Destination:
Luzern

Being one of the first European cities to capitalise on tourism does not mean that picturesque Luzern, or Lucerne, in the heart of Switzerland has become a crowded Disneyland spectacle of everything archetypically Swiss. It is indeed the embodiment of everything that is cute, scenic and stylish about Switzerland, but in a very charming way.

Set on the northwestern end of Lake Luzern and surrounded by mountain views, Luzern is split by the River Reuss. On either side of the river lie atmospheric medieval squares, cobbled alleys, quaint frescoed houses, churches and public buildings. Surprisingly the historic setting attracts many young people, who ensure that nightlife is a lively affair. Just outside the city limits the attractions of every Swiss picture postcard beckon, from alpine villages to meadows where lazy cows toll their bells with the backdrop of snow-covered mountains.

There is plenty to enjoy in this tourist city, from taking out a pedalo on the lake, to posing for photographs on the famous wooden Chapel Bridge, exploring museums and admiring the sad Lion Monument carved into a natural rock wall.

While the Swiss may have a reputation for being sedate, Luzern disproves this point with its major annual event, the Luzern Fasnacht, a crazy carnival which erupts for a week leading up to Shrove Tuesday. Revellers in fancy dress and teams of samba bands fill the streets day and night in this week-long extravagant party which is not for the faint-hearted.

No one contemplating a Grand Tour of Europe dare admit they missed out on the traditional tourist spectacle of Luzern, which even enchanted Queen Victoria when she visited, allegedly under an assumed name, to see whether this sublime city lived up to expectations.