The best souvenir?
A cruise on Quatre-Cantons lake! Surrounded by mountains, it offers breathtaking views that are rich in history. The team also warmly recommends you stop at Sissikon to check out Tell Chapel, built in memory of the famous William. Legend says that the hero jumped here from Bailli Gessler’s boat to escape. He is said to have later killed the mythical figure with a crossbow.
Right near the chapel, you can also visit Switzerland’s biggest chiming clock. It rings every hour and visitors can choose from a list of melodies they’d like to hear. Among them is the famous wedding march – an original idea for a proposal...
What should visitors tuck into in Luzern?
First head to the traditional Heini Luzern café. In operation since 1957, it’s also called ‘tart paradise’. Their specialties include Luzerner Regentröpfchen, praline chocolates in the shape of teardrops and stuffed with cherries. These sweets are a part of Switzerland’s culinary heritage.
Another must-try specialty of the city is Luzerner Chügelipastete. It’s a tough name to pronounce, but your hard work will be rewarded! This dome-shaped vol-au-vent, stuffed with veal ragout, mushrooms and raisins, is a real treat! They are usually eaten at the Saffron Guild festival on January 2, but you can enjoy them year-round at Luzern’s restaurants, including Taube.
A not-to-be-missed event in Luzern?
Like many other Swiss cities, Luzern organizes a carnival every year. Luzern’s, however, is the second biggest in the country, after Basel. The symbol of the Luzern carnival is no other than the Fritschi family. Father Fritschi, Mother Fritschene and their son, Fritschi. This emblematic family is hailed every year by Luzern locals during the carnival’s opening parade. Most in attendance wear a costume and sing. It’s a joyful cacophony of color and sound that shouldn’t be missed.