IMAGES: SWITZERLAND TOURISM; ALAMY
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PAID CONTENT FOR SWITZERLAND TOURI SM
clear lake and surrounded by snow- dusted mountains, the dreamy pastel- coloured landscapes of Lucerne in winter once served as inspiration for English Romantic painter JMW Turner. Enjoy the crisp Alpine air in the medieval old town, spot Picasso originals at the city’s galleries and dip into an exciting food scene that ranges from fondue to fine dining.
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WHAT TO SEE Whether seen at sunrise or in the shadow of dusk’s moody blues, Lucerne’s 14th-century Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) is its biggest medieval attraction. Its frescoed panels depict Swiss history and mythology and alpine swifts roost in its octagonal water tower. From here, ramble up to the city’s historic ramparts, where the 2,600ft-long Musegg Wall offers stunning views over the city’s rooftops to the lake and Alps beyond. In the colder months, Lucerne’s indoor
attractions are equally enticing. Top billing goes to the Sammlung Rosengart, the phenomenal private collection of Angela Rosengart, a once close friend of Picasso. Here, Picasso’s works hang alongside those of Klee, Chagall, Kandinsky, Renoir, Cézanne and Monet. The KKL culture centre offers contemporary exhibitions and waterfront concerts, while families should make for Verkehrshaus (the Swiss Museum of Transport), with its huge range of vehicles, hands-on experiments and the bean-to-bar Swiss Chocolate Adventure ride.
WHAT TO DO One look at the staggering Alpine backdrop tells you just how easily you can breeze from the city to slope in Lucerne. Make the day trip to 1,798m-high Mount Rigi for arresting views that spread across the lake to the Jungfrau Alps when skies are clear. Sledge, hike or snowshoe through frozen forests, before ending your day with a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich baths of the Mario Botta- designed Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad. Alternatively, catch the train to Engelberg, where the mountains punch above 3,000m
nown as Switzerland’s ‘City of Lights’, Lucerne shines brighter than ever in winter. Sat on the shores of a crystal-
and offer plenty of active adventures. Ride the revolving cable car up to the glacier-topped Mount Titlis for brilliant off-piste terrain. Time your visit to catch Lucerne’s Lilu
Light Festival in January, when nightly illuminations dazzle throughout the town. Or, visit during February’s Fasnacht, a pre-Lent feast of parades, bands and carnival cheer.
WHERE TO EAT Start your day at Markthalle, where a range of regional, seasonal produce includes coffee from roasters in Central Switzerland. Then, pop into Max Chocolatier to sample delicious winter truffles in flavours like pistachio almond marzipan and port and caramel. For lunch, head to Sharing Brasserie Juliette, a stylish new spot that offers European classics and sharing dishes — from beef tartare to porcini risotto. In winter, there’s undeniably nothing
more satisfying than a bubbling cheese fondue. Restaurant Moosmatt’s rustic Fonduestübli is the prime spot to sample varieties flavoured with garlic, onion and leek, or truffle, horseradish and chilli. For a special occasion, make a booking
at the glamorous, chandelier-lit restaurant Lucide. Michèle Meier heads up this Michelin-starred spot, letting ingredients sing in imaginative dishes like trout with kohlrabi, yuzu and sorrel.
WHERE TO STAY Perched above the lake, Art Deco Hotel Montana delivers old-school glamour with a spritz of 21st-century luxury. An opulent rum and cigar lounge (which is a homage to writer Ernest Hemingway), a live cookery Kitchen Club, Thursday night jazz jam sessions and glass-fronted restaurant La Scala make this an enticing base. For more regal treatment, check into
the five-star Grand Hotel National, a belle- epoque institution once managed by famed hotelier Cesar Ritz. Its grand interiors still exude sophistication, topped off with a pristine wellness area and indoor pool. Or, for ultimate serenity, make for Hotel
Vitznauerhof, a charming hideaway with classically elegant interiors, a spa overlooking the water and gourmet waterfront dining at the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Sens.
THIS IS PAID CONTENT. IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER (UK) OR THEIR EDITORIAL STAFFS.
Clockwise from left: Switzerland’s ‘City of Lights’; plating up at Sharing Brasserie Juliette; Lucerne’s Kapellbrücke Wassertum during the Lilu Light Festival
PLAN YOUR TRIP
SWISS offer direct flights from many UK airports to Zurich, from which it’s around an hour to Lucerne by train. Or take the train the whole way, changing in Paris and either Basel (three hours from Paris) or Zurich (four hours). With most of the city’s sights set in the compact Old Town, Lucerne is easily explored on foot, while SGV boats offer journeys across the lake. For more information, visit
luzern.com
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