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LUZERN - STAY FOR LESS "CHF"

LUZERN, in central Switzerland, lies on the Western shores of the large & oddly shaped Lake, the VIERWALDSTATTERSEE (phew!) meaning “Lake of the 4 Forest Cantons” where thickly wooded mountain slopes rise sheer from the lakes misty bays & peninsulas (so poetic!). The River Reuss flows out of the Lake splitting this Medieval Town in two but linked by covered Bridges. On each side are frescoed Houses, ancient Guildhalls, domed Churches & cobbled Streets/ Squares, making it a delightful place to stay. Steamboats cruise on the crystal blue lake with snow capped mountains beyond to complete this “Chocolate Box Cover” location.

ACCOMMODATION

NO1 – BACKPACKERS LUCERNE at Alpenquai 42 (800mtrs S/E of Rail Station along lakeside) tele 041 360 04 20 – www. backpackerslucerne.ch – 28 chf incl. linen in 4 bunk dorms. 2 self catering kitchens well equipped with dining areas, comfy lounge corners & sitting areas, also laundry. This large modern building, part of a Student House, has excellent facilities & ideal location near the Lake

Reserve – Tourist Hotel – at St Karliquai 12 (in Old Town along side the River Reuss) tele 041 410 24 74 – www. touristhotel.ch – 40 chf incl. breakfast in dorms. Limited kitchen (microwave) on ground floor with large dining/sitting area. Very central but away from Lakeside .

FOOD a small Supermarket branch of MIGROS is located behind No 1 Hostel & in the City Centre large - MIGROS & COOP - outlets can be found, both with large food selections

TRAVELLING AROUND – the City is easily achieved on foot although tram s & busses are available. An essential trip, however, is to take a Steamboat ride on the beautiful Lake to see the magnificent panorama views, especially of Mount Pilatus .

FREE SIGHTS TO SEE

1. KAPELLBRUCKE – originally 14C but reconstructed after 1993 fire, few panels remain – sad!
2. WASSERTURM – formerly a lighthouse then prison, treasury & now meeting house, a City icon
3. SPREUERBRUCKE – original bridge with macabre 1635 “Dance of Death” roof panels – good!
4. CITY BATTLEMENTS – 14C, walk through fortified gates up hill to towers for impressive views
5. LION MONUMENT – hewn out of rock face in memory of Swiss Guards killed French Rev.1792
6. JESUIT CHURCH – Switzerland 's oldest Baroque Church 1606, first examples of Stucco by Wesso
7. CITY TOUR – wander the narrow cobbled shopping streets crossing the River to Hirschenplatz
8. LAKESIDE WALK – from the Steamer harbour along the lakeside path to Hostel No1 - delightful
9. BOURBAKI- PANORAMA – enormous O painting by Castres in Lowenplatz depicting 1871 War
10. MARKET SQUARES – find 1606 Florentine/ Renaisse.Town Hall in Korn. & fountain in Wien.

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. STEAMBOAT TO WEGGIS – a cruise on this supreme Swiss Lake on a sunny day is perfect
2. MOUNT PILATUS – take the cable car from Old Town to the summit with amazing views
3. GLACIER GARDENS – intriguing potholes eroded during the Ice Age plus Mirror Maze of 1896

* Dan, Ruth, Marianne, Jason & Aaron, Pink Palace ( Corfu )