ZURICH
(INCLUDING lUCERN)
GENERAL INFORMATION-Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zürich. Zürich is a hub for railways, roads, and air traffic. Both Zürich Airport and Railway Station are the largest and busiest in the country. Zürich is a leading global city and among the world's largest financial centers. The city is home to a large number of financial institutions and banking giants. It is the first place where tourists arrive. Because of the cities close distance to tourist resorts in the Swiss Alps and its mountainous scenery, it is often referred to as the "portal to the Alps". It has been continuously ranked as the city with the highest living standard world-wide for many years. Most of Zurich's sights lie within the compact area on either side of the River Limmat between the Hauptbahnhof and Lake Zurich. The churches and burgher houses of the Old Town are clustered here, as are the elegant shops of Bahnhofstrasse. Also within strolling distance of the river are the city's most impressive churches - the Grossmünster and Fraumünster - as well as the city's oldest, St Peterskirche, which still boasts the largest clock face in Europe. The city also has the full of museums, from art galleries and design forums to archaeology collections and ethnographic museums.
GEOGRAPHY-It is located in north-central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zürich. The Old Town stretches on both sides of the Limmat River, which flows from the lake, running northwards at first and then gradually turning into a curve to the west.
Distances from Zurich- to Geneva=278Kms, to Interlaken=118Kms, to Lucerne=50Kms, to Schaffhausen=52Kms, to Engelberg=85Kms.
AREA- 87.88km2
POPULATION-3,83,000
CO-ORDINATES-47°22′N 8°33′E
TIME ZONE- UTC +1
CLIMATE-
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
HIGH 3 5 10 15 19 22 25 24 20 14 8 4
LOW -3 -3 0.1 3 7 11 13 12 9 5 0.7 -2
POPULATION-3,83,000
CO-ORDINATES-47°22′N 8°33′E
TIME ZONE- UTC +1
CLIMATE-
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
HIGH 3 5 10 15 19 22 25 24 20 14 8 4
LOW -3 -3 0.1 3 7 11 13 12 9 5 0.7 -2
AIRPORT-The international Zürich Airport is situated in close proximity to Zürich and is considered one of the world’s best airports. With direct flights to 170 destinations, Zurich Airport is your gateway to the world. From Zurich it’s only a ten-minute train ride to the airport, where 89 airlines operate flights to destinations all over the world. Visit the new observation deck in Dock B of Zurich Airport and enjoy some fascinating views of the aprons and runways. The railway station is to be found at the lowest underground Level -2 of the adjacent airport shopping center just across the street of the arrival gates. There is also a tram (tramway/streetcar) line No. 10 (colored pink) running between the airport and the city Centre, a 37 minutes ride to Zurich HB. The bus terminal and the tram (way) stop are to be found at ground level south of the airport shopping center at Level 1
ATTRACTONS & SIGHTS AT ZURICH -
001-FRAUMÜNSTER-This beautiful church dates from the ninth century, the main attraction is the 20th-century stained-glass windows in the choir by Marc Chagall (1970), the works are best seen in the morning light. The current church dates from the 13th century .The elegant spire dates from 1732, although the church is predominantly gothic. The site was originally endowed by Charlemagne's grandson and later became the church of the Zurich Noblewomen's Convent. The stained-glass windows in the north transept are by Alberto Giacometti's cousin, Augusto. No visiting during Sunday services.
002-GROSSMÜNSTER-The two towers of the originally Romanesque Grossmünster are Zurich’s landmark and they also offer a great view over Zurich, if you make it up the 187 narrow steps (4/2Sfr admission for the tower, open 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 12:30 - 17:00). According to legend, Felix and Regula, Zurich’s patron saints, were beheaded at the site of the Wasserkirche and then walked up to where the Grossmünster stands, taking their heads with them. Centuries later the Emperor Charlemagne was passing through Zurich and decided to found a church in honor of the martyrs after a hint from his horse. Since the Reformation the church has a barren feel, alleviated only by the windows. German artist Sigmar Polke finished 12 simply beautiful windows in 2009, partly made of semi-precious stones. The cathedral played an integral role in the Protestant Reformation. Recent archaeological discoveries suggest the existence of a Roman cemetery underneath the church. There are also remains of a Romanesque cloister, 12th-century statuary
003-LAKE ZURICH PROMENADE WALK-The lake is certainly one of the city’s highlights and a walk along the shores is a must if you’re in Zurich. Start for example at Bellevue and walk along the promenade towards Zürichhorn. After a few hundred meters a park with trees and a lawn fills the expanse between the lake and the street. The huge Blatterwiese, also known as Chinawiese because the Chinese Garden is just next to it, is popular for relaxing, sunbathing or playing sports. There is also a playground for kids. Continuing you get to Zürichhorn, a small delta with some lakeside restaurants and later still to the railway station Tiefenbrunnen where you can hop on a tram (or train) back to Bellevue. The western shore of the lake is a bit less popular though just as nice for a walk. Start at the Arboretum and walk along the shore passing Enge Port, the cactuses of the Sukkulentensammlung, and the Mythenquai until you reach the Landiwiese, a large field where many cultural events take place.
