07 June 2024
THE BEST OF LUCERNE
Switzerland continued to charm me on my third day, blending breathtaking natural beauty with fascinating history. From towering alpine vistas to tranquil moments by Lake Lucerne, this day was a journey through some of the best Lucerne has to offer.
BREAKFAST AT HERMITAGE LAKE LUCERNE HOTEL
My morning started with a delightful breakfast at the Hermitage Lake Lucerne Hotel, with the view of Lake Lucerne in the background. However, a word of caution: the sparrows are bold and determined! A particularly chubby sparrow took a few pecks at my toast, and I was forced to move indoors as it refused to budge. Despite the unexpected sparrow antics, it was a lovely way to begin the day.
Breakfast buffet offering a variety of fresh bread and pastries.
A simple yet hearty breakfast accompanied by serene lake views.
Breakfast companion I didn’t expect! This cheeky sparrow made a bold move for my toast.
MOUNT PILATUS
The highlight of the morning was definitely my adventure to Mount Pilatus, one of Lucerne's most iconic peaks. From Lucerne, I took a scenic ferry ride to Alpnachstad, soaking in the picturesque views along the way.
A scenic yellow lakeside house.
The idyllic scenery of Lake Lucerne, dotted with picturesque homes and surrounded by verdant hills and alpine beauty.
A red cabin nestled among the trees along Lake Lucerne.
From Alpnachstad, I boarded the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus, an incredible feat of engineering that took me up the rugged mountain slopes.
A café where one can grab some snacks and drinks while waiting for the Mount Pilatus train.
I got the Mövenpick Swiss chocolate ice cream while waiting.
The iconic red train of Mount Pilatus.
The glass-paneled cogwheel train offers a panoramic view of the alpine forests and valleys below.
A meadow on Mount Pilatus, where the train journey reveals a stunning transformation of seasons.
As the train ascends, the lush green landscapes of summer gradually give way to patches of snow, creating a mesmerising transition from vibrant warmth to wintry charm.
The summit promised sweeping 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne, but the weather had other plans—thick fog enveloped the landscape, obscuring the view. Undeterred, I decided to enjoy an early lunch at Restaurant Pilatus Kulm. While the food was just okay, it was a cosy respite from the foggy chill outside. Speaking of which, please dress warmly and bring along a winter jacket! It felt rather cold even during the summer days.
The historic Pilatus-Kulm hotel nestled in the heart of Mount Pilatus.
I tried the ravioli and latte at Restaurant Pilatus Kulm.
After lunch, I couldn’t resist exploring the summit trails despite the fog. The mystical atmosphere, coupled with the lore of the "Dragon Mountain," felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Eventually, the fog began to clear, revealing glimpses of the majestic Alps, which made the wait worthwhile.
The dragon path on Mount Pilatus.
It was all foggy and there weren't much sights to be seen.
Thankfully the fog eventually cleared.
Breathtaking view from the summit of Mount Pilatus.
I descended by cable car to Fräkmüntegg, a hub for outdoor activities like tobogganing and rope parks. While I didn’t partake in these, I took a peaceful stroll, marvelling at the stunning views. The final leg of the descent brought me to Kriens, with more gorgeous scenery along the way.
The cable car offers sweeping views of verdant forests and winding trails.
Lots of people were taking part in the outdoor activities at Fräkmüntegg.
I was greeted by a serene alpine view as I stroll along.
A delightful scene of goats enjoying the fresh grass in a vibrant alpine meadow.
MUSEGGMAUER & MÄNNLITURM
After returning to Lucerne, I headed to the Musegg Wall (Museggmauer), the city's historic fortifications. Climbing the steep stairs of Männliturm, one of the nine watchtowers, was a bit of a challenge, but the panoramic view at the top made it all worthwhile.
An imposing medieval tower and fortified wall.
Some of these staircases can be quite weathered.
A view of the wooden beams and stonework inside a historical bell tower.
A close-up of a beautifully detailed clock face and its internal mechanisms.
From the tower, I could see Lucerne's charming Old Town sprawling below, with the Alps standing tall in the background. It’s fascinating to think about how these walls once defended the city as I walked along the ancient walls.
View from the tower.
SUNSET CRUISE ON LAKE LUCERNE
To wind down the day, I embarked on a sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne. Most of the diners on board were couples, and while it felt a bit awkward dining alone, I reminded myself that solo travel is about embracing the moment. I wasn’t going to let being alone stop me from enjoying this beautiful experience.
A beautifully arranged table with delicate dried flowers in a vase.
Crispy fried fish with tender potatoes. The food was not spectacular, but the views made up for it.
The boat glided smoothly across the calm waters, with the setting sun casting hues of orange and red across the sky. The surrounding mountains mirrored the colours, creating a surreal atmosphere. As watched the last rays of sunlight dip below the horizon, I felt an immense sense of bliss.
The vibrant red hues of the sunset mirrored perfectly on the tranquil waters of the lake. The sun looks like a dragon ball!
Evening sky glows in warm hues of orange and red.
After disembarking the cruise, I passed the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), which I had visited earlier in my trip. Seeing it illuminated against the night sky was a completely different experience. The reflections of the bridge and the tower in the water created a captivating ambiance.
The Chapel Bridge is beautiful at night.
JESUITENKIRCHE
I made my way to the Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche), a striking Baroque masterpiece located by the River Reuss. As I walked through the drizzle, the soft rain added a romantic charm to the scene.
A serene evening view.
Unfortunately, it was already very late, and the church was already closed. I had seen photos of its magnificent interior and had been looking forward to visiting, but I had to settle for capturing its exterior.
The Jesuit Church beautifully lit against the deep blue night sky.
FINAL THOUGHTS…
From the foggy yet enchanting peaks of Mount Pilatus to the serene beauty of Lake Lucerne at sunset, every moment of the day felt like it belonged in a postcard. Even the rain and minor hiccups added character to the journey, reminding me of the joy of embracing the unexpected. Switzerland continued to win my heart, one breathtaking view at a time.
Love,
Shu
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