Lucerne: A Magical Morning Walk in Misty Lucerne, Switzerland

A magical morning walk in misty Lucerne

We were nearing the end of a dream, 4 weeks in Switzerland, and were scheduled to take a train to Venice in the evening. So to make the most of our stay in this fairyland, we took an early morning train to Lucerne to spend a few hours there and then move on to Venice.

A Magical Morning Walk in Misty Lucerne, Switzerland

A magical morning walk in misty Lucerne
We reached Lucerne after a train ride of a little more than an hour from the quaint little city of Uster in the Canton of Zurich. Uster, if I might add, served as a base for our Swiss adventures. We alighted at the station and looked around, we were aware that there was a bit of history associated with this station.

The original station was built as early as 1856 on the edge of Lake Lucerne, this was made of wood. In 1896 a new station was built, but unfortunately, this was burnt in a fire in 1971. The station that stands today was completed in the year 1991.

We emerged from the station to find the city in semi-darkness, it was not yet daylight. We could see the silhouette of the bridge that connected the station to the centre of Lucerne as well as the shadowy lake in the distance.

A magical morning walk in misty Lucerne

A chilly wind greeted us as we made our way across the bridge with our spirits warm and eager to explore this charming city. On our left, we spotted the iconic wooden bridge, just visible in the gloomy shadows. We breathed in large gulps of the cold, mountain air as we crossed the bridge and moved to the left side.

By this time, the darkness had receded and daylight had made its presence. We embarked on a half-day walking tour in Lucerne.

Book Lucerne: 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour.

We turned to look back towards the station and what we saw was virtually a visual symphony. The mountains, the lake, the station building, and the bridge, all covered by a thin veil of mist, looked ethereally beautiful.

A magical morning walk in misty Lucerne

The place we were in was buzzing with activity as fruit, vegetable and flower sellers were setting up their wares, a bakery had just opened its doors and one could see huge mounds of bread being freshly baked, we felt hungry as the aroma wafted across and assailed our nostrils.

We enjoyed some freshly baked bread and muffins washed down by strong coffee as we marvelled at the lake, the wooden bridge and the mountains in the distance which seemed to hold the city of Lucerne in a tight embrace.

The Kapellbrucke

A magical morning walk in misty Lucerne

The Kappelbrucke or Chapel Bridge is an iconic landmark of Lucerne that spans the Lake Lucerne, which itself is a part of the river Reuss. The bridge is actually a covered wooden footbridge for pedestrians and it contains many beautiful paintings that date back to the 17th century.

Unfortunately, the original bridge along with many of the paintings was destroyed in a fire in 1993. What stands today is the restored version. The bridge is said to be the world’s oldest Truss bridge. The bridge also includes the tower which is known as the Water Tower but has nothing to do with water other than the fact that it is standing in water. The tower was used as a prison and torture chamber in times gone by. The original wooden bridge was built as early as the year 1333.

A magical morning walk in misty Lucerne

We felt overwhelmed by history as we set foot on this historic bridge and one of the main tourist attractions of Switzerland. We marveled at the paintings and we stood by the side to view the water and the mountains in the distance before returning back to where we had started from.

Church of St. Leodegar

A magical morning walk in misty LucerneA magical morning walk in misty Lucerne

The city had cast off its misty veil by the time we walked away from the wooden bridge and made our way to the center of the city and onto the beautiful and serene Church of St. Leodegar.

The church again is an important landmark of Lucerne with a lot of historic significance and was built between 1633 to 1639. Before this, there existed a Gothic church that was destroyed by fire in 1633.

Today only the towers, St.Mary’s altar, and a few other religious artifacts remain as a silent testimony to times gone by. We spent some time in the calming environs of the gardens of the church, before making our way out.

The Lion Monument

A magical morning walk in misty Lucerne

Up next on our agenda was, The Lion Monument, and we set out resolutely in search of it. I would like to add here that we were exploring Lucerne on foot and without a map nor GPS. We were using the age-old and time tested technique of asking for directions.

After asking for directions we reached a main square of the city with roads going in all four directions, we paused, contemplating the direction that we should take. Luckily for us, a pretty lady emerged from one of the Beauty Parlours on the street and I was off to greet her and ask her for directions.

She smiled, and with a flick of her long fingers, made a gesture of “walking”, and pointed behind me, saying, “just walk behind those Chinese tourists”! I turned around, just in time to see a group of Chinese tourists turn the corner, towards my right. I immediately thanked the lady and we followed in the footsteps of the Chinese, who led us to, The Lion Monument.