004-LINDENHOF-This idyllic square on a little hill in Zurich’s center used to be an important place. The Romans set up shop here and later mediaeval royals would stay here when travelling in the region. Check out the replica Roman tomb stone in the right-hand wall of Pfalzgasse leading down and out of the square. The view from here over the Limmat is very pretty and on sunny days you can join in a game of chess at the back of the square.
005-UETLIBERG- It rises up to 869 meters - towering around 450 meters over the city. There is a lookout tower on top bringing you to exactly 900 meters and offering a stunning view over the city, the lake and on to the Alps. The mountain is a popular local recreation area all year round. There is a train (S10 from track 21 or 22) from the main station twice an hour (more on weekends). Be aware that you need an additional ticket even if you have a day pass for Zurich, because the Uetliberg is not within the city zone (buy a 1 - 2 additional zones’ day ticket at the ticket machine). From the terminal station it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the peak with the lookout tower (free access) and a restaurant. You can also walk up from the city to the peak. Take tram N°13 in direction Albisgüetli and get off at the last stop. From there two different paths lead to the top, both take about an hour. To follow the Denzlerweg, walk at first towards the restaurant Kolbenhof (follow the signs). After that, the path goes into the forest and rises steeply with lots of wooden stairs - at the end there is even a ladder and a chain to help you climb the final rock. An easier way is to take the train and get off one stop before the top at Ringlikon, from where a gently climbing path leads you in roughly 40 minutes to the lookout point on the Uetliberg. There is a sledge run from the peak down to Triemli - it's sometimes possible to rent a sledge at the terminus.
006-TRAM MUSEUM AND VINTAGE TRAM-Lots of old trams from days gone by are on show in this one-time tram depot. It’s quite a hands-on exhibition, but also has a few things to say about how traffic systems shaped the city - unfortunately in German mostly. The last weekend of every month, a vintage tram brings you there. It starts just off Bahnhofstrasse, on Usteristrasse between McDonald’s and Globus.
007-NATIONAL MUSEUM (LANDESMUSEUM)- The Swiss National Museum lies on a landscaped triangle of parkland between the Hauptbahnhof and the Limmat and Sihl rivers and has fulfilled the role of the nation's attic for over a century. The complex actually comprises three separate museums – the National Museum Zurich, the Castle of Pragins and the Forum of Swiss History Schwyz. There are four thematic areas- the first section shows the history of migration and settlement, the second examines religious and intellectual history, the third is dedicated to Swiss political history and the fourth section focusses on economy. For most exhibits explanations in English are available. In the west wing of the museum the exhibition Swiss Furniture and Interiors shows 11 period rooms, among them for example a living room from the mediaeval Castle Wiggen .The armour tower displays arms of national and international importance. English-language guided tour through the permanent collection every Tue at 11:00.
008-KUNSTHAUS (Zurich Art Gallery)-This is the city's most important art gallery, boasting a collection of paintings and sculptures by Swiss and international masters, covering most periods from medieval times but focusing largely on the 19th and 20th centuries. Two of Monet's Water Lilies paintings and the largest collection of Edvard Munch's works outside Norway can be found here, as well as expressionist pieces by Kokoschka, Beckmann and Corinth. Pieces by the Dadaists (who, of course, came into being in Zurich) and the world's most important collection of work by Alberto Giacometti are a highlight. Tours are available in English if reserved beforehand.
