Lucerne, in central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne, has an impressive mountainous panorama. It offers many attractions, great shopping, a beautiful lakeside setting, and nearby excursion mountains. The medieval Chapel Bridge in the center of Lucerne is considered to be one of the oldest wooden and painted bridges in Europe. Historic houses decorated with frescoes line the picturesque town squares.
The town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention Centre (KKL), designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, is one of the architectural highlights. A trip up one of Lucerne’s regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi – the queen of mountains – is a must. A steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many bends and arms is also very nice. The Gotthard Panorama Express takes its passengers to the foot of the Gotthard pass via Lake Lucerne and then continues by rail into Ticino, south of the Alpine ridge. The «cherry road» leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheery trees and kirsch.