Lucerneis the ideal starting point for many excursions to the highlights of central Switzerland. A trip up one of Lucerne's regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi - the queen of mountains - is a must. But excursions up onto the Stanserhorn, the Bürgenstock or a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many bends and arms are certainly no less worthy. The Wilhelm Tell Express originates in Lucerneand ferries 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 Lucernethrough the landscape of cheery trees and kirsch.

Highlights

    * Chapel Bridge - one of Europe's oldest wooden bridges and landmark of Lucerne, faithfully restored to its original design after a serious fire.
    * Culture and Convention Centre of Lucerne (KKL) - unites a large concert auditorium, the convention centre and the art museum under its imposing roof.
    * Swiss Museum of Transport - one of the most diverse museums in Europefor transport and communication, and the most-frequented museum in Switzerland. Has its own IMAX cinema on site.
    * Lake Lucerne - the scenic beauty of the lake can be discovered on the many different cruises offered by paddlewheel steamers and motor vessels.
    * Pilatus, Rigi, Stanserhorn - excursion mountains made accessible by cableways, offering up picture-book panoramas of the regions around Lucerne.

Top Events

    * Lucerne Festival - several concert series of classical music of a world-class standard, held throughout the year (Easter, summer, November).
    * Luzerner Fasnacht - one of the most original and colourful carnival events in Switzerland(February).
    * «Fumetto» International Comics Festival - presents comic art from the avant-garde and independent scene every spring (April).
    * Blue Balls Festival - an important music festival in Switzerland. International stars take to the stage in lakeside venues and in the Culture and Convention Centre (July).
    * Summer Night Festival (Seenachtsfest) - music and stands around the lakeside as well as magnificent fireworks attract tens of thousands of eager onlookers from throughout Switzerlandto Lucerne(August).
    * Lucerne Blues Festival - every year aficionados of culture and music lovers eagerly await the release of the programme for the Blues Festival in the Grand Casino Lucerne (November).