The Lion Monument is a sculpture of a Lion that has been hewn in the rock. It is a memorial to the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution. If you look closely at the Lion, you can see the painful and soulful expression on its face as it lies fatally wounded.

It is a very moving sight in stone that would move even the most stone-hearted. We spent some moments, sitting on a bench and gazing at the soul-stirring lion and praying for the souls of those valiant soldiers who had paid with their lives.

We then moved on and traced our way back towards the station along a beautifully paved walkway by the lake, on the way getting down the steps to play with some ducks who were gliding gracefully in the water.

A magical morning walk in misty Lucerne

We knew we had not seen all of Lucerne but were bowled over by the beauty of the place, in the few hours we were there.

We thought it was truly magical and we vowed to ourselves, that we would be back one day. Meanwhile, we recommend you check out our friend’s article on unique things to do in Switzerland here. While in Switzerland, do not miss out on Interlaken, Mount Titlis, and Bern.

Lucerne Tourism

How To Get To Lucerne

If you are planning to visit Lucerne for an amazing Swiss holiday, you can book a flight right here through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline.

Where To Stay In Lucerne

Lucerne is a lovely place with some amazing and scenic accommodation options. You can book your hotel in Lucerne right here through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and get awesome deals.

Click here to book the best hotels/resorts in Lucerne

Tours/Activities available in Lucerne – Things To Do In Lucerne

Lucerne attractions and points of interest are many and if you are trying to decide on what to see in Lucerne or what to do in Lucerne, then look no further. Lucerne attractions passes are available for the most recommended Lucerne tours. You can now book tours in Lucerne as well as activities in Lucerne.

Click here to know more and book Best Attractions and Activities in Lucerne.

Book here the best day trips from Zurich to Lucerne:

Lucerne and Engelberg Full-Day Tour

Lucerne & Mt. Pilatus Mystic Mountain Tour

Lucerne with Optional Yacht Cruise

Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour

 

We hope you liked our post. To know more about some awesome Swiss experiences, do take a look at our other posts on Switzerland here:

Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch, A Must See in Switzerland

How I Fell in Love With Uster

Ravishing Rapperswil, Switzerland

The enduring romance of trains

Train Travel in Europe – An unforgettable experience

Are you planning a last-minute Holiday?

Below are some useful resources to help you book flights/trains/buses, hotels, and tours!

Flights –  TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline

Trains –  Click here to book trains

Buses – Click to book bus

Tours –  Click here to book top tours around the world

Hotels –  Click to book the best hotels/resorts
Choose the best accommodation with TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline 

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Lucerne Switzerland

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TA CJLucerne: A Magical Morning Walk in Misty Lucerne, Switzerland

141 thoughts on “Lucerne: A Magical Morning Walk in Misty Lucerne, Switzerland”

  1. I have never been to Lucerne but it looks beautiful and that bridge in particular is incredible. I love cities that can be explored on foot and the GPSmyity app is good – I use them too and they have some nice, well thought out itineraries

  2. I love the turn of phrase “visual symphony” – what a great image. The “fresh bread and strong coffee” sound good too. Very European 😉

  3. Lucerne has to be one of my favourite places in Switzerland, its just so beautiful. I didn’t recognise in in that top photo, that’s a fantastic angle I haven’t seen before. Did you make it up the hill to the old city walls? There are some great views up there.

  4. Beautiful post. Your photos are magical as well. Hope I get the chance to walk the streets of Lucerne and enjoy its breathtaking views as I feel the chilly air against my face.

  5. So pleased you liked Lucerne, I really loved it too. We couldn’t get from one side to the other on the Chapel Bridge as it was being restored. How gorgeous is it though!?

  6. Lovely.
    I had friends living in Lucern not too long ago, and they kept inviting me all through their stay of two years, but I couldn’t manage to visit them.
    Now I know what I have missed.

  7. Sounds like a lot fun walking thru the streets of Lucerne. I would love to go visit Lucerne soon too and watch those ducks. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience.

  8. One of my favourite cities I have visited so far!! Walking across the Chapel Bridge is just magical. Great post and equally lovely pictures!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful memory from Lucerne

  9. Lucerne really does look magical. I didn’t get a chance to visit the last time I was in Switzerland, but it is definitely on my list now. I’d love to explore the bridge, see the markets and find that lion!

