Lucerne
Highlands to Alpine Adventure Day 21 – Lucerne: Chapel Bridges, Church Concerts & A Swiss Night to Remember
This morning we boarded the train to Lucerne, often called the “Swiss Paradise on the Lakeâ€. Nestled between the lake and the mountains, Lucerne is the perfect blend of natural beauty and storybook architecture.
Strolling Through the Altstadt
Our day began in Altstadt, Lucerne’s beautifully preserved old town. Cobblestone streets, colorful frescoes on centuries-old buildings, and alpine views at every turn—Lucerne is effortlessly charming. We wandered through town on a guided walking tour.
One of the highlights was crossing the iconic Chapel Bridge over the River Reuss. Adorned with flower boxes and 17th-century paintings under the roof, it’s one of Europe’s oldest wooden covered bridges—and easily one of the most photogenic.
We also visited the moving Lion Monument, a tribute to Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution.
Music, Pastries & City Walls
While on our walking tour, we stopped inside a beautiful church, where we happened to catch a concert rehearsal in progress. Later in the afternoon, I joined some new friends to walk along Lucerne’s medieval walls, taking in sweeping views of the city, lake, and snow-dusted peaks beyond.
But the real treat? A stop at Aux Merveilleux de Fred, a French bakery where I had the best pastry and treat of the trip—a warm brioche with chocolate chips, so soft and just out of the oven. I also tried one of their meringues which was also amazing. That evening, we returned to the church for the concert performance.
A True Swiss Night Out
We wrapped up the night at Stadtkeller Restaurant for a festive “Swiss Night Out.†From the moment we walked in, the energy was high and the fun never stopped. I tried a local Frakmont gin and tonic (highly recommend!) and then grilled my own filet at the table, served with classic Swiss-style potatoes. The evening’s folk show was full of yodeling, alphorn playing, traditional dancing, and even a rousing performance of “Heidi”. Dessert was a decadent chocolate fondue.
Afterward, we took a peaceful evening walk back to Hotel Voco.
Next stop: deeper into the Alps as this adventure continues!
