Lucerne

The German-speaking city is the gateway to central Switzerland, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Swiss Alps. The Canton of Lucerne's capital is set in an impressive location, offering spectacular mountainous views overlooking the surrounding landscape with Mount Pilatus, Rigi and the Alps in the distance. With its ornate churches, cobbled streets, Kapellbrücke and charming Old Town, Lucerne offers traditional culture in the heart of Switzerland.

In the Middle Ages Lucerne was a small fishing village that developed and flourished due to international cultural trade. It remained a small medieval town until the end of the 18th century when Switzerland began to attract tourists, boosting Lucerne's economy.

Lucerne's Old Town is situated north of the River Reuss and is rich in history. Its decorated houses with frescoes line the picturesque town squares in the car-free old town, with several half-timber structures and painted buildings as well as remnants of the old town walls. The Jesuit church dating from the 17th century is regarded as Switzerland's first baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the townscape.