Category: Switzerland

Day trip to Pilatus and Harder Kulm
Mount Pilatus is a great day trip from Lucerne to get up close to the snow-capped mountains. There are a few ways to reach Mount Pilatus and the Golden Round Trip is the highly recommended one. It begins by cable car ride to the summit of Mount Pilatus and backs down via the Worldâ€™s steepest cog railway train before returning to Lucerne on a boat. But I opted to take just the cog railway to the mountaintop and back down. And so, we made our way to Alpnachstad station from Lucerne and waited for our turn to board the cog railway.
Itâ€™s amazing that the train climbs a maximum gradient of 48% and on the average of 35%! The ride passes through forested areas and tunnels before stopping at a halfway station. There are wooden houses and roaming cows around. The mountain views got better when we are approaching Pilatus Kulm station.
And Pilatus Kulm Hotel looks great with the amazing backdrop.
The amazing views from Mount Pilatus
The views of the Swiss Alps are truly amazing from Mount Pilatus. Although the fog will make occasional appearances to block these lovely views. Likewise, for the cold howling winds which make one shiver uncontrollably. But Itâ€™s definitely worth it with views as such.
Else the large observation deck is a good option to enjoy the views without bracing the cold.
The Oberhaupt viewing point with a height of 2106 meters can be reached by taking a trail of rocky stairs with railings. Itâ€™s an easy walk amid some uneven surfaces so do take note of that. There are a military radar and weather station in an out-of-bounds area.
I enjoyed the views from Oberhaupt and was thinking of exploring other trails. Thatâ€™s when a thick fog came along and overstayed. Itâ€™s another reminder of how quickly the weather can change at high altitude areas.
Onwards to Harder Kulm
We took the cog railway train back to Alpnachstad and then head towards Interlaken. Harder Kulm stands around 1322 meters and is known for the wonderful views of the Jungfrau mountainous region. Itâ€™s a short walk from Interlaken-Ost station to Harderbahn station where a modern funicular sent us to the hilltop.
Harder Klum Restaurant has a castle-like appearance and a nice alfresco dining area. But the outdoor area was empty with the cold wind at its best that day. Likewise, the highly anticipated summits views of Eiger, MÃ¶nch, and Jungfrau were almost impossible to see on such a cloudy day. Better luck next time!
Dinner at Wilhelm Tell Restaurant
The dinner was at Wilhelm Tell restaurant (Schiffrestaurant Willhelm Tell) on a retired old paddle steamer. Both the atmosphere and food were great! It’s a nice dining experience before we bid farewell to Lucerne.
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What are your thoughts about Pilatus or Harder Kulm? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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December 7, 2018
Lucerne and the Chapel Bridge
We are bound for Lucerne (Luzern) next, so we took a flight from Stockholm to Zurich via the now-defunct Air Berlin. Itâ€™s a pity to see this Airline goes bust as I like their service standards. This was also the first of my many subsequent visits to Zurich and this efficient Swiss transport hub has been one of my favourites. Zurich Airport train station is conveniently located with direct trains connecting it to Lucerne. Hence, itâ€™s really easy to reach the scenic Lucerne in just over an hour ride. As the saying goes, everything runs like clockwork in Switzerland.
Upon check-in and itâ€™s time to visit Lucerne Old Town. Its small squares and those beautiful fountains are great places to wander around. More so when the surrounding buildings are painted in bright cheery colours. And the Swiss Chocolate brand, Laderach, which I have never failed to visit whenever I am in Switzerland.
Hofkirche St. Leodegar is an important church not far away from the Old Town.
Just up the road from Hofkirche St. Leodegar is the Lion Monument depicting a dying lion. Itâ€™s a notable landmark that commemorates the Swiss Guards who died during the 1792â€™s French Revolution.
The Chapel Bridge
The covered wooden Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke) that spans diagonally across Reuss River is the symbol of Lucerne. There are also many triangular-framed old paintings hanging on the roof and support beams. The water tower next to it adds up to its historical charms. This setting of a picturesque lake with snow-capped mountains as backdrops exudes a magical ambiance.
There are other footbridges like Rathaussteg, Reuss Bridge (Reussbrucke) and Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrucke) further down the river. In which, Spreuer Bridge is an older covered wooden bridge as compared to the more well-known Chapel Bridge.
And the charm just doubles up when night falls, at least to me, with the lights reflecting on Reuss River.
The dinner was a wonderful one at La Barca, which has a wonderful view of the riverside. In summary, good food, good view but pricey.
STAY: Hotel Monopol Lucerne
The location of Hotel Monopol Lucerne is excellent, being right next to the main train station and within short walking distance to the old town. Itâ€™s an old building and perhaps the dated interior could use a refurbish or upgrade soon. The large room is very comfortable and the friendly staff is a plus.
Our room has a great view from the open windows, amid the road noise since there is no air conditioning. I would probably stay here again but definitely not during the Summer.
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What are your thoughts about Lucerne? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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November 30, 2018