009-BEYER WATCH MUSEUM (Uhrenmuseum)-At the Beyer watch museum you can admire hundreds of watches without worrying that a shop clerk is about to ask you which one you're interested in buying. But it's more than just beautiful watches and clocks - the exhibition shows the very different instruments used for time measurement from Egyptian times to today, like oil clocks or sundials. The museum is within the premises of the Beyer watch shop.
010-CENTRE LE CORBUSIER-The Centre Le Corbusier is a museum by the architect about the famous Swiss architect. It was his last building, finished in 1967, two years after his death. Set in wooded grounds just next to the lake, it’s a colorful, light piece of art in itself. The collection brought together by Heidi Weber, who commissioned the building, shows that Le Corbusier was not just an architect, but also a graphic artist, a painter, a sculptor and a furniture designer.
011-TOY MUSEUM ZURICH (Spielzeugmuseum)- This quirky little museum houses a colorful assortment of toys from the 18th to 20th centuries, but should be seen as far more than just a collection of playthings. The exhibits – ranging from railway sets and dolls to tin figurines and board games – give valuable insight into the periods during which they were created, and the venue’s location in the heart of the Old Town gives it a suitably historical feel.
012-ZURICH ZOO-The open, park-like enclosures of Zurich Zoo house some 1,500 animals in areas that replicate the animals' natural environments. Some of the zoo's most popular residents – particularly apes, seals and penguins – draw crowds during feeding times (hours for which are on the website) and there’s even a chance to witness the early-morning elephant wash. A complex duplicates Madagascar's Masoala rainforest. The zoo prides itself on its breeding programme, and at any one time there are pups and young animals to observe, varying from anteaters to orang-utans. Zoo is located on Zürichberg high above the city. The pride of this zoological garden which was opened in 1929 is the Masoala Rainforest hall, simulating the ecosystem in the Masoala National park in Madagascar on some 10,000sqm. Animals like lemurs or giant tortoises can move freely. Since 1992 Zurich Zoo has gradually been changing the traditional-style enclosures into whole ecosystems which better meet the animals’ needs, e.g. an Indian dry forest for the lions or Himalaya mountains for snow leopards, wolves, and Siberian tigers. There are also several restaurants at the zoo.
013-CHINESE GARDEN (Chinagarten)-The Chinese garden was opened in 1994 as a gift from Zurich’s Chinese sister city Kunming in gratitude for the help Zurich provided in restoring Kunming’s water facilities. The garden’s major theme are the so-called Three Friends of Winter, the pine tree, the bamboo and the plum. The garden is surrounded by a red wall with an unmistakably Chinese roof.
014-ARBORETUM-The Arboretum is part of the embankments of Lake Zurich which were inaugurated in 1887 and made the lake accessible from the city. It lies on the north-western corner of the lake and you can reach it from Bürkliplatz in 5 minutes on foot. Originally intended for botanical education, most people prefer to use it as a park and a kind of unofficial lido, even though getting into the water is not so convenient here. Definitely a good place to go sunbathing or for a relaxed stroll. If you are into botany, the trees and plants growing here are worth a look. Signs under the trees tell you what you are staring at and whether in comes from Japan, the USA or somewhere in Europe. At the lakeside there's a panel to help you identify the peaks of the Alpine panorama visible on clear days. There is an aviary in the park and a kiosk at the west end.
015-ALFRED ESCHER-Alfred Escher (1819 - 1882), railway pioneer and once one of Switzerland’s most powerful men, now stands as a statue fittingly in front of the main train station. Situated above an elaborate fountain, he looks down Bahnhofstrasse between the tram lines and the street.
016-HANS WALDMANN-Located just across from the Fraumünster the statue commemorates Hans Waldmann (1435 - 1489), once general and mayor of Zurich. Originating from a simple background, he defeated Charles, Duke of Burgundy, in 1477. Later on however, his popularity waned and he was sentenced and beheaded.
017-BOTANISCHER GARTEN (Botanical Gardens)-Zurich University's Botanical Gardens - notable for their large, igloo-like biodomes - make for a wonderful place to get away from it all. Inside are over a million plants that comprise the university's botanical collection, representing a number of different ecosystems from tropical rainforests to alpine meadow flowers. Most of the plants cultivated are wild species, which sets it apart from the standard traditions of central European botany. The gardens were founded in 1976.
