Swiss Day 2: Luzern

16 August 2015

It was a fresh start for us after that long haul flight. Today, we were going to explore Luzern. It was still raining in this summer season as we started our walking tour throughout the beautiful city.

Luzern, the gateway to central Switzerland, sited on Lake Luzern, is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland. Luzern is stunning and deservedly popular since the likes of famous people, among others Queen Victoria. Luzern ranks among the world's prettiest cities.

Hayra was so excited with this new experience.

We made a quick pit-stop at the natural history museum at Kasernenplatz.

Then, we went straight to the Spreuerbrücke (Mills Bridge). It is a wooden bridge which was built in 1407 and restored in the 19th century. It crosses the Reuss River. 

The rain started to play its role once we reached Muhlenplatz. But, it didn't stop us and we continued still to walk to the next place. This square which means Mills Square, dates from the 16th century, was the old site of the Luzern markets.

Then, we stopped for a while at Weinmarkt. A lot of the buildings on this square have painted facades and one of the more interesting buildings found here is the Müllersche Apotheke which is a pharmacy dating from 1530.

Next stop was at the Kornmarkt area with this impressive Rathaus in front of us. This Renaissance building dates from 1602 and is quite an impressive building. The ground floor of the town hall served as a grain storage from 1438 and from 1447 the upper parts of the building served as a town hall.

Next, I was excited enough to see the Rathaussteg as I have never seen such a beautiful bridge like this before. (feel feel macam citer Casablanca jap).

And, look at the view of that famous Chapel Bridge (Kappelbruke) from afar. Chapel Bridge is probably the most famous landmark of Luzern and it crosses the River Reuss. It is a covered wooden footbridge that is reputedly the oldest of its kind in Europe. It was built in 1333 as a protection for the city.

We continued our walk at Rathausquai.

Then, we reached Schwanenplatz or Swan Square.

Next stop was the Hofkirche. The origins of this building dates back to 735 but it was rebuilt after a fire in 1633 and retains its late Gothic towers.

Just next to the Hofkirche, we found our first stop of souvenir transit. So, it was shopping time for a while.

After that, we proceeded to the Lowendenkmal or Lion Monument.

About 15 minutes later, we were in front of the gate of the famous 'Dying Lion of Luzern'. Carved out of rock and dated from 1821, it was described as the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.

It was such a beautiful small park around this place. So, we made a lunch pit-stop here with our packed food. 

Then, off we went for our next agenda.

At this point of time, we were in a dilemma whether to go or not to go to Mount Rigi due to the weather condition. But, the transportation to Mount Rigi would be free as it is covered under the Swiss Travel Pass. So, at last, we decided to go.

We walked along the Seebrucke and what a splendid sight of both sides of the lake in front of us.

Next, we tried to find the cruise station for our stop to Vitznau. It was just nearby the Bahnhofplatz.

Lucky that we waited for only about 10 minutes for the cruise ride to Vitznau.

It was such a beautiful journey indeed despite the not-so-convincing weather. This Lake Luzern experience was so profound.

After an hour cruise ride, we were already in Vitznau which is located at the foot of Rigi.

Once we reached Vitznau, the rain started to pour heavily. We were having some doubts to proceed with the Mount Rigi excursion. However, we realised that the cogwheel train was in front of us and we just need to cross over to the next building nearby for our trip to the top of Mount Rigi and it was still a 'free' ride. It would be a first time experience for us with the cogwheel train and not-to-be-missed thing, I guess. So, we continued with our next stop to the mountain.

Mount Rigi lies between Lake Luzern, Lake Zug and Lake Laurze. The cogwheel railway leaving from Vitznau is Europe's first mountain railway.

After a half an hour inside the cogwheel train, we were already at the peak of Mount Rigi.

We just strolling around for about 15 minutes here as the weather was really bad so we thought there was no need for us to spend our time here as we were already really tired.

Once we reached to the last cogwheel train stop, we went straight to the Arth-Goldau station.

Once we were back in Luzern, we took another few shots of this beautiful city before heading back to the apartment.

:-)