Lake Lucerne
Lago de Lucerna
Lake Lucerne – located 45 minutes (51 km) south of Zürich, this lake is the fourth largest in the country, and located toward its center. It’s also known as the Lake of the Four Cantons (Vierwaldstättersee in German) due to its location within the Swiss cantons (provinces) of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, and Lucerne.
Encircled by mountains, Lake Lucerne is reminiscent of fjords founds in Norway, and is ideal for cruises. The lake route is still plied today by the “Wilhelm Tell Express”: the trip begins in Lucerne with a cruise to Flüelen, and then continues in first-class panorama carriages across the famous Gotthard railway line through to Ticino.
A boat trip can be ideally combined with a walk, such as the “Weg der Schweiz” or Swiss Path, a themed trail on the history of Switzerland. Several cycling and skating paths as well as numerous bathing and rest areas are provided along the lake shores. An excursion to the popular sightseeing and shopping town of Lucerne, to include a trip to the Swiss Museum of Transport with its IMAX cinema, the Glacier Garden or a leisurely shopping expedition through the old town, is among the tourist-friendly activities found here.