018-ZURICH LAKE-Lake Zürich is formed by the River Linth. Zürich, at the north-western end of the lake, is the largest city on Lake Zürich. The waters of the Lake of Zürich flow out of the lake at its north-west end, passing through the city of Zürich; however, the outflow is then called the Limmat. The Lake is 40kmx3km.
019-HAUPTBHANHOF- Zürich Hauptbahnhof(HB) is the largest railway station in Switzerland. It is one of the oldest railway stations in Switzerland. Serving up to 2,915 trains per day, Zürich HB is one of the busiest railway stations in the world. It is in the Altstadt or old town in central Zürich at the confluence of the rivers Limmat and Sihl, where the river Sihl passes the station in a tunnel between the tracks on the upper and the lower level. The station railway yards extend about 4 km (2.5 mi) to the west. Its central location provides access to trains traveling to Spain, France, Italy, Austria, and Germany and beyond. In addition, the station is part of the Rail City network and has over 200 hundred underground shops in which travelers can pick up souvenirs, snacks. Trains operate every 10-15 minutes with a total travel time of only 11 minutes from the city center to the airport. Cities commonly traveled to from this station- Amsterdam, Basel, Bern, Geneva, Interlaken, Luzern, Milan, Munich, Paris, Salzburg, and Vienna.
020- BAHNHOFSTRASSE-Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich's main downtown street and one of the world's most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues. Bahnhofstrasse (Station Street) starts at Bahnhofplatz in front of the Zürich Hauptbahnhof , passing Rennweg, Augustinergasse and Paradeplatz before it ends after 1.4 km at Bürkliplatz on Lake Zurich (National Bank), Hotel Baur au Lac. The street is largely pedestrianized, but is also an important link in the Zürich tram network. Paradeplatz, one of the most famous squares in Switzerland, is situated towards the end of the Bahnhofstrasse closest to Lake Zurich. The two biggest Swiss banks, UBS and the Credit Suisse Group, have their headquarters there. Paradeplatz is also known for its chocolate shop and cafe, Confiserie Sprüngli.
021-LONGSTRASSE-Langstrasse (or “long street”) begins near the district courts and extends north-northeast to the train tracks of Zürich Hauptbahnhof. The quarter has a population of 10,500 on an area of 1.13 km². In Switzerland prostitution is legal, so in Zurich you can find everything from strip clubs to sex clubs and whore houses. It is notorious as Zurich's red light district, with a soaring crime rate, drug dealing and brothels. The area is the most overtly multicultural spot of the town. In recent years, ateliers and stylish bars start to coexist side by side to the about 15 strip clubs.
022-ZURICH UNIVERSITY-The University of Zurich was founded in 1833, though its origins stretch back as far as 1525 and the days of protestant reformer Ulrich Zwingli. Today the University enjoys international renown as a place of education and research. The University of Zurich as a whole also ranks in the top ten of Europe and in the top fifty worldwide. It was founded in 1833.It has 12 Nobel Prize laureates including Albert Einstein.
023-LAKE ZURICH BOAT CRUISE-The lake cruise boats depart from the 'Bürkliplatz', and the river cruises depart from 'Zürich Landesmuseum'.
a-Limmat River cruises:- These 50 to 60 minute canal boat tours start and end from Zürich Landesmuseum and take you on the river Limmat, along the Old Town, and onto the lake. The 'Zürichhorn Casino' dock is where it turns around and goes back to the town center. Round trips from the docks along the way are possible as well.
b-Short round trips of about 90 minutes-
c-Making a round trip is not required. You can take a boat to one of the towns along the lake, get off there, and go back to Zurich by train, or vice versa. In many towns, the rail station is just a few minutes on foot from the boat dock. Examples are Zollikon, Küsnacht, Thalwil, Herrliberg, Horgen, Uetikon, Wädenswil, Richterswil, Rapperswil and Schmerikon.
a-Limmat River cruises:- These 50 to 60 minute canal boat tours start and end from Zürich Landesmuseum and take you on the river Limmat, along the Old Town, and onto the lake. The 'Zürichhorn Casino' dock is where it turns around and goes back to the town center. Round trips from the docks along the way are possible as well.
b-Short round trips of about 90 minutes-
c-Making a round trip is not required. You can take a boat to one of the towns along the lake, get off there, and go back to Zurich by train, or vice versa. In many towns, the rail station is just a few minutes on foot from the boat dock. Examples are Zollikon, Küsnacht, Thalwil, Herrliberg, Horgen, Uetikon, Wädenswil, Richterswil, Rapperswil and Schmerikon.
