Best things to do in Lucerne

For panoramic views of Lucerne and the surrounding region, take the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the top of Mt Pilatus. During medieval times locals believed that a dragon lived at the summit of this soaring massif; several 17th-century accounts tell of a winged creature flying between the mount's caves. Today the towering mountain draws visitors with its walking trails, which range from extremely steep and challenging scrambles for serious adrenaline junkies, to easy hikes for everyone else. On clear days the hiking paths offer views that stretch as far as the Black Forest in southwestern Germany. You can also reach the summit by riding the aerial cableway or the panorama gondola, departing from the town of Kriens. The cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm only operates from mid-May till mid-November. The cable-car and gondola from Kriens up to Pilatus operates also in winter.

See Europe's oldest covered footbridge and view the collection of paintings depicting various scenes from Lucerne's rich history at Chapel Bridge. An age-old bridge spanning the calm waters of the Reuss River, the 14th-century wooden structure once formed part of a defense system built to protect the city from possible enemy invasions. As you walk across it, look up to see the paintings on the interior triangular frames, added in the 17th century. Next to the bridge stands a 40 m (140 ft) tall octagonal tower, formerly a prison and torture chamber. Don't forget to bring your camera: the bridge and its tower count among Switzerland's most photographed historic monuments, drawing architecture buffs from distant corners of the world.

See the Alps by taking a guided boat tour on , located in the heart of Switzerland. The lake covers a total area of over 114 sq km (44 sq mi), much of its shoreline rising steeply into the surrounding mountains. Most of the visitors choose to experience this picturesque region by taking a trip on one of the paddle steamers linking the tucked-away resorts spread along the lake's shores. You can also circumnavigate the lake by road, which follows a scenic route and passes through several tunnels. However you choose to travel, be sure to visit the mountain meadow on the far southeastern shore of the lake, the birthplace of the Swiss nation.

Carved in rock to commemorate the Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution, the touching Lion Monument inspired Mark Twain to call it "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." Designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen in 1819, the colossal monument depicts a mortally wounded lion taking his final breath in a sheltered stone lair, his front paws resting against the broken symbols of the French monarchy. Surrounded by lush trees, the dying lion seems far removed from the city's noise, his facial expression one of heart-rending agony. Don't forget your camera.

Surrounded by three lakes, Rigi once inspired painter J.M.W. Turner to create a series of works studying its changing views and blue sunrises. Known to many as the "Queen of the Mountains," the Alpine massif features a towering summit 1,798 m (5,898 ft) above sea level. A year-round tourist destination served by one of Europe's oldest mountain railways, the idyllic region draws a growing number of nature lovers with an extensive network of walking trails and ski slopes. Gear up and tackle the mountain's hiking paths all the way to the summit, or sit back and enjoy the sweeping views on the cable car that departs from the small town of Kussnacht.

Discover spectacular views of an icy Alpine wilderness at the very top of Europe by visiting Jungfraujoch, the continent's highest train station. Nearly two million people travel to this winter wonderland each year, lured by its panoramic views of mountains and glaciers, skiing, and snowboarding. Opened in 1912, the Jungfrau railway line passes through a tunnel that took several thousand workers over a decade to drill. The station sits 3,454 m (11,330 ft) above sea level, with the Sphinx viewing house providing sweeping vistas of the largest glacier in the Alps, a World Heritage Site. The adjoining commemoration hall displays memorials to miners who died building the railway and features a giant and incredibly detailed snow globe. Saunter through the Ice Palace, a year-round frozen hallway featuring ice sculptures. Dine in one of several panoramic restaurants, pick up a box of Swiss chocolates, and test your golfing skills in a hole-in-one challenge above the glacier. No matter the time of year you're visiting, don't forget your camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Explore the history of transportation and dream about its future possibilities at Verkehrshaus der Schweiz. The interactive museum features more than 3,000 displays, narrating not only the past and present story of transport and mobility, but also providing a glimpse of the future possibilities of traveling and communicating in outer space. In addition to galleries devoted to all types of land, sea, and air vehicles, the museum houses an IMAX theater and planetarium. When you get tired of train engines, cars, and space capsules, head to the museum's chocolate-themed exhibit, designed to inform visitors about the origin, production, and transportation of one of Switzerland's most famous exports. Save time by buying your tickets online.

Fed by crisp mountain waters, Lake Zurich once served mostly for passenger traffic and cargo transport. Today the sprawling lake counts among Switzerland's top tourist destinations, luring visitors with its sightseeing boat tours, walking paths, and lush parks, set against a chain of photogenic hills. Used to supply clean water to the surrounding cities, the lake is 40 km (25 mi) long and about 3 km (2 mi) wide. The city of Zurich wraps itself around the northwestern end of lake and provides a base for cycling tours and paddle steamer cruises along the sun-kissed and prosperous "Golden Coast." Zurich's well-developed lakefront areas boast several immaculate beaches, a big draw for active vacationers from all over the world.

One of Switzerland's best-preserved medieval quarters, Altstadt Luzern attracts visitors with its maze of narrow streets, cobbled passages, and public squares. Located just north of the Reuss River and surrounded by the remains of Lucerne's medieval city walls and towers, the old quarter features an idyllic lakeside promenade flanked by a string of half-timbered buildings with elaborately decorated fronts. The pedestrianized Old Town contains most of the city's major cultural attractions, including the oldest wooden footbridge in Europe. This easily recognizable landmark serves as a convenient starting point for sightseeing tours.

The first large-scale Baroque church in Switzerland, Jesuitenkirche was constructed in 1666 for the Jesuits. It sits dramatically on the banks of the Reuss River, its symmetrical onion domes clearly recognizable in the city's skyline. Step inside to witness the building's even more impressive interior. Elaborate frescoes, brightly colored domes, a magnificent organ, large chandeliers, and a gilded altar all contribute to the splendor of this historic church. Take time to examine the red marble in the side chapels closely--they are actually the result of clever paintwork.