Good afternoon! I'm looking for advice on which city to visit - I'm a busy mom with three kids at home, and the hubby has agreed to me taking a 'me' trip...now the question is which city to go to...I'm catching a train and either going to Bern or Lucerne (we live in Germany). I've researched both, but was wondering of the people that have been which of the two they prefer. Thanks for any advice (or suggestions outside the normal must-sees). Danke!

For me, it's Lucerne. The lake is really lovely, and the old city area is great for a stroll. I've spent several days in Lucerne a number of times, but have only stopped enroute in Bern, never for a longer stay.
Carol

I like both towns very much, although I do think Bern is underappreciated. Most readers of this forum seem to LOVE Lucerne...which is just a bit bigger of a city than I usually favor. That said,
I like Bern for its multitude of arcaded shops (good in rain), many cafes streetside for lazy people-watching, the Rose Garden above town for the beautiful view of the city and the dramatic river bend (and cold beer).
Murten is very near by (20 mins by train, if I recall) for more "old town" flavor, and a boat cruise on the lake.
Lucerne has more cultural possibilities (shopping, museums,town wall remnants) AND the Vierwaldstaettersee for cruises to enticing lakeside villages PLUS the opportunity for a quick mountain getaway. Okay, Lucerne wins by a hair.

Hi HeatherH,

For me, lakeside destinations always win, so it would be Luzern!

Though I agree that Bern is much under-appreciated, I simply enjoyed the natural splendor of Luzern more.

Good luck with this difficult choice.

s

Good advice from above. What time of the year are you going?

I went to Europe for the first time when I was in college. Lucerne was one of our stops and made such a lasting impression on me. I LOVED it. It's gorgeous and such a great place to wander around. I haven't been to Bern though.

ps~ I just took a "me" trip too, away from our three kids, but I went to the US so I could see my family, eat, and shop!

I'm going in three weeks - so around 28 April. Thanks for advice!

Like almost other who answered, i also vote for Lucerne.
You will like the painted bridges, the painted buildings. Go by cablecar to Chateau Gutsch for a nice view of the town. visit Picasso museum. You can make a trip to Mt.Pilatus. by train, you can easy travel to Zurich for a day trip.
Have a nice vacation!

Actually the two aren't far apart by train - an hour or so i think so base in Lucerne and day trip to Bern or v.v.

I agree Berne is one of Europe'smost under appreciated cities but Lucerne is even more gorgeous and a swell setting and better day trips, with the boats on Lake Lucerne at the top of the list. Engelberg, one of Swiss top Alpine resorts is a short train ride away from Lucerne.

Luzern's beauty is memorable. We went in 1975 and it is one of two places we wouldn't think of traveling to Europe without seeing again. Bern, while nice, doesn't hold a candle to Luzern, in my opinion. We enjoyed our stay there, but neither of us has that urge to return as we have with Luzern.

You won't regret a visit to Luzern. Take in the Lion Monument, do a boat Pilatus mountain trip, see the Bourbaki Panorama, visit the JesuitenKirche and the main cathedral, or just walk the Altstadt or along the lake and river. It's a wonderul place.

Lucerne - no question at all. Bern is good for a couple of hours. You cuold spend a week in Luceren if you include day trips - besides it being a much more beautiful city.

I loved both cities but if I could only choose one it would be Bern for the Klee museum which was spectacular. For scenery, relaxation, and Swissiness (sorry Swiss experts), I'd choose Luzern.

Sorry, meant to add that if you enjoy modern art, the Rosengart Collection in Luzern is terrific and small enough to enjoy in an hour or two (Klee, Kandinsky, Matisse, etc.).