ZURICH OUTSTATION DAY TOURS
TOUR-1-Rhine Falls Tour from Zurich (3 hours).Driving distance=52Kms
TOUR-2-Lucern and Mount Pilatus (Golden Round) Tour from Zurich (9 hours & 30 minutes).Driving distance=50Kms.
TOUR-3-Rigi - Queen of the Swiss Mountains Tour from Zurich (9 hours & 30 minutes).
TOUR-4-Mount Titlis +LucernTour from Zurich (full day).Distancce=85Kms
TOUR-2-Lucern and Mount Pilatus (Golden Round) Tour from Zurich (9 hours & 30 minutes).Driving distance=50Kms.
TOUR-3-Rigi - Queen of the Swiss Mountains Tour from Zurich (9 hours & 30 minutes).
TOUR-4-Mount Titlis +LucernTour from Zurich (full day).Distancce=85Kms
001- RHINE FALLS WATERFALLS- The falls are located near the town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland, between Schaffhausen and Zürich and driving distance of 52Kms. This is the largest water fall in Europe. They are 150 m (450 ft.) wide and 23 m (75 ft.) high. There are also viewing platforms with a spectacular view of the falls built on both sides of the Rhine. It is one hour from Zurich. Laufen Castle (top right) of the fall. Best view is from the platforms ("Känzeli") on the left shore. Access is through Laufen castle, the entrance fee (1 Euro / 1.50 CHF / 2 US $) is well worth. To this water power is used to generate energy at the Rhine Falls. The performance of the Rhine power plant Neuhausen is with its 4.4 MW rather modest in comparison to the largest power plant located at the High-Rhine with 120 MW. A boat tour in the falls basin over to Center Rock and further downriver. From the pier at Schlössli Wörth the experienced captain steers the narrow boat through wild, churning waters, moors in the middle of the Rhine Falls and the passengers ascend the rock. Here an unforgettable panorama awaits you surrounded by up to 7,00,000 liters of water per second. Grand Hotel Schweizerhof, which had been created on the site a park with Flanierwegen for its guests. The hotel is housed in the Park at the Rhine Falls are a popular tourist restaurant, a souvenir shop and a snack bar. The opening of the Rheinfallbahn from Winterthur to Schaffhausen in 1857 opened up the Rhine Falls region for the first time the modern traffic. The bridge also serves as a connection for pedestrians from Schloss Laufen on the northern side of the Rhine Falls Basin.
002-LUCERNE-
i-THE CHAPEL BRIDGE-The Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) is a covered wooden footbridge spanning diagonally across the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne. Named after the nearby St. Peter's Chapel. The Chapel Bridge, a landmark of Lucerne, is said to be the oldest wood bridge of Europe. The original Kappellbruecke was built for defensive purposes and was longer than the version which now stands .What made the Kapellbruecke unique were the paintings which each one had on its numerous triangular roof panel. The paintings in the Kapellbruecke were not Medieval; they dated from the 1600s and showed scenes from the history of Lucerne. But almost all of this was lost when tragically the bridge burned down in 1993, the fire starting on a boat moored nearby. There were 147 paintings surviving at that time: fragments of only 47 were found, and only 30 of those have been restored. The paintings you see now are largely modern replicas. And little of the bridge survived the fire either, just the landside ends. The Kapellbruecke has been beautifully and accurately restored and, you can see a very few of the original paintings. But most of it is simply a replica and, to me, that fact dramatically reduces it interest. This octagonal tower - over 34 meters high (111.5 ft.) - was built around 1300 as part of the city wall and used as an archive, treasury, prison and torture chamber. Lucerne's Water Tower also served as a dungeon, an archive and a treasury vault until the 19th century. Today a traditional association uses it as a club room. Therefore the tower is not open to the public and cannot be seen from the inside.
