We left Como after breakfast and drove north to Basel. On the way, we caught a glimpse of Lake Lugano and traveled through the stunning Alps with their classic Swiss scenery of high peaks, green valleys, and crystal clear lakes.
We made a pit stop at the Gotthard Pass and climbed up to see the equestrian statue of General Suvorov. I thought it was interesting this Russian General is highly thought of among the Swiss people. He saved their country from the invasion of Napoleon.
The drive continued with winding switchbacks, covered roadways, and long tunnels. Interesting Fact: Did you know that Switzerland has fallout shelters to accommodate their entire population?
We were blown away with our first glimpse of Lucerne and it’s gorgeous blue lake. Yes, it really is that blue and it’s easy to understand why writers like Mark Twain, Thomas Mann, and Leo Tolstoy were inspired by the lake.
Our first stop was at the dying Lion. It was carved out of natural rock in memory of the heroic deaths of the Swiss mercenary who lost their lives trying to save the French king Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Mark Twain once described the Lion of Lucerne as the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.
Next, we took a stroll through the iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) that crosses the Reuss River in the heart of the city. The bridge was originally constructed over 600 years ago and was rebuilt in 1993 after it was destroyed by fire.
The wooden bridge is lined with beautiful flowers and decorated with unique paintings on the interior. The paintings are local, historic scenes from Lucerne.
The tall Water Tower beside the bridge was named because of its location in the water and has never been used to store water. It has been a prison, torture chamber and a municipal archive.
On the other side of the river was the Jesuit Church. It was the first large baroque church that was built in Switzerland north of the Alps. Its nave is bright and beautiful.
The last stop we made was at this uniquely named shop with the tagline “Eat Fresh from Yesterday”. It collects unsold food from different places and sells it for way cheaper. This means that you can find all kind of bakery, from danishes to sandwiches for half the price and still perfectly good. The pastry I got was good and the cup with the logo on it stayed with me the for the rest of the trip.
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