Milan to Lucerne:
Switzerland seems to be a favorite destination for nearly everyone we meet. We had also heard comments about the high cost of everything and the bland food. We decided to experience a slice of Switzerland for ourselves by adding on a three day side trip to Lucerne while we were staying in Milan, Italy.
Because of the fantastic train service throughout Europe, including Milan, train trips to Lucerne are easy to plan and execute. Fast trains from Milan to Lucerne take about 3 1/2 hours to cover the 118 miles distance. There are at least 4 daily trains between Milan and Lucerne. The earliest train to Lucerne departs Milan around 9:55 am and the last train to Lucerne departs around 3:10 pm. We discovered the schedule is the same on the weekend too.
The Swiss Experience:
Lucerne is an old-world city on the picturesque Reuss River and Lake Lucerne, surrounded by majestic mountains. All along the river’s banks are open air cafes and restaurants. Lucerne captures everything travelers want to experience when they think of Switzerland. One city landmark is a wooden bridge spanning the Reuss River, connecting the Old Town with the New City. This bridge, Chapel Bridge, dates back to the 14th century. Paintings representing Lucerne’s history decorate the bridge walls. The bridge is certainly the most recognizable and photographed landmark in the town.
The Old Town:
Many old buildings, decorated with murals illustrating city life and hunting scenes from Lucerne’s past, can be found in the Old Town. The Old Town is pedestrian only. Hotel des Balances is one of the oldest buildings, dating back to 1199 where nobility met for tea in the art nouveau lounges. Before becoming the Hotel des Balances in 1836, the location was used for a variety of different endeavors, for example, it housed the local meat market.
Renaissance Lucerne Hotel:
We opted instead to stay for two nights at the Renaissance Lucerne Hotel primarily for its location, only a 3 minute walk from the train station. This allowed us one full day and two half days to wander the city and the surrounding country-side. This century-old City Palais, located in the very heart of Lucerne, has been thoughtfully restored. It is a first-class, distinctive luxury hotel which has kept many architectural features from its storied past. The Renaissance Hotel is also located on the major public transportation bus routes.
The Lion Monument:
If you have the time, consider seeing the “Lion Monument”. This is also walkable from the Hotel. It is a classic statue carved out of natural rock. Mark Twain described it as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”. This Lion sculpture was created in honor of the Swiss soldiers who gave their lives assisting the escape of the French Royal Family during the French Revolution.
Mt. Pilatus:
No trip to Lucerne is complete without a Swiss Alps adventure to Mt. Pilatus. Public transportation takes you to the gondolas in less than 20 minutes from the Hotel. We suggest purchasing tickets for a 5.5-hour round-trip journey which includes the following:
- a 30-minute panoramic gondola ride from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg mountain terminals
- an ascent by aerial cableway to the peak of Mt Pilatus.
- free time at the summit
- the world’s steepest cogwheel train down to Alpnachstad,
- a guided boat ride for a 1-hour scenic cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne from Alpnachstad back to the City of Lucerne, near the train station.
