Lucerne

Lucerne is the prettiest of Swiss cities, set where the river Reuss leaves its lake beneath a ring of mountains. Its car-free old town of painted facades, frescoed squares and medieval walls is crossed by the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge from the fourteenth century hung with old paintings, the emblem of the city and gateway to the lake steamers and peaks of central Switzerland.

The main sights

• The Chapel Bridge - the famous covered wooden bridge and its water tower.
• The old town - the painted houses and frescoed squares.
• The Lion Monument - the moving carved lion in the rock.
• Lake Lucerne - the steamers and the mountains of Rigi and Pilatus.

When to go

Spring to autumn for the best weather, lake steamers and mountain excursions; it is a lovely base at any warm-season time. It can be busy with day-trippers and cruise tour groups, so mornings are calmer.

Good to know

It is very popular with tour groups and day-trippers, so the old town and the famous bridge get crowded midday; mornings are calmer. Switzerland is expensive. The city is small and seen in a day, best as a base for the surrounding lake and peaks.

Nearby

The peaks of Rigi and Pilatus rise above the lake; the excursion to Mount Titlis is nearby.

Key facts