cleo

I am a fanatic when it comes to Luzern. I have been there 3 times (may 94,july97 and july99). I love sitting in my hotel and watching the mountains in the background. I love walking by the lake. I love listening to the steam boats in the lakes at night with their music. I love walking in the old town and seeing the amazing architecture and squares. I love the fact that I can tke day trips from luzern to other towns. Is there and place in Europe with the same ambiance in january? Also, how will luzern be like in January?

Rex

Two places that are in a similar boat, to my mind - - are Annecy/Talloires and Lake Como/Bellagio/etc.<BR><BR>I have no idea about any of these three places in January. I think that Lake como might seem a good deal less magical in January. I think that part of its ambiance is the vaguely tropical, mild perfect climate it enjoys about 8-9 months out of the year. But I'm pretty sure January is one of the &quot;other&quot; 3-4!<BR><BR>Like Luzern, Annecy is a bit more of a &quot;real&quot; city, year-round.<BR><BR>I'd be curious if Stockholm has any of the same land'n'sea ambiance as Luzern - - but I have no personal experience to judge the answer to that question.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Steve

We've been to Luzern (7/00) and I couldn't agree with you more regarding the beauty and location. I'll go back in a heartbeat when the opportunity arises. <BR><BR>I also second the suggestion regarding Lake Como and Belagio. We visited it on the same trip and therefore I cannot share about the climate in January, but, Belagio in particular is a simply wonderful place to visit. The location is outstanding, and it's a very beautiful little town on a hill at the fork of the lake. Lake ferries (not as romantic as on Luzern's Vierwaldstattersee) will take you to nearby villas with incredible grounds and buildings. I hope to return there in the future also. <BR><BR>It's fun to search and plan, enjoy. <BR>Steve

Geoff

I have to say that while Como and Guarda are both terrific lake areas they don't really have the same feel as Luzern to me. I would say though that Interlaken is much more of that feel. Perhaps some towns on Lake Constance are in that category as well - Stein am Rhein perhaps. It's not a lake and it's a bigger town but the section of the Thames from Parliament towards the Tower reminds me of the tree lined walk along Luzern.

Sandra

I've been to Stockholm, and it is one of my favorite cities in Europe. I wouldn't go there in January, though, because it will be dark all the time. In the summer, however, it is wonderful. The Old Town (Gamla Stan) is a pedestrian zone and very charming. There are excursion boats that take you out into the archipelago of islands that make up Stockholm, and it is quite beautiful. there, however, no mountains. The only other place I have been that was even remotely like Lucern was Locarno, on Lake Maggiore. It's quite lovely, and also Swiss, althoug with an Italian flavor. Wonderful! I am told that Lugano is fabulous, too.

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topping, for cleo<BR>

Jan

Hi there,<BR>Luzern in January is cold (about 30 - 40 degrees). If you are lucky, you will have crystal clear skies and fabulous views. If you aren't, you will see lots of cold rain and not much snow. The ferries will be running and there will be lots of activity downtown. I like January here (Luzern) b/c people aren't tired of winter yet and there is an energy in the air. Maybe it's the sales...The mountains are beautiful and you can easily get up to Rigi (and sled down) or Engelberg. I highly recommend heading to Engleberg if you have rain or fog in Luzern. It is often clear there.<BR><BR>As far as other town/lake combinations, St. Moritz is wonderful in the winter. I think it comes into its own then. I also like Salzburg in the winter. Beautiful city, wonderful architecture, mountains but alas, not bordering a lake. Still, great ambiance!<BR><BR>Have fun planning.<BR>Jan<BR><BR>Have fun with your planning!