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From the Chateau Gutsch on a hill on the western end of the city,
the traveler is treated to a very good overall view of the city. The
River Reuss divides modern Lucerne from the Old City before it empties into
the Lake. On a clear day, Rigi can be seen in the distance. The
Chateau Gutsch is a four-star hotel that can be reached by funicular from
the city below (or by car from the other side of the hill). |
| The Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge) has become one of the main symbols
of the City of Lucerne since it was first constructed across the Reuss on
this site in 1333. Tragically, it burned about ten years ago but has
been rebuilt to look much as it did originally. In this photo, some
of the new construction is obvious. The decision was made to let the
boards age naturally rather than try to make them match the originals. |
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The Lion of Lucerne is almost as recognizable a symbol of the city
as the bridge. This huge figure, carved from the face of a rock above
a reflecting pool, commemorates the death of Swiss Guards from Lucerne who
were killed during an attack on the Tuileries Palace in Paris during the French
Revolution. Mark Twain considered the lion to be the "saddest and
most moving piece of rock in the world." |
| A part of the city wall still exists on the north side of the Old City.
A total of 9 towers can still be seen and portions of the wall are open
for tourists to walk. In all the times we have visited Lucerne, I've
only been on the wall once, and on this visit, we again decided to look but
not to climb. |
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The Lucerne Casino lies along the north shore of the Lake. We
decided to take our chances for an hour or two. Even though it took
us about twenty minutes to finally figure out how to operate the slots (payoffs
are determined by both luck and skill), we were luckier than usual.
We were in so much of a hurry to continue sightseeing that we actually walked
out after tripling our small stake. |
| We saved a lot of money by using our Hotel Guide Card at the hotel,
but we spent all our savings on food. On no other trip have we ever
eaten as well. We can heartily recommend Galliker's, the Lapin, and
(pictured here) the Old Swiss House. It would be difficult to pick
a favorite in terms of food, but the Swiss House was a definite winner in
presentation. |
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