The stunning Swiss city of Lucerne sits in the centre of the country, on the banks of the glacial, Lucerne Lake. The city is the capital of the Lucerne District and home to 81,000 residents. Lucerne has a long cultural history, with past residents including composer Richard Wagner, and today is home to an array of historic landmarks and architecture, a beautiful Altstadt complete with splendid squares, and the remains of its fortified walls. If you are staying outside of Lucerne and are looking to explore this compact city, the easiest way to get around is by hiring a car.
Lucerne is packed with a whole host of things to see and do. Visit the Altstadt, which straddles the Reuss River and is still home to timber structured buildings, as well as having an array of beautiful squares including the Weinmarkt and the Kornmarkt. Cross over the Rathaus Bridge and visit Sammlung Rosengart, which hosts a remarkable collection of Pablo Picasso’s work. An attraction for all of the family is the Verkehrshaus, which is Switzerland’s most visited museum. While make sure to cross the oldest covered bridge in Europe, the 14th century flower-lined wooden Kapelbrucke, and the Löwendenkmal statue is one of Lucerne’s most poignant landmarks. The best way to explore the picturesque countryside is through car hire in Lucerne, with the Rigi mountain only 14 miles away.