Lucerne, Switzerland

Departed Zermatt and headed to Lucerne, a small city located along Lake Lucerne and Reuss River. There is Nadelwehr Luzern, a needle dam that regulates water flow from Lake Lucerne to keep the lake at a consistent height and protect Lucerne from floods. 

Located in Central Switzerland, Lucerne combines old city charm with modern conveniences. Lucerne is also a gateway to the mountains. We stayed at Hotel Alpina, a few minutes from the train station. This hotel offers a comprehensive breakfast - which is almost like a brunch.

The Hotel Alpina has Switzerland's smallest elevator.

To give you an idea how small the elevator at Hotel Alpina

Reuss River with Musegg Wall in the background.

Chapel Bridge with Mt Rigi in the background.

Jesuit Church in Lucerne

Lucerne sunset

Our excursion to Mt Rigi. Started with a boat ride across Lake Lucerne. Then transferred to a cogwheel train to reach the top of Mt Rigi.

Mt Pilatus excursion. We experienced all forms of Switzerland transit at Mt Pilatus. Rode a bus to the entrance. Then took two cable cars to get to the peak. Climbed stairs to two observation points. Spent lots of time enjoying the views. Then rode the cogwheel train down - steepest in the world with some points at 48 degree angle. Finally, rode the boat back to Lucerne. 

Mt Pilatus along Lake Lucerne

Mt Pilatus is also known as the dragon lair

Mt Pilatus cogwheel train. At angles of up to 48 degrees, this is the world's steepest  cogwheel railway.

Above the clouds.

We watched several people paragliding off Mt Pilatus