i-THE CHAPEL BRIDGE-The Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) is a covered wooden footbridge spanning diagonally across the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne. Named after the nearby St. Peter's Chapel. The Chapel Bridge, a landmark of Lucerne, is said to be the oldest wood bridge of Europe. The original Kappellbruecke was built for defensive purposes and was longer than the version which now stands .What made the Kapellbruecke unique were the paintings which each one had on its numerous triangular roof panel. The paintings in the Kapellbruecke were not Medieval; they dated from the 1600s and showed scenes from the history of Lucerne. But almost all of this was lost when tragically the bridge burned down in 1993, the fire starting on a boat moored nearby. There were 147 paintings surviving at that time: fragments of only 47 were found, and only 30 of those have been restored. The paintings you see now are largely modern replicas. And little of the bridge survived the fire either, just the landside ends. The Kapellbruecke has been beautifully and accurately restored and, you can see a very few of the original paintings. But most of it is simply a replica and, to me, that fact dramatically reduces it interest. This octagonal tower - over 34 meters high (111.5 ft.) - was built around 1300 as part of the city wall and used as an archive, treasury, prison and torture chamber. Lucerne's Water Tower also served as a dungeon, an archive and a treasury vault until the 19th century. Today a traditional association uses it as a club room. Therefore the tower is not open to the public and cannot be seen from the inside.
ii-THE LION MONUMENT-The Lion of Lucerne, is a sculpture in Lucerne. It was carved out of natural rock in memory of the heroic deaths of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries Palace in Paris in 1792. Mark Twain described the Lion of Lucerne as the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world. This massive sculpture which measure 6 meters high by 10 meters across. It was sculpted in 1820 by Lukas Ahorn from an inspired design by Bertal Thorvaldsen and is sculpted right into the face of the cliff which overlooks a pool. The monument was created to pay homage to the 600 Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution as they stalwartly carried out their commission which was to protect King Louis then resident at the Tuilleries Palace in Paris. There are many symbolic elements to the monument. Depicted impaled on a spear with one paw over a shield bearing the standard of the French Monarchy and another paw placed over a shield portraying the coat of arms of Switzerland. Above the lion reads the Latin inscription HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI, which translated into English means "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss". From an artistic perspective, the Lion Monument is truly a beautiful piece of work that conveys such sadness and sorrow. Interesting to note, you'll notice that the surrounding outline of the lion resembles the shape of a pig. Apparently, the sculptor had a falling out with someone associated with the contracting of the memorial that he created the pig shape out of spite.
iii-THE OLD CITY WALL- The celebrated city walls with their nine towers form part of the historic fortifications built around Lucerne from the 13th century and are mostly very well preserved. Four towers are open to the public- Schirmer, Zyt, Wacht and Männli. The oldest city clock, built by Hans Luter in 1535, is in the Zyt tower. This clock is allowed to chime every hour one minute before all the other city clocks.
iv-THE GLACIER GARDEN- Nature’s own monument to its history, with a park and museum. It is a tourist attraction, but also an oasis of peace. Glacial potholes of impressive proportions bear witness to the last ice age and to the fact that Lucerne was once covered by glaciers. The Glacier Garden is centrally located in Lucerne, next to the Lions Monument and within just 15 minutes walking distance from the Railway Station.
v-LUCERN ART MUSEUM- The Museum of Art Lucerne is located on the top floor of the Culture and Convention Center Lucerne (KKL), and was designed by Parisian architect Jean Nouvel as well. Covering an area of 2'100 square meters, the museum has temporary exhibitions displaying significant works of modern art, as well as exhibitions from the museum's own collection, with an emphasis on 19th and 20th century landscape painting and international art from 1960.
vi- JESUIT CHURCH- Lucerne's Jesuit Church is the first large baroque church built in Switzerland north of the alps. Instead, baroque architecture displays power and glory and emphasizes exactly those parts of Catholic tradition. Today, Jesuit Church is a major tourist attraction and serves as a concert hall while it has become almost irrelevant to local church life from a religious point of view.
vii- HOF CHURCH- Hof Church, Lucerne's main church, is built on a small hill east of the medieval downtown. It still somewhat dominates the scene of the city with its gothic twin towers. Hof Church belongs to a Benedictine monastery older than the city itself. A first church must have existed at this place as early as the 9th century, but only a few fragments of this period have remained. The gothic twin towers once belonged to a church that has been burnt down on Easter Sunday, 1633. Hof Church as it can be seen today has been built from 1633 to 1644 in Renaissance style with some Baroque elements.
