PhillyFan

Hi all. We are doing a Lake Lucerne cruise - I have the time table and I think we will go from Lucerne to Fluelen and back. Which towns are most worthwhile to stop and wander around? I'd ideally like to do a short hike, too - any especially scenic ones you'd recommend?

Thanks,

k.

PalenQ

Can get off at Vitznau and take mountain train up Mt Rigi where there are wonderful short hikes to take and raved-about views for miles over the spiny ridge of central Switzerland (and also heard the ubiquitous Alphorns being blown - ring earplugs!)

Many folks really love Brunnen -just before Fluelen (also on main train line back to Arth-Goldau and Lucerne- not much in Fluelen IME):

https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/brunnen.html

Another neat stop is to trek up from boat dock to famous Rutli Meadow -of William Tell legend and scene of formation of Swiss Confederation - lush meadows -easy walks and more of those darned Alp Horns being blown!

PalenQ

https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/...li-meadow.html

PhillyFan

Thanks, PalenQ. Maybe we will take the boat to Brunnen and then take the train back to Lucerne.

(BTW, I called the guy you recommended re: Swiss Pass and I will be purchasing from him....thanks for that info, too).

kja

I enjoyed a brief stop at the Rutli Meadow.

PalenQ

Re: Swiss Pass and boats- the nice upfront outside seats are usually first class on Swiss lake boats = with a 2nd class pass just pay an upgrade difference between normal first and second class prices onboard-if it's raining though...

mokka4

PF: if you take the boat to Brunnen, I heartily recommend that you take the bus (stop at Lake drop) to the Urmiberg lift up a lesser known mtn. Great views, a little cafe and a short walk can be had. Catch the same bus to the train station afterward.

mokka4

brunnen13.shutterfly.com/pictures
Sure hope this link to Brunnen/Rigi/Luzern/Arth works!

mokka4

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...en-trip.cfm?18
Might be worth sharing?

PalenQ

I enjoyed a brief stop at the Rutli Meadow.>

Yes takes only an hour or so and the quintessential pastoral Swiss countryside:

https://www.google.com/search?q=rutl...w=1745&bih=864

PhillyFan

Thanks for the insights - and for sharing your pics, mokka!

PalenQ

The William Tell Express is a special section on regular boats and includes commentary en route and a lunch - probably not worth it - hefty upgrade with Swiss Travel Pass - but if wanting something different. Really nice for folks going on to Lugano as it coordinates with panoramic train cars for that portion.