Things to see and do Lucerne

It's been around since 1959, and is one of the most popular museums in the country! The Swiss Museum of Transport presents the history of mobility and communication through exhibitions, interactive terminals and films. More than 3,000 exhibits are housed in an area of over 20 hectares, covering the history of traffic on road, rail and water, in the air and in space. A train simulator lets you slip into the shoes of a locomotive driver.

This 204 m-long wooden covered bridge is Lucerne's landmark! Built in the first half of the ^14th century, it takes its name from the nearby St. Peter's Chapel. Since the ^17th century, its framework has been adorned with numerous paintings depicting scenes from the history of the country, as well as the city's patron saints, St. Leodegar and St. Maurice. In the middle of the bridge, stop to admire the water tower, once used as a prison and torture chamber.

A cruise on Lake Lucerne is a must and all seasons bring their own attractions. In addition to the simple pleasure of sailing and enjoying the magnificent scenery of the mountains and the city (the city lights at night are dazzling!), there is the added advantage of connecting interesting areas without taking your car. With its five historic paddlewheelers and fifteen elegant motor boats, you will travel back in time and reach the most important tourist destinations in the region.

The original building, part of a monastery, dates from the 13th century and was built in Romanesque style. In 1561-62 it was enlarged and almost completely rebuilt, this time in Gothic style. It was then remodeled several times, in Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo styles. Note the flag paintings, illustrating the conquests of the city of Lucerne during its maximum expansion. This bank is also an opportunity to see and photograph the quays on the right bank. You can cross from one bank to the other via the Kapellbrücke.

It is a park, a museum and an oasis of calm all in one. Here we learn that large glacial potholes prove that 20,000 years ago, during the last ice age, Lucerne was covered by glaciers. Fossils of shells and palm leaves show that 20 million years ago the Lucerne region was a beach with a subtropical climate. The Glacier Garden also has the oldest Alpine relief by F. L. Pfyffer von Wyher and a mirror labyrinth in the style of the Alhambra in Granada.

This palace dates from 1557, hence its Italian Renaissance style. It was begun for Luzius Ritter, who was enriched by his mercenary troops, and completed by the city after his death. In 1577 it was given to the Jesuits, who built a church and school nearby. When they were banished, the government occupied the palace in 1804. In turn, it completed the complex in 1841-43 with a semicircular hall, and then with other constructions in the following decades. Today the palace is the seat of the cantonal government.

The Natural History Museum of Lucerne is a lively and interactive museum located near the river Reuss on the Kasernenplatz. The permanent exhibitions "Earth Sciences", "Biology" and "The Wonderful World of Insects" highlight the biodiversity of Central Switzerland and focus on its history and prehistory. These permanent exhibitions are on three floors and are complemented by attractive temporary exhibitions. To be discovered with the whole family.

Housed in the imposing Palace of Culture and Congress (KKL) designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, this fine arts museum occupies the top floor. It covers a pictorial period stretching from the ^16th century to the present day, with a particular focus on^19th-century Swiss landscapes, expressionism and contemporary art. Covering an area of 2,100^m2, the museum features three simultaneous exhibitions in a modern scenography with sophisticated lighting.

Pioneers made it possible to reach the Stanserhorn by building a railroad, which was inaugurated on August 23, 1893. The first Kälti aerial tramway was opened in May 1975. Since then, the lift has been constantly upgraded, with the sole aim of enabling enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the mountain (views of ten lakes and no less than 100 km of Alpine chain). To reach the summit, you can try the old-fashioned funicular or the Cabrio gondola. Lunch at the Rondorama revolving restaurant.