viii- LUCERN RAILWAY STATION- Lucerne railway station is a major hub of the rail network of Switzerland. Station is situated in a city centre and waterfront location on the south side of Lake Lucerne. Bahnhofplatz occupies the area between the front of the station and the lakefront and is heavily used by the local buses. The landing stages used by the passenger ships. An underground shopping mall lies below both the concourse of the railway station and Bahnhofplatz.
xi-LAKE LUCERN-Encircled by popular excursion mountains, Lake Lucerne is the lake with the greatest scenic variety in the country. It has a total area of 114 km² (44 sq mi), an elevation of 434 m (1,424 ft), and a maximum depth of 214 m (702 ft). The Reuss River enters the lake at Flüelen and exits at Lucerne.
003- MOUNT PILATUS-Pilatus, is one of the most legendary places in Central Switzerland. And one of the most beautiful. On a clear day the mountain offers a panoramic view of 73 Alpine peaks. It is 2132m/693 ft. high peak and approximately one hour drive away from Zurich via Kriens to the top. Probably the best view of Lucerne and its surrounds can be seen on a clear day from atop Mt Pilatus. The Golden Tour which begins with a boat trip on fabulous Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad where one is transferred to the Pilatus Bahn which of course is the steepest cog wheel railway in Europe. What an amazing journey that is with views of the valley and the lake that will take your breath away. The return trip includes a cable car ride followed by a two stop ride on a very efficient gondola system.
a-Cogwheel Railway-It is the world steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm with a hight difference of 1635 meters and the length is 4618meters.
b-Aerial Panorama Gondola-It is from Kriens-Krienseregg-Frakmuntegg and takes around 30 minutes to reach terminus.Height difference is 899meters.
c-Aerial Cableway-It is from Frakmuntegg to Pilatus Kulm and the travel time is only 5 minutes. The height difference is 647 meters.
a-Cogwheel Railway-It is the world steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm with a hight difference of 1635 meters and the length is 4618meters.
b-Aerial Panorama Gondola-It is from Kriens-Krienseregg-Frakmuntegg and takes around 30 minutes to reach terminus.Height difference is 899meters.
c-Aerial Cableway-It is from Frakmuntegg to Pilatus Kulm and the travel time is only 5 minutes. The height difference is 647 meters.
004-MT RIGI- It is also known as the "Queen of the Mountains." The highest peak at 1,797.5 meters is the Rigi Kulm, easily accessible by public transport. Train takes 90 minutes from Lucern.
a-Vitznau station is located directly on Lake Lucerne and is part of the combination with 45 minutes’ boat trip / Rigi Mountain Experience.
b-Arth Goldau station is conveniently located on the Zurich-Milan railway line. It is also near to Lucerne, Zug and Zurich, making it easy to reach from numerous locations.
c-The Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn started operation on May 21, 1871 and was the first mountain railway in Europe.
d- On June 4, 1875 the Arth-Rigi-Bahn was finished, allowing access from the other side of the mountain. They were electrified in 1937 and 1907 respectively, with the Arth-Rigi-Bahn becoming the first electrified standard gauge rack-railway in the world. Both lines go all the way to the summit, Rigi-Kulm.
e-By gondola from Weggis to Rigi-Kaltbad.
f-By cable-car from the Kräbel station on the Arth-Rigi-Bahn line to Rigi-Scheidegg.
a-Vitznau station is located directly on Lake Lucerne and is part of the combination with 45 minutes’ boat trip / Rigi Mountain Experience.
b-Arth Goldau station is conveniently located on the Zurich-Milan railway line. It is also near to Lucerne, Zug and Zurich, making it easy to reach from numerous locations.
c-The Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn started operation on May 21, 1871 and was the first mountain railway in Europe.
d- On June 4, 1875 the Arth-Rigi-Bahn was finished, allowing access from the other side of the mountain. They were electrified in 1937 and 1907 respectively, with the Arth-Rigi-Bahn becoming the first electrified standard gauge rack-railway in the world. Both lines go all the way to the summit, Rigi-Kulm.
e-By gondola from Weggis to Rigi-Kaltbad.
f-By cable-car from the Kräbel station on the Arth-Rigi-Bahn line to Rigi-Scheidegg.
