EXPLORING LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

WALKING SHOES REQUIRED!

By Ann Parenti

The last leg of our Viking Riverboat cruise of the Rhine River ended in Lucerne, and we took the opportunity to spend two days after the cruise exploring this fascinating part of the globe.

Riding by motor coach bus from Basel, where the cruise ended, to Lucerne and experiencing the drive was a surreal experience. Looking out of the windows, you can see the Alps. As we approached the city, the lake became evident, and between the view of the Alps and Lake Lucerne and the beauty of it all, it was one of those moments where you felt like you were in a dream.

Since it was only about 9 a.m., upon arrival at the hotel, our tour guide hurriedly whisked us away for a two-hour walking tour of the city before we could check-in. Curtis and I bailed about three-quarters into the tour when the guide gave us all a little break, and I looked around and spotted the charming courtyard café, Brasserie Bodu. We politely bid farewell to the tour host and dined at the café. I was happy we chose this option because about a half hour later, the café was full of guests! I had a delicious mushroom tart and a salad with pomegranates that I will forever remember.

We did a little shopping in the area and then toured this fascinating exhibition next door to the café that displayed up-and-coming young student architects’ exhibits. I have spent nearly 40 years collaborating with architects and designers (and continue to do so), and Curtis spent over 40 years in construction. So, it was interesting for us both to see the different approaches to design and construction in Europe as opposed to what the USA considers design worthy. I was also pleased that 80 percent of the student architects were women!

After that, we strolled back to the hotel and were able to check into our room a tad earlier than anticipated. By then, our 4 a.m. wake-up call was closing in on us, and we opted to dine at a nearby Italian Café and then surrendered to the day.

On the second day, we got our energy back, and off we went on foot! Until now, I have always said the most walking I have ever done in one day experiencing a new city was Barcelona, well… not anymore! Lucerne has moved up to the number one spot for a walking experience.

We walked to where the Saphir Cruise Yacht was located and took a tour of Lake Lucerne. It was picturesque and serene. Seeing the Alps and floating along this beautiful lake was the best way to spend a Sunday in Lucerne. We then walked to a chocolatier shop where they displayed an entire wall of melting chocolate. The famous Lindt chocolates were front and center, with a host of other gorgeous pastries to adore. After picking up gifts for our chocolate lover friends, we returned to the hotel since the temperature was approaching 90 degrees that day. Later in the evening, when it was a tad cooler and after getting our second wind, we decided to walk back to the city center for our last adventure and dined at Brasserie Bodu again. Does that tell you how much we loved that place? We took a tour of the train station with a little shopping mall inside it and then strolled back to the room one last time.

It was a perfect ending to a near-perfect excursion, and if you ever get a chance to visit this part of the world, bring your walking shoes!