![]() This time, I took a brief train ride to Stans. The next day, I was ready for another jaunt. From the cable-car terminal it was a short walk to the dock, and soon I was boarding the boat for the lake cruise back to Lucerne, “high” on my mountain adventure. Compared to this quaint town, Lucerne seemed a metropolis. In less than 10 minutes, we reached the lakeside town of Weggis. A small, almost toy-like car, the Rigi Kaltbad Aerial Cableway car was crowded, but the picture windows were wide, and we watched the steep descent. This time, I got off at Rigi Kaltbald, a mountain station along the route, so I could also try out a cable-car ride down to the lake. The descent was a chance to enjoy the scenery all over again, but in reverse. For the rest of us, there was just a short walk uphill to an outdoor terrace in the sun where we could enjoy refreshments while sitting on top of the world. Outside, there were dramatic views and signposts pointing the way for ambitious mountain climbers to climb higher. We saw mountain flowers, rode past peaceful farms, even heard a cowbell.Īlmost too quickly – for this ride was sheer pleasure – we reached our destination. As we climbed, we watched the lake recede and the trees grow denser. Inside the cozy train, the mood was anticipatory, with windows open and cameras ready. The Rigi was the first mountain railway in Europe, launched in 1871 and still reliably taking passengers up to the peak of Mount Rigi. When we arrived at Vitznau, the Vitznau-Rigi Railway train was waiting – a sturdy bright red train, with cogwheels and toothed racks especially designed for steep climbs. As we glided along the lake, cameras were clicking non-stop: Mountain peaks were always in sight, picturesque chalets dotted the hillsides and we stopped to pick up passengers at flower-bedecked docks. It took me to Mount Rigi, often known as “Queen of the Mountains.” Getting there was part of the fun.įirst, I took a leisurely boat ride along Lake Lucerne to the town of Vitznau. I opted for a shorter but nonetheless adventurous trip. It was a devastating blow to a beloved landmark, but it was soon restored, and the paintings were reproduced. In 1993, the bridge was burned during a fire. ![]() Inside are more than 100 paintings depicting 12th-century city life. ![]() The 600-year-old Chapel Bridge is one of Lucerne’s famous landmarks. The river, the covered bridge, the water tower and the mountains just beyond are irresistible photo opportunities, which is why numerous tourists stop along the bridge and take photos of each other with this memorable background. Next to it is the distinctive octagonal water tower. The covered wooden Chapel Bridge spans the river where it flows out of the lake. With its stunning scenery and varied attractions, it’s one of Switzerland’s most popular cities for tourists.īesides its lake, Lucerne also has the River Reuss. ![]() In Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, even a simple lakeside stroll is memorable. Clouds billow in a blue sky, boats bob on the lake and, on the other side, the peak of Mount Pilatus looms dramatically. Along the lakeside promenade, the scene is picture-postcard beautiful. ![]()
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