6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lucerne — Destination Dreamer Diaries

Switzerland… it’s one of my all-time favorite places on this Earth. I’ve been all over that country: The Alps, Geneva, Zurich, Basel…

… but Lucerne, behind the alps themselves, is my favorite city of them all.

Let me tell you why…

1. It’s the prettiest

Really, anywhere you go in Switzerland is going to have beauty of some sort given you’re almost always surrounded by mountains and water. However, Lucerne has something aesthetically special about it that I can’t completely explain to you… but thanks to my I-take-too-many-pictures-when-I-travel-habit: I can show you.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words… so here we go.

Need I say, (or in this case – show) more?

2. There’s both city & nature

Again, this is the case of most cities in Switzerland – where you can opt to take day trips to mountains or stay in the city center… but I think Lucerne does the best job. There are plenty of museums or parks to enjoy in the city center, or you could opt to go up Mount Pilatus – which is a pretty simple day trip.

Either way you cut it, Lucerne is small – but easily offers the best of both worlds (un-intended Hannah Montana reference!) for anyone visiting.

3. The streets are small but strong in character

Going off on how this city is small… it is – but because it’s small, you immediately feel more immersed in everything European and Switzerland… the iron gate fences, little shops, small side streets…

… and the indescribable, raw, humbling beauty that is Switzerland.

View while walking the Chapel Bridge; July 2018

4. It’s the most walkable of the Swiss cities

Every time I’ve been to Switzerland, whatever hotel I stay at offers me a free public transportation ticket. I usually get my use (and then some) out of those tickets, but in Lucerne – it wasn’t really necessary.

Walking the streets of Lucerne; July 2018

Everything is in reach by foot, and it’s nice to explore a city solely on your own when you need a break from hot, crowded buses in Italy (I’m talking about you, Sorrento…).

5. The Chapel Bridge

This was my favorite part. It’s just… simply, so stunning. It really looks just like my pictures in real life. The white boats parked on the clear-as-day water, with intricate detailing’s carved in the wooden walk way… and then the mountains as a backdrop.

The Chapel Bridge in Luzern; Taken July 2018

The Chapel Bridge is an absolute must see. Walk it both ways, and soak up the scenery while you can.

6. The sunsets are out of this world

Now, the sunset I saw in the outback is still at the top of my list, with Venice not far behind… but this was also something out of this world.

The sun setting against the mountains in Luzern July 2018

If you’re looking for a quintessential Switzerland experience: where you want to taste the famous milk chocolate, get a feel for their cities, and also have some, “I’m on top of the world” moments whilst on a mountain… I highly recommend putting Lucerne on your list.

If you’re looking for other things to do in Switzerland, click here.