be explored from a 360-degree view. And a boat ride is an excellent way to explore its splendid architecture from the bottom up.

The famous Limmat-Schifffahrt boats pass below all seven bridges across the Limmat River, throughout which you will find old buildings lining the riverbanks.

Keep in mind that the Landesmuseum boat station can get a bit crowded in the summer. So, it’s best to check the schedule in advance and get there at least half an hour before departure.

3. Take Picturesque Photos in Lindenhof

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Want to experience an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city?

Get to the top of the hill of Lindenhof for stunning views of the cathedral, the Limmat, and the Old Town. Don’t be surprised to stumble upon passionate chess players, as this is their favorite meeting point.

The charming locale is also where numerous historical events took place. There used to be a Roman fort on top of the hill in the 4th century before Charlemagne built his residential palace. More importantly, this is where the oath on the Helvetic Constitution was sworn in 1798.

4. Take in the Sights of Lake Zurich

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The world-famous lake was mainly used as a transport route back in medieval times. Today, locals and tourists can enjoy this natural beauty in numerous ways – jump in for a swim, enjoy a boat ride, stroll or bike around the lake, or have a picnic on its banks.

Rings of forested hills surround the country’s fifth-largest lake and visitors can travel from one side to another by ferry or through the Rapperswil dam. The ZSG (Lake Zurich Navigation Company) offers endless possibilities for exploring the lake, including on a steamboat, a canoe, or another vessel.

5. Enjoy the Sight of the Chagall Windows

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As you explore the Old Town, make sure to pay a visit to the Fraumünster Church and admire the magnificent stained-glass artwork. It bathes the chapel in an awe-inspiring rainbow of lights that depict various biblical stories

The windows are the chef-d’oeuvre of famous Russian artist Marc Chagall. Ever since 1970, the art piece has been impressing visitors from around the globe.

You can visit the church any day of the week and all year round at a price of 5 Swiss francs.

6. Visit the Botanical Garden

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Looking for family things to do in Zurich?

Taking a stroll down the Botanischer Garten is an excellent way to spend a sunny morning or afternoon with everyone.

But if the city noises and touristy places become too much for you, you can try a peaceful walk around the garden instead. The three unmistakable glass domes are home to some of the world’s most fascinating plants.

And if you are heading from the city center to the central train station on a hot summer day, the botanical garden may just be the perfect stopover for the children to grab a drink or ice cream.

Best of all, the entrance is free!

7. Savor the Fondue

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A visit to Switzerland isn’t complete without proper fondue tasting. The country’s national dish is widely available even on the most sweltering summer days at a slew of outdoor restaurants.

The fondue is a melting pot of various aromas, with fire-melted cheese as the main ingredient. And it’s best taken with stale bread or potatoes.

Here’s the good news for everyone visiting Zurich – the world’s best fondue (according to Taste Atlas and more than 20 food critics) is at Swiss Chuchi, Rosengasse 10.

8. Take a Thermal Bath with a View

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Looking to recharge your batteries in a hot spa session amidst stunning architecture?

You can take a bath in the renowned mineral waters of the Aqui source for a taste of the ancient Roman-Irish bathing culture.

And while you’re at it, enjoy panoramic views of Zurich from the rooftop. But why stop there? You can also choose between a range of massages and treatments, as well as local snacks and drinks.

9. Have a Drink at the Jules Verne Panorama Bar

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For those looking for romantic things to do in Zurich, Jules Verne Panorama Bar is as close to perfection as it gets.

An almost aerial view of the city and Lake Zurich, traditional wine of the local variety, and good company. What more could you ask for?

This dreamy bar can get crowded in peak season, but it’s well worth the wait to get your window seating. It’s also within walking distance of the Bahnhofstrasse, a great place to take a break from your shopping adventure.

10. Roam Around Zurich on Two Wheels

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Cycle around Lake Zurich on dedicated bike lanes or take a ride on the banks of the Limmat River. You can zip through the city’s narrow main streets or dive deeper to explore the suburban area.

Those into bikes will love the idea of renting them for free and going on scenic rides all day long. All you have to do is pick up a bike, present an ID, and pay a deposit of 20 CHF. The primary location for this is the Bike Station Main train station of Europaplatz and it operates all year round.

Enjoy the Multifaceted Zurich

Zurich is a city where the Medieval meets the modern for a perfect combination of both worlds. Visitors stand to experience all of that while being surrounded by some of the most scenic natural landscapes.

And when you get there, you’ll soon find out that one trip isn’t enough for everything it has to offer.