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Sunday, June 16, 2019

Switzerland Travel―3 Day Travel Itinerary in Lucerne

Video 1.  Lucerne, Switzerland part 1

Video 2.  Lucerne, Switzerland part 2

Figure 1. Museggmauer (Iconic old city wall) offering views from the top

Figure 2.  Kornmarkt to Kapellplatz in Lucerne Old Town

Figure 3. Southside of River Reuss (watch video 2)

Lucerne

Luzern: German
Lucerna: Italian
Lucerne: French and English

Lucerne is a gorgeous Swiss city that sits at the foot of the Alps. This is the perfect kind of town to explore in a couple of days. The city center is compact with just a few key places to visit. The best things to do are to wander the old town, eat, drink, shop, and enjoy the views of the lake from the shores or cruises.


Video 3.  Lucerne Excursions: Rigi, Bürgenstock, Pilatus, Switzerland


Figure 4. Side Trips to Mt. Rigi (watch video 3)


Side Trips to Mt. Rigi


Lucerne  Weggis  Mt Rigi  Vitznau

Mt.Rigi is one of the most popular Swiss mountains for holiday-makers and is often referred to as the "Queen of the Mountains" by the locals. It's a mountain for all seasons.

  • Mt. Rigi is free of charge with a valid Swiss Travel Pass 
  • Home of Europe’s 1st Mountain Railway (since 1871) 
  • Mt. Rigi Railways are open 365 days a year 

Rigi Royal Round Trip

Rigi Royal Round Trip is the most entertaining way to visit the Rigi, Queen of the Mountains.  On this outing, the journey itself is the destination. Combine different means of transport and enjoy the varied views. For this half-day or day trip, you board the boat in Weggis. Relax on deck on the short trip to Vitznau. Admire the views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains and villages.

In Vitznau, climb aboard the Rigi Railway, Europe's first cogwheel railway, which takes you up to Rigi Kulm with its 360-degree panoramic views at alt. 1797 meters. You take in the awe-inspiring snow-covered alpine chain, 13 lakes, the Swiss Central Plateau – even the distant Black Forest and Vosges mountains.

You can take the railway or walk for about an hour from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad. In Rigi Kaltbad you have the possibility of visiting the Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths and Spa, going for a walk or relaxing over a meal.

The Weggis - Rigi Kaltbad terminus is adjacent to the spa complex. You float in the cable car down to Weggis, after which it's a short walk to the village square.



Figure 5.  Side Trips to Mt. Pilatus (watch video 3)

Side Trips to Mt. Pilatus


Mt. Pilatus is a jagged mountain that overlooks Lucerne. Cable cars and a cogwheel railway whisk visitors to the top, where you can go hiking, ride Switzerland’s longest summer toboggan, and take in the view from a handful of viewpoints. There is so much to do on Pilatus that you can spend a full day there.

Below is the suggested way of visiting Mt. Pilatus in video 3:

  • Lucerne  Burgenstock  Alpnachstad  Pilatus  Kriens 

Lucerne  Burgenstock (Boat)
  • Lucerne → Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock
    • From 07:15 to 23:15 hourly connections
  • Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock → Lucerne
    • From 07.45 to 23.45 hourly connections
  • Travel time 25 min each way

 Alpnachstad  Pilatus (Cogwheel Train)
  • The cogwheel train from Alpnachstad to the top operates from mid-May to 17 November 2019. 
Pilatus  Kriens (Cableway)
  • Take cableway (Timetable) from the Pilatus top to Kriens
    • The cableway from Kriens to the top does not operate from 21 October to 8 November 2019.
    • The valley station in Kriens near Lucerne is easily reached via Autobahn A2. Public transportation will also take you to Kriens. From the Lucerne railway station, Bus no. 1 will take you to the stop Kriens, Zentrum/Pilatus. A five-minute walk will have you at the valley station of the Panorama Gondolas.

References

  1. Lake Lucerne Boat Ride 
  2. Paragliding Lake Lucerne
  3. The best practical travel tips for Europe (good)
  4. Swiss Travel Pass 2019 review: Is it good value or not?
  5. SWISS PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM
  6. Lake Lucerne region - Day trip and hiking suggestions
  7. How to Visit Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus in One Perfect Day
  8. Lucerne Bus Map (pdf)
  9. Mt. Rigi Hiking Trails 
  10. Luzurn Farmer's Market (see video 2)
    • Every Tu and Sat from 6 am to 1 pm (normally ends at 12 pm though)
  11. VAT: HOW TO GET IT BACK AND SAVE ON SHOPPING IN SWITZERLAND

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