The historic heart of Switzerland
Lake Lucerne region
Meet William Tell, the Swiss national hero who shot an apple off his son’s head. His story takes place between the sparkling waters of Lake Lucerne and the craggy peaks of the Gotthard massif. But – spoiler alert! – Tell didn’t exist, he’s just a legend. What is true is that this lovely region was the birthplace of the nation back in the 13th century. Beyond the cobbled squares of Lucerne, you can enjoy spectacular scenery via elegant paddle-steamers and dramatic mountain trains. Or get a taste of peaceful rural life as it’s lived today in the hills and valleys.
Fall in love with Lucerne
With its covered bridges, muralled buildings and fortified towers, Lucerne is the perfectly picturesque Swiss city. But it goes one better by having Switzerland’s prettiest lake, and impressive mountains, on the doorstep – plus a dash of modern architecture. So it’s no surprise that Lucerne has been a tourist hotspot since the days of Queen Victoria, and is still very popular but rightly so.
Go on a special private tour
Ride the rails up Rigi
It’s a classic Swiss moment: stand on Mount Rigi for the stunning 360° view, a ring of lakes with the jagged skyline of Alps behind. Luckily, you don’t have to hike up as Rigi is home to Europe’s oldest mountain train, opened in 1873. It’s this historic train ride, along with that wonderful panorama, that make ‘the Queen of the Mountains’ a great day out.
Meet the locals in Uri
Mountains, cows and views. It’s hard to think of a more authentic Swiss experience than visiting a working farm in the Alps so our private tour takes you to meet a farmer (and his animals). And to get up there: how about a ‘cruise’ through the mountains in a small cable car? The amazing network of private cable cars gives you an exclusive bird’s-eye view.
Immerse yourself in chocolate
No, we don’t mean taking a chocolate bath (though that sounds amazing). We’re talking about a full-on chocolate experience, something even better than simply eating it. Under the expert guidance of a professional chocolatier, you’ll learn all about the art of tasting chocolate. Or you can try a little brown magic by making it yourself in a hands-on workshop. Or best of all, why not do both!
Relax in the mountains
South of Lake Lucerne is Switzerland’s stony heart, with truly dramatic scenery befitting the roof of Europe. It’s perfect for healthy hikes around a four-way watershed but also quiet sunsets up on high, or even discovering vital wartime fortifications. And at the centre of it all, a historic watering hole for merchants and travellers that’s now a high-end resort: Andermatt.
Lake Lucerne region in brief
The fingers of Lake Lucerne spread out in many directions so that it touches five cantons: Lucerne itself along with Schwyz, Uri, Obwalden and Nidwalden (not forgetting Zug, which just next door). Much of this region is mountainous, so that the Swiss have built the world’s steepest rack railway (up Pilatus) and the longest tunnel (under the Gotthard). The Gotthard isn’t one single mountain but has a singular place in Swiss history. Safeguarding the crucial pass over the Alps was one reason why the first three cantons banded together at Rütli in the 13th century.
When to go
All year
Why go there
Urban delight
Mountain scenery
Traditional life
What to see
Lucerne
Rigi
Andermatt
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