Lucerne Travel Information and Travel Guide - Switzerland

Introducing Lucerne

Legend has it that an angel with a light showed Lucerne's first settlers where to build a chapel, and in good weather even an atheist might describe the city's location as heaven-sent. Lapped by a scenic lake, surrounded by mountains of myth - a picture of this once small fishing village and its wooden Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) is enough to connote the very essence of Switzerland.

Between the 13th and 19th centuries, Lucerne (Luzern in German, or 'the city of lights') made its fortune as an essential stop on the trade route over the Alps. Then its charming medieval centre and its fabulous position began attracting tourists. It's never looked back.

Last updated: Sep 30, 2008