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Welcome to Luzern |
"Bonjour...are we heading to Saillon or Luzern today?"
My phone buzzed with series of messages through Whatsapp group that morning.
After 5 long days filled with intensive, back-to-back meetings and negotiations, I guess I was ready to enjoy the endless beauty of Switzerland, one of my favorite countries in the world.
And frankly, I do have so many choices!
So many beautiful places to visit and revisit.
Originally, my dearest friends and I planned to go to Saillon for some deep-in-water relaxing time.
Then as not every one was fancy soaking in the warm water, we were thinking about heading to Sion (famous for its chateau) or Gstaad.
But at the end of the day, we chose to enjoy our beautiful Saturday at Lucerne.
And indeed we made a great choice!
Lucerne, or Luzern in German and Lozärn in Swiss-German, in simply beautiful.
There are many ways to reach this beautiful city, notably by taking the Swiss Train (which is very comfy!), by bus or by driving. As we were heading there together with my friends and family in Switzerland, we took the car.
After approximately 3 hours driving the world-famous scenic roads of Switzerland, we arrived at Luzern at almost lunch time.
We parked the car at the Zentralbahn or the Central Station, the hub of the Swiss Federal Railways as well as buses. Packing up our food, drinks, camera and stuff, we were so ready to explore.
Luzern, as I read in the wikipedia, is in fact the first city to join Swiss Confederation.
No wonder it is so rich in history!
Luzern has also been well known as well as the gateway to Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, the famous mountains in the Swiss Alps. For sure, this town is getting more famous as Mark Twain mentioned it in one of his writings.
So, are you ready to see Luzern closer?
Now let's see these 5 Beautiful Spots at Luzern, Switzerland, that I highly recommend to those visiting this beautiful city. Again, there are of course so many interesting spots that you can visit here, but you only have, let say, a half day in Luzern, these 5 spots will be manageable. And believe, those 4 spots are so Instagramable!
1. Welcome Gate or Wilkommen in Luzern Gate at Bahnhof Luzern
As we arrived in Luzern, we were heading out to city through Bahnhof Luzern or the main station. It's right in the middle of the city and only 5 minutes walk to the famous Lake Lucerne. As you stepped out of the main entrance of the station, you won't miss the welcome gate. It's a classic tower gate adorned with sculptures, big clock and columns. Too bad I didn't have the complete story of this frontage.
Stopping here for a while and take pictures? Why not!
2. Lake Lucerne or Vierwaldstätter See in German
I can say that those enjoying the city of Lucerne with spend some times at the bank of Lake Lucerne. It's just too beautiful to miss!
Lake Lucerne is the fourth biggest lake in Switzerland, covering the area of approximately 114 km square and bordering 4 canton, or state/province in Switzerland, namely Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, and Nidwalden.
A far you can see Mount Rigi and Bürkenstock as well as the charming city of Vitznau.
We were having our lunch by the lake.
Having specially prepared rice bento packed with delicious Indonesian food (Merci, tante Nur! Love your food sooooo much :!), I daresay I had one of the most delicious lunches surrounded by the beauty of nature!
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lunch by the lake? Super yuuuum! |
If you have enough time, go stroll around the Lake as it's beautifully doted with sculptures and rustic benches where you can peacefully contemplate.
3. Kapellbrücke or the Chapel Bridge
After finishing lunch, we went to one of the famous landmarks in this town, Kapellbrücke.
Chapel Bridge is a long wooden bridge elaborated by paintings on the ceilings, depicting some scenes and drawings about the story of the City in the 12th century, some from the Bible I guess and about the history of Switzerland as well.
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one of the paintings in Chapel Bridge |
It was built in the 14th century and believed to be one of the oldest wood bridge in Europe.
How cool is that!
Although it's quite old, this bridge remains strong and has always been packed with people visiting the city and wanted to see the various drawings on it.
The tower you see in this picture is still in its original condition as it was built centuries ago.
4. The Dying Lion Monument
On the other side of the city (not too far though), you can enjoy another famous landmark of the city, the Dying Lion Monument or Lowendenkmal.
Designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen, this mournful monument was made as the remembrance of the fallen Swiss Guards, massacred during the French Revolution in Paris, France in 1792.
After walking around for a while, we stopped at one of the cafes near the Dying Lion monument to rest for a while and enjoy Fritz Cola :).
5. Old Town Luzern
If you fancy exploring the petit boutiques, shops, restaurants and galleries, the Old Town of Lucerne will be the best part.
I love to see the display and the windows of those shops.
When we were there, most of them were featuring various dolls and masks of wizards and witches. I guess it's because they just celebrated Fasnacht, the carnival just before Lent.
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cheers.. |
The further you walk into the Old Town, the more antique murals, fountains and statues you will find. Truly a feast for my eyes..and my camera as well.
We finally called it a day after the sun set in the horizon.
It has been a wonderful day indeed.
And for sure, I had truly enjoyable time strolling around and enjoying these 5 beautiful spots at Luzern, Switzerland.
So, what do you think about Luzern/Lucerne?
Do you like old, classic and well-preserved town like Luzern/Lucerne?
What is your favorite part?
Stick around for more stories from my itchy feet here in My Purple World!