005-MT. TITLIS- Mount Titlis (3,238 m/10,623 ft) is a mountain located near Engelberg and is famous as the site of the world's first revolving cable car. The cable car system connects Engelberg to the summit of Klein Titlis (3,028 m) through the three stages of Gerschnialp (1,262 m), Trübsee (1,796 m) and Stand (2,428 m). First mountain rail made its way up to the Gerschnialp back in 1911, followed by a cable car to the Trübsee Lake in 1927 and rides all the way up to the Titlis in 1967.
A-CABLE CAR RIDES-
i-At Engelberg Gondola Station, where you board a gondola which takes you up to the Trübsee.
ii-You continue your trip by another gondola to Stand.
iii-TITLIS ROTAIR- The Titlis Rotair gondola rotates its way up towards the snow-covered summit of Titlis. The world's first revolving gondola transports you from the middle station at Stand up to the mountain station at 3,020 metres above sea-level. The gondola revolves 360 degrees during the five-minute trip, treating you to idyllic panoramic views of steep rock faces, deep crevasses and distant snow-covered mountain peaks.
i-At Engelberg Gondola Station, where you board a gondola which takes you up to the Trübsee.
ii-You continue your trip by another gondola to Stand.
iii-TITLIS ROTAIR- The Titlis Rotair gondola rotates its way up towards the snow-covered summit of Titlis. The world's first revolving gondola transports you from the middle station at Stand up to the mountain station at 3,020 metres above sea-level. The gondola revolves 360 degrees during the five-minute trip, treating you to idyllic panoramic views of steep rock faces, deep crevasses and distant snow-covered mountain peaks.
B-ATTRACTIONS-
i-TITLIS CLIF WALK-It is at 3,041 metres above sea-level, the spectacular suspension bridge high up on the summit. It is 500 metres off the ground. On arriving at the summit, the route leads you through an underground tunnel and on to the viewing platform at the south wall window. The suspension bridge stretches from here to the ICE FLYER glacier chair lift station. The TITLIS Cliff Walk is just one metre wide and 100 metres long. Entry to the Cliff Walk is free of charge. The Titlis Cliff Walk, the highest elevation suspension bridge in Europe, opened in December 2012, giving views across the Alps.
i-TITLIS CLIF WALK-It is at 3,041 metres above sea-level, the spectacular suspension bridge high up on the summit. It is 500 metres off the ground. On arriving at the summit, the route leads you through an underground tunnel and on to the viewing platform at the south wall window. The suspension bridge stretches from here to the ICE FLYER glacier chair lift station. The TITLIS Cliff Walk is just one metre wide and 100 metres long. Entry to the Cliff Walk is free of charge. The Titlis Cliff Walk, the highest elevation suspension bridge in Europe, opened in December 2012, giving views across the Alps.
ii- ICE FLYER- The Ice Flyer chair lift sweeps you smoothly and safely over crisp, virgin snow fields and icy depths. Some of the crevasses are up to ten metres deep. In the summer months, the Ice Flyer will carry you from the mountain station to The Snow Park Up On The Glacier. And in winter, the chair lift will take you all the way up to the fantastic Ski Slopes on the summit.
iii- GLACIER CAVE- The cave's 150-metre-long walkway branches out in several directions and descends 20 metres below the surface of the glacier. The hazy atmosphere is the result of tiny air pockets in the ice and the blue colour is caused by the refraction of light. Exploring the glacier cave is a cool experience. The temperature inside the cave remains a frosty -1.5˚C.The cave can be easily accessed via a corridor from the Titlis Rotair Cableways mountain station. Entry to the glacier cave is free of charge.
iv- GLACIER PARK- Snowtubing is the ultimate alternative sledding experience on a rubber tyre. You can choose whether to sit or lie, and whether to set off facing forwards or backwards. You’re sure to spin full circle several times before reaching the end of this bumpy yet exhilarating ride. But don't worry, the specially designed run will keep you safely on track. You can easily access the fun snow activities in the glacier park via the Ice Flyer Chair Lift. Entry to the glacier park is free.