In the very heart of Switzerland, Lucerne straddles the banks of the Reuss River along the picturesque shore of Lake Lucerne. As befits a town of many bridges, its most famous landmark is the 14^th-century wooden Chapel Bridge and the 13^th-century octagonal water tower perched alongside it. Also famous is the Mill Bridge, which holds the distinction of being the oldest covered bridge in Europe. The interiors of both bridges are adorned with paintings depicting scenes from Lucerne’s history.

Just north of the Reuss River is Old Town Lucerne. Here, visitors can browse shops and boutiques, or venture uphill to explore the remnants of the medieval town walls and four watch towers. Other historic Lucerne attractions include the late-Renaissance cathedral church of St. Leodegar, known as the Hofkirche, and the Lion Monument,  commemorating the massacre of Swiss Guards during the French Revolution.

Museum-goers will find important works by  19^th- and 20^th-century artists at the Rosengart Siftung and Picasso museums, while the Swiss Transport Museum impresses with its vast array of exhibits on transportation and communication, along with its famous IMAX Cinema.

Towering over Lucerne are the mountains of Pilatus and Rigi. In summer, visitors can travel by boat across the lake to Alpnachstad, then take the world’s steepest cog railway to Pilatus’ peak. Rigi is a popular destination for skiing, sledding and hiking, depending on the season, and is accessible by rail and cable car. Boating, biking, and golf are among the other countless diversions that await the active traveler to Lucerne.

The spectacular Casino Lucerne enlivens the city’s night scene. Visitors can also fill their evenings with world-class music, dance and theater performances, sampling the city’s restaurants and nightclubs, and enjoying a romantic night cruise on the lake.

In late summer, classic music lovers from around the world descend on Lucerne for the annual Lucerne Festival, held at the magnificent new Culture and Congress Centre.