Chapel Bridge, the lake and the mountains: the essentials for your time in Lucerne.
Lucerne sits on the edge of Lake Lucerne with the Alps behind it. The old town is small enough to cover on foot in a morning, and the mountains are an easy trip from the lakefront. One full day is enough for the town, and two days lets you add a mountain.
The Kapellbrücke is a covered wooden footbridge from the 14th century and the symbol of Lucerne. Painted panels under the roof show scenes from the city's history. Most of the bridge was rebuilt after a fire in 1993. The stone Water Tower beside it is just as photographed. Come early in the morning or at dusk for fewer people.
Lanes of painted facades, small squares and fountains lead away from the river. Stop for a coffee on the Weinmarkt or Kornmarkt, and look up at the murals on the houses.
A large lion carved into a rock face, dying with a spear in its side. It was made in the early 1820s to remember the Swiss Guards who died in Paris in 1792. It is a short walk from the old town and free to see.
Part of Lucerne's medieval city wall still stands above the old town, with nine towers. In the warmer months you can climb some of them and look across the rooftops to the lake and mountains.
Boats leave from the pier in front of the train station, including historic paddle steamers. Even a short ride gives you the view of Mount Pilatus and Rigi across the water. Longer cruises stop at lakeside villages.
The most popular mountain trip from Lucerne. The Golden Round Trip combines a boat across the lake, the world's steepest cogwheel railway up to the summit, and a cable car back down. Go on a clear day and check the weather and webcams before you leave.
Tip: Mount Rigi is a quieter alternative, reached by the oldest mountain railway in Europe.