After a trip to Italy, we are spending two days in Lucerne before flying out of Zurich. <BR> <BR>Would love to hear dining recommendations--or, indeed, sightseeing/shopping tips, as well. <BR> <BR>We are staying at the Palace. <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance, <BR> <BR>Mary

You'll find sightseeing/excursion recommendations at www.twenj.com/swissdest.htm and www.twenj.com/swlukact.htm <BR> <BR>We have a favorite restaurant we visit for lunch on daytrips to Luzern ... but can never remember the name of it! It's in an old guild house, is along the river on the second floor of a building that's 50-100 m below the Kappelbruecke. You'll see two (at least) restaurants in adjacent buildings there from the river that have balconies on which you may dine ... 'ours' is the first counting from the bridge ... I think. Obviously recommend eating on the balcony if it's a nice day. <BR> <BR>Rome.Switzerland.Bavaria <BR>www.twenj.com

Our favorite restaurant and probably the best in Luzern is on the water at the Hotel des Balances---best food and presentation of our Europe vacation last year!Make a reservation.

Good evening, Mary <BR>Two of our favorites in Luzern are <BR>the PADARINO in the Hotel National and <BR>the Stubi in the Hotel Wilden mann... <BR>Walking thru the old town is a great <BR>shopping area, In front of the bahn- <BR>hof is the boat docks where you can <BR>take a trip on Lake Lucerne. The Notel <BR>National is just next to the Palace. <BR>There is the Luzern Casino in the Palace. Also a half hours boat ride <BR>to Weggis will find an additional casino <BR>in the Post Hotel. Sightseeing in <BR>Luzern would be the oldtown, the Lion <BR>Monument and don't overlook the Swiss <BR>Transport Museum... Have a good trip <BR>Richard of Hickory Hills, Il.... <BR>

Thanks to all three of you for the thoughtful and helpful replies. We appreciate it! <BR> <BR>Mary

Ed--I think your must be thinking of Zunfthaus zur Pfistern (listed as just "Pfistern" in Fodor's Switzerland book). It was recommended to us by our hotel staff, and we loved it. We, too, ate outside and the view was wonderful. <BR>Mary--another restaurant we enjoyed in Lucerne is Galliker (on the other side of the river from Zunfthaus zur Pfistern). We were looking for a "local" restaurant--liked the appearance of it, went inside for a glass of wine, and made reservations for the evening. We seemed to be the only English-speakers there that night (October 99). <BR> <BR>

have tried to post a reply three times in the last three days, but it just won't post. Here goes my fourth and final try. Yes, I also mentioned that the restaurant referred to by Ed is the Pfistern, and is very nice. I always thought The Old Swiss House was rather touristy, but a good client of mine who has lived in Luzern for many years insists it is the best food in town. My personal choice for a real splurge is to take the little funicular up to Chateau Gutsch and eat in their spectacular restaurant overlooking the city and out to the lake, and if it is warm enough to sit on the terrace, you will truly be in heaven. Also I love the restaurant at the Restock, but always very crowded (mostly with locals it seems --everybody knows everybody else except us.)

Hooray, it posted!! That is Rebstock, by the way -- lousy typist.

Mary, <BR> You are in for the experience of your life in going to Lucerne. We spent the first two days of our honeymoon there, then went to Florence, Rome & Munich. We shaved off one day in Rome and one in Munich to return to Lucerne to spend those two days in heaven. Lucerne is absolutely the most beautiful spot on earth. On our return trip we stayed and ate at the Chateau Gutch. We are preparing for a trip to Germany this summer and I am sure we may sneak back to Lucerne, God's special little place on earth. Be sure to take the gondola up to the top of Mt. Pilatus and visit many of the antique stores if you are in to that sort of thing. Go walking at night, it is completely safe. <BR> <BR>We wish we were there now!!!!!!!!! <BR> <BR>Roger & Amy <BR>

I also recommend The Old Swiss House. Gorgeous interior to dine in and fabulous food/service. We came in parkas, which looked rather daggy, but they hung them in the coatrack as if they were expensive. Not that we were dressed that bad otherwise (black trousers and a dressy top). Food was delicious local fish grilled and a dessert of seasonal fruits flambed at the table. And the helpings were extremely large!

We are back and I want to give a big thumbs-up to the Old Swiss House--the food was wonderful and it was one of the best meals we ate in Europe. Do not be put off by its touristy look--it was full of locals. They do tableside cooking and presentation so it really was theatre. <BR> <BR>For those of you who are baseball fans (or from St. Louis), I won't spoil the story, but you will really enjoy visiting this restaurant and finding out why Stan the Man's picture is in a prominent spot. <BR> <BR>We also ate at the Hotel des Balances which was nice but smokey (very active bar scene which spills into the dining area); the food was delicious and it is very classy there. <BR> <BR>Lucerne was great--thanks for all the tips. <BR> <BR>Mary