Without doubt one of the prettiest towns in Switzerland, Lucerne lies in the heart of the country on the northern end of the famous lake of Lucerne, the Vierwaldstätter See. Dotted throughout with many Renaissance and Baroque fountains, colourful paintings on the gables and commanded by the exquisite wooden bridge, the Kapellbrücke and Wasserturm, the 13th century octagonal water tower, Lucerne's character is pure charm.

Spectacular views and sights abound from almost every vantage point in and around Lucerne. The heritage of this historic locale and of Switzerland itself is palpable in every landmark. The Old Town Hall - Altes Rathaus - is a fine example of a Renaissance building whilst the Meseggmauer, City Wall, built between 1350 and 1405 stands proud above the city. A stroll along the quay takes the visitor past the modern health resort and onto the largest and most important Transport Museum in Europe and the only Planetarium in Switzerland. 

The famous Lion Monument - Löwendenkmal and the Glacier Garden, a geological phenomenon left over from the Ice Age make for remarkable viewing as do the Pilatus, Dietschiberg or Gütsch mountains peaks surrounding the city. A short drive from town takes visitors to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. A paddle steamer ride around the Viewaldstätter Lake takes in the majesty and scenery of this beautiful area. A short drive will take you to the nearby winter resorts and many more lakes, This is the alpine range in central Switzerland where you will find glaciers, lush forests, verdant valleys and so much more.

You can find it all in Lucerne from theatre and the arts to star-gazing and folkloric festivals. Lucerne is especially lively during Carnival with lakeside celebrations, Rotsee-boat races, and the international horse races. With such variety, a good time is virtually guaranteed in Lucerne.

The world's steepest railway leads to the top of  Mount Pilatus.

Lucerne also abounds with gothic squares, ornate churches (the reformation never made it here) and marvellous museums that keep the cameras clicking steadily. Just outside the city centre is one of the world's finest technology museums, the Swiss Transport Museum. Also recommended as a day excursion is a trip to the summit of Mount Pilatus, via a genuine cog railway system. A visit to Lucerne, without a morning or afternoon cruise on Lake Lucerne - affording terrific views of the city and surrounding Alpine countryside - is, by our standards, an incomplete visit .