Luzern, Switzerland

A few hours away from my new home in Val-de-Travers is the city of Luzern (also known as Lucerne to some travelers) in central Switzerland. Arriving by train past Lake Luzern, you are conveniently located right at the beginning of the Ruess River stroll, a self-guided tour around Luzern that can be taken on foot to many of the main attractions. What’s great about self-guided tours is having the freedom to deviate from the plan and explore things at your own pace.

The train station (Bahnhofplatz) is located where the Ruess River meets Lake Luzern and its main attraction, Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke). Luzern in early September is perfect, with the weather still warm and the flowers in full bloom, making it a perfect day for exploration.

The river stroll begins at Chapel Bridge, the old wooden rails covered in flowers and the medieval stone Water Tower rising above the water. Rather than following the bridge across the river, double back so you can check out the gorgeous baroque interior of the Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche). The church is free to enter, but be sure to check the opening hours as they vary depending on the day.

Keep following the river to the Mill Bridge (Spreuerbrucke), the original bridge used during medieval ties, to cross the river to Muhenplatz, the entrance to Old Town. From here, I deviated from Rick Steve’s itinerary for some free roaming. I ended up on a street with lots of shopping, but following signs to Museggmauer, I found my way up a hill to the medieval walls and watch towers of the city. Admission to the tower walk is also free, but if you hate heights or small spaces, take caution. The stairs are small and steep, not to mention crowded with pushy tourists. But it gives great views of the city with the Alps and the lake beyond.

By the time I descended back down the hill, I was famished. Since Luzern is a tourist town, many places are crowded and overpriced. But I managed to find a decently priced (and delicious) tomato-mozerella panini at the Bachmann café when I made a pit stop at the famed chocolatrie. Don’t forget to treat yourself to an ice cream before you leave to enjoy by the lake (I recommend the Cookie flavor!).

If you have time, hop on a boat for a scenic cruise around the lake. If not, you can enjoy the views right from the shore.

Making a quick pitstop at Hofkirche, where a small children’s fair was set up in the plaza, it was easy

to follow the map to the lion monument, or Lowendenkmal, which is carved right into the cliff face above a serene reflecting pool. The lion represents the Swiss mercenaries who were killed in 1792 defending the French king during the French Revolution. Near the lion monument is one of the entrances to the Glacier Garden, which is like a “miniature theme park with an eclectic hodgepodge of exhibits, most loosely relating to alpine geology,” according to Rick Steves.

Before catching my train home, I wandered through the streets and window shopped or just sat by the river soaking up the last of summer sun. Luzern was a great start to my exploration of Switzerland and I can’t wait to see what destination I explore next!