  10. Lucerne looks like a magical place to visit. I hadn’t read much about it before and really enjoyed following your walk and seeing the sights. They are my list now.

  11. Totally interested in getting the app! (I’m on Andoird). Lucerne is one of my favorite cities in the world – it blew me away with it’s beauty too … I was a solo traveler at the time, but I would love to head back with my husband as it’s the perfect romantic destination for two 🙂

  12. We had been to Lucerne only last week though we did not see as much as you, we did Chapel bridge and Lion monument and sauntered around the city. Lucerne is definitely one of the beautiful Swiss Cities.

  13. These are really great pictures, and the important historical facts are fantastic aswell. I love the Lion Monument. That would be what I would want to see first!

  14. Luzern is such a beautiful city. I got to see it in the winter time, which was also magical. Switzerland in general is a beautiful country, just so very expensive!

  15. What a beautiful place! I grew up in Germany and have never been to Lucerne unfortunately! I will put this on my Europe list for sure! Thanks for sharing!

  16. The Lion Monument is striking! Something I have to see in Lucerne, I would also sit for a while trying to decipher it’s a emotions — very throughout provoking.

  17. I’ve always wanted to visit Switzerland and I must say I thought about visiting Bern abut after I saw your 1st and 2nd picture in this article I decided that I will explore Lucerne too. It seems to be a wonderful city!

  18. Isn’t Lucerne amazing?! I adore Switzerland and it was one of the very first places I visited – will always have a special spot in my heart 🙂

  19. Wow stunning photos! I haven’t been yet but now I definitely need to. I’m a total sucker for fairytale cities and Lucerne definitely qualifies! The Kapellbruke is gorgeous!

  20. Lovely town. Lucerne and Switzerland as a whole will always be my favorite european destination. I had an awesome time there last spring 2015. Although expensive.

  21. Wow, that’s really a charming place! So close to France but I have never been to Switzerland. Shame on me (well, not really as I always say I’ll visit Europe when I’ll be old and decrepit lol).

  22. I would definitely like to see the Lion Monument. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to be craving the stone above the water.

  23. Wow, I love your photos! Especially the one of the Chapel Bridge. I felt like I was right there! Lucerne and Switzerland have been on my list for quite some time, but I’ve spent so much time in Europe that I’m trying to venture out to other parts of the world, like South America or Southeast Asia. It’s so hard to choose a destination when you only have a few days off every year! Best wishes on your travels on to Venice.

  24. What a great article and the pictures are so pretty! 😀 I hope you enjoyed your stay in Switzerland! <3

    Just shared the article on my social media and followed your travel site, which I think is great! #email #facebook #twitter #feedly I hope to win the city app for my IOS and I want to explore several Swiss Cities and, when I get the chance, other cities all around the world as well. This will be a great help when I start my new blog! ^_^ @Swiss_Guide

    1. I hope to explore Geneva, Zurich and many more Cities with this app! 🙂 Thank you for your effort!

  25. This is a lovely post, and Lucerne sounds like a dream destination, hope to go there some day. I need cityapp for New Delhi, India for Android.

  26. What a beautiful city, how I wished to walk on that Church of Leodegar. This place is amazing and beautiful. As I’m scrolling your photos it makes me think of something magical. You guys are amazing. No wonder someday more and more tourist would come across this place and they will never regret.

  27. So many comments! What a popular post. For me your photos are lovely, its great to see a less famous area of Switzerland (basically somewhere that isn’t Zurich!) How long will you be in Europe for? x

  28. Gorgeous! We were going to stay in Lucerne as part of our road trip this summer be we are staying at a castle instead. Lucerne is an absolutely beautiful city. We will have to check it out on the way to the castle.

  29. I was just browsing Switzerland posts and found Lucerne as my top interest. Glad I came across with your Lucerne guide. I will not miss to see the Lion Monument. 🙂

  30. You have made Lucerne look so good with your pictures and text. I would want to visit it someday, especially after going through this blog. And that giveaway is so cool.

  31. You’ve got some stunning photos there. Looks like you were mostly lucky with the weather. I have not been to Lucerne yet but would really love to visit. It looks fantastic.

  32. What a pretty city! Walking always seems to be the best way to get your bearings in a new place. Hope we get to go back to Switzerland soon!

  33. What a beautiful day at a beautiful destination. We are planning a trip of Europe, spending some 4 days in Lucerne. We have preserved one for the town and the other days we plan to venture out of the town to further up the mountains. I will remember this itinerary for a tour of the town

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