Sunday July 17th ~ Lucerne, Switzerland
Lion Monument, Lucerne
The train ride from Appenzell to Lucerne was another WOW for us. We are really enjoying seeing the scenery pass by from the comfort of our train seats. I could get addicted to this lifestyle.
We had the first class car almost entirely to ourselves
This was the most scenic part of our train route today.
The green fields and hills go on and on.
I was briefly in Lucerne for one or two nights back in the early 1980’s. It was one of those “Tuesday it must be Belgium” type of group tours where we hit a dozen different countries in as many days. I was a lot younger then so it was OK both for my energy levels and my small pocketbook. This is Tim’s first time in Switzerland and I was excited for him to see a place I had such fond memories of.
The train connections were smooth, and after disembarking at the main station in Lucerne, we walked the five blocks to the Hotel Astoria. Our hotel room was ready for us when we arrived about 1:00pm.
Our room at Hotel Astoria Lucerne
Anxious to make the most of our time here, we dropped off our suitcases and hurried out the door to walk around the Old Town area, find the famous bridge, and see what else we could discover on our own.
Here is our afternoon in pictures:
Franziskanerkirche Catholic Church
Interior Franziskanerkirche
Kapellbrücke or Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden bridge that runs diagonally across the Reuss River and is the symbol of Lucerne.
Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)
“…the bridge is unique because it contains a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century, although many of them were destroyed along with most of the centuries-old bridge in a 1993 fire. Subsequently restored, the Kapellbrücke is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, as well as the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge.” ~ Wikipedia
The large stone Watertower, or Wasserturm, stands proudly next to the bridge. The tower has been used as a prison, torture chamber, municipal archive and today houses a gift shop.
Wasserturm (Water Tower)
Swans are in abundance and the tourists, young and old, enjoy feeding them.
Putting on a show
Sidewalk cafes line the side of the river
And a few more random shots around town.
A little further down the way we came across another church that drew us in for a quick look, The Church of St Leodegar or Hofkirche.
“It was built in parts from 1633 to 1639 on the foundation of the Roman basilica which had burnt in 1633. This church was one of the few built north of the Alps during the Thirty Years War and one of the largest and art history rich churches of the German late renaissance period.” ~ Wikipedia
The Church of Leodegar
And to wrap up our day, we stopped and paid our respects at the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal).
Tim and Joanne at the Lion Monument
“…hewn in 1820–21 by Lukas Ahorn. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. Mark Twain praised the sculpture of a mortally wounded lion as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” ~ Wikipedia
Lion Monument
Overnight: Lucerne
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful to have returned to a city that had impressed me so much over 30 years ago. What joy!
I also want to extend Happy Birthday wishes today to my little sister, Jan. Amongst my greatest treasures is the wonderful relationship we have. I am forever grateful that by divine planning we got to grow up in the same household with two amazing parents. Love you sis!
A Note From Abroad 
The bridge reminds me of the the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Joanne. I found the fact that tower had morphed from a torture chamber into a gift shop rather intriguing. And the lion… Mark Twain was right. Really like the photos. Switzerland is picturesque to say the least! –Curt
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mom and I both adored Lucerne! Beautiful pics!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sigh. It’s lovely. What a beautiful day in a beautiful place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely little city. It looks so clean and fresh! I think I would quite enjoy traveling by train also. It’s on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
We are especially enjoying how easy and convenient the trains are to get around Switzerland. Lucerne lives up to all the wonderful things you hear about her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your post, it brought such fond memories from when I was there in 2013, I also wrote about it a while back in my blog. Unfortunately I didn’t get as good weather as you. Your photos are great! Enjoy Switzerland!
LikeLike
I’m so glad we could give you some good memories and that you liked our pictures. The weather could not have been any nicer for us. Pretty amazing time!
LikeLike
I enjoyed my travel in Switzerland over the years. It is a clean, safe, well organized and efficient little country. The oldest in Europe who has managed its affairs well. Continue to enjoy your trip.
LikeLike
Larry, I think you hit on many of the reasons we love it here. Absolutely agree with you.
LikeLike
The hills, the water tower, and the river view are spectacular.
LikeLike
It doesn’t get any better in our books. 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed.
LikeLike
Lucerne is also one of my all time favourite places – we are so lucky to have been here several times! Your lovely photos bring back happy memories. Our favourite restaurant was Nix In Der Laterne near the Speuerbrucecke. We also stayed a few times at Weggis on the lake and commuted into Lucerne by ferry 🙂
LikeLike
Sorry that I did not see your favorite restaurant earlier. We always appreciate a good recommendation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Next time! 🙂
LikeLike
Lucky you! It does look magical 🙂
LikeLike