Long Weekend In Lucerne, Two Thumbs Up!

My latest travel adventure takes me to Lucerne, Switzerland .
I seem to be destined to see all of Europe in the clouds and rain. This weekend was no different. But despite the weather Lucerne still gets high marks.
And since tourist season has finally started in Europe there are lots more interesting people to meet along the way. I made friends from Canada, Australia and Dubai.

Lucerne is surrounded by mountains and water which make it one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. My first day was mostly getting aquainted with the city and what it had to offer. I ended the day on a steam-ship cruise on Lake Lucerne. The next day started with a walking tour of the old city where we saw the Chapel Bridge with it’s the 17th century painted panels in the eves and Water Tower which was once part of the city’s fortification. The tour also included a visit to Löwenplatz , the Lion Monument commemorating the Swiss guards who were killed in Paris while defending the king’s palace.
That afternoon I took a guided excursion up in to the mountains. There are several mountain excursions to choose from. I chose Mount Titilus because it’s the tallest in the region (3000m/10,000ft above sea-level). You reach the top via a series of gondolas, cable cars and a revolving cable car.
On the morning of my departure I walked the Musegg Wall. This is part of the old city wall and has towers you can climb (what is it with Europe and towers with their narrow and spiral staircases?). The views from the towers are wonderful. One tower has a clock. It is the oldest public clock in Lucerne (1535) and always strikes the hour one minute ahead of all the other clocks in the city.

Switzerland is a very expensive place to visit. This is certainly not the place to go on a major shopping spree; unless you are shopping for Swiss-made watches or a Swiss Army knife. I bought both. :-)

Last time I was in Switzerland was 1989. The one thing I wanted to buy while there but felt I couldn’t afford was a Swatch. So 16 years later I decided I must have one. Maybe 16 years from now I’ll go back and be able to afford a Tag, Tissot or Rolex. Dare to dream….

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