Where to walk in Switzerland

By Lorna Heatley
22 November 2017
Hiking is one of the most rewarding forms of exercise in the world, and what country is more made for this particular exercise than Switzerland?
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The German-speaking city is the gateway to central Switzerland, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Swiss Alps. The Canton of Lucerne's capital is set in an impressive location, offering spectacular mountainous views overlooking the surrounding landscape with Mount Pilatus, Rigi and the Alps in the distance. With its ornate churches, cobbled streets, Chapel Bridge and charming Old Town, Lucerne offers traditional culture in the heart of Switzerland.
In the Middle Ages Lucerne was a small fishing village that developed and flourished due to international cultural trade. It remained a small medieval town until the end of the 18th century when Switzerland began to attract tourists, boosting Lucerne's economy.
Lucerne's Old Town is situated north of the River Reuss and is rich in history. Its decorated houses with frescoes line the picturesque town squares in the car-free old town, with several half-timber structures and painted buildings as well as remnants of the old town walls. The Jesuit church dating from the 17th century is regarded as Switzerland's first baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the townscape.
From our base in the quintessentially Swiss town of Meiringen, we enjoy journeys by mountain railway and lake steamer, crowned with an excursion on the Jungfrau Railway to the breathtaking 'Top of Europe.'
… see more9 days from $4,205 pp
View tour details >Our festive rail tour is a fantastic way to experience exciting train journeys on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. Enjoy wonderful excursions and explore the beautiful winter landscapes of Switzerland.
… see more9 days from $4,185 pp
View tour details >Celebrate the New Year in style on this magnificent tour. Travelling in First Class throughout, we discover some of Switzerland's most beautiful winter landscapes, such as the mountain resort of Zermatt and the lakeside city of Lucerne, and make spectacular journeys on some of Europe's most iconic trains such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
… see more9 days from $4,185 pp
View tour details >Take in some of Switzerland's finest winter scenery on this magnificent tour. From our base in the wonderfully unspoilt town of Meiringen, we visit the lakeside town of Lucerne, ride a carriage in the mountain village of Grindelwald, and take a trip to the 'Top of Europe' on the famous Jungfrau Railway.
… see more7 days
View tour details >Chapel Bridge
Lucerne's famous landmark is the Kapellbrücke (Chapel)
Bridge, separating Lucerne's Old and New Town. The oldest wooden
bridge in Europe, built in the 14th century, it was constructed to
help protect the city of Lucerne against attacks. Inside, a series
of paintings from the 17th century display the city's history. Many
of these were destroyed in the 1993 fire; although the bridge was
quickly reconstructed in 1994 some of the damage remains today.
Adjoining the bridge is the water tower, which has served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury. The Tourist Information Centre is only minutes' walk from Chapel Bridge.
The Lion Monument
In 1821 Bertel Thorvaldsen designed this impressive
monument carved out of natural rock to commemorate the death of the
Swiss heroes during the attack on Tuileriers Palace in Paris 1792,
during the French Revolution.
A fantastic trip in a beautiful country, expertly led.
Everything went smoothly and was problem free
A very nice tour with great excursions in generally good weather. It was over rather too quickly and our goodbyes at the end were rather rushed,due to onward travel times.
We had a wonderful time. Everything was perfect from the train rides to the perfect hotel. We couldn't have wanted fro a better tour manager. Thank you.