Our introduction to Lucerne begins after breakfast this morning,
as we embark on a guided walking tour of the city. We step back in
time with a visit to Lucerne's charming and car-free Old Town,
which is found just north of the River Reuss. Here, we discover
picturesque town squares, ornate churches and traditional cobbled
streets lined with beautifully frescoed, half-timbered houses, as
well as the remnants of the old town walls.
We continue to Lucerne's most celebrated landmark, the
Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge which
rises up from the waters of the River Reuss and separates Lucerne's
Old and New Town. Built in the 14th century as a fortification
measure, the Kapellbrücke is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe and
is now a popular tourist attraction. Enjoy a stroll across the
beautiful bridge, taking in the unique series of triangular
paintings that can be seen in the wooden roof panels.
Created by a local Catholic painter, Hans Heinrich Wägmann, the
paintings date back to the 17th century and illustrate meaningful
events from Swiss history. Unfortunately, many of the original
paintings were destroyed in a catastrophic fire in 1993; from the
147 that remained, 47 were recovered and 30 were restored. After
our tour, you have time at leisure to further explore the city.
With humble beginnings as a fishing village in the Middle Ages,
Lucerne 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, and it is now a
popular tourist destination. Often referred to as the gateway to
central Switzerland, the city has retained its relaxed, small-town
atmosphere, and its compact centre is a delight to explore. Perhaps
enjoy a lunch of local specialities in a traditional Swiss tavern,
before returning to the hotel at leisure with your included Lucerne
Travel Card.
Includes