Lucerne, Switzerland's Hidden Gem

Of all the places I have traveled, few places have stuck with me how Switzerland has. I have never seen such unique and outstanding beauty. One reason I was so bowled over was that I went in with very low expectations. Everyone I talked to about Switzerland insisted it was one of the most amazing places on Earth, and I thought to myself, “surely it’s just overhyped.” I was naive and couldn’t think of any famous spots in the country besides the Alps in winter.

Lo and behold, as soon as I stepped out of the airport and boarded the train into Zurich, I came across some of the most vibrant scenery I have ever seen in Europe. Summer in Switzerland presented me with overwhelmingly lush greenery and warm, inviting architecture. Some nations have never been touched by war, and it shows.

I visited Zurich primarily but had the opportunity to take a day trip out of the exquisite regional capital. This post is a love letter to the idyllic lake town that is: Lucerne.

Arguably, the most famous sight in Lucerne is perhaps the least dazzling. The Lion Monument, a 19th century cliffside relief sculpture, pales in comparison to the natural beauty surrounding it. The sculpture is, however, impressive enough to warrant a visit and historically significant as it memorializes the Swiss Guards who lost their lives in the French Revolution. Comparative in popularity, the Chapel Bridge, or Kapellbrücke, is a defining feature of Lucerne’s cityscape. The almost 700 year old pedestrian bridge offers beautiful views on either side and connects the the city’s two shores separated by the Reuss River.

One of the city’s best sights is the view from the Zytturm and Schirmerturm towers found along the historic city wall, the Museggmauer. There are a total of nine towers along the wall, but not all of them are open to the public. The prominent attraction is located atop a hill, and the walk to, from, and along the wall is invigorating and offers a wonderful glimpse of both Lucerne’s history and everyday life. The views are ultimately well worth the effort.

And finally, among the most well-known reasons to visit the city, Lake Lucerne tops them all. The body of water, which the town is built around, is expansive and crystal clear. Although bustling with sail boats and skiffs, with its vibrant colors and the mountains that sit in the background, the lake is no less striking. It draws your eye wherever you are in the town and is truly unmissable.

Lucerne is one of those rare cities that not only sits in an extraordinarily beautiful locale but is also composed of mind-blowing architecture. It is famous for its well-preserved Medieval exteriors, but every inch of the city is unique and charming. Even apartment buildings, boat houses, and cottages burst from the landscape and draw your attention away from the lake. As one of the most untouched locations I have ever visited, Lucerne is a perfect showcase of the varying styles of Swiss and European architecture throughout history.

Many people know Switzerland for its ritzy culture, ambivalence during war times, and the Alps. Famous for its winter, Switzerland also offers incredible summer scenery. Built upon one of the most picturesque lakes in Europe and offering both nature and the experience of an old world city, Lucerne cannot be missed. Take a relaxing hour-long train ride from Zurich and you will find yourself a world away.