Hello, My husband and I will be in Lucerne, Switzerland for one evening in mid-August. We are taking the Panoramic train to Zweissimmen early the next morning. What would anyone suggest for a not too ambitious itinerary to see this lovely city? Any good restaurant suggestions? How about shopping? We are booked at the Rosli Hotel. Any one have recent experience here? I've already done some research on all this but I'd like everyone else's opinion also. Thanks!

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Hello Laura,<BR><BR>I'm sure you'll fall in love with Luzern and will be planning your return trip before you board the Golden Pass!<BR><BR>There are two main (in my opinion) "attractions" in Luzern that you cannot miss, but it might be tight getting to both. So here's what I would do.<BR><BR>The first so-called attraction is the old center of the city - the Rathaus, Jesuit Church, Kappellbruecke, Spreuerbruecke, Weinmarkt, Hirschenplatz, and Kornmarkt. These are all very close to one another, just blocks apart. A bit farther away are the original town wall, the Musegg walls and the Lion's Monument.<BR><BR>The second attraction is the lake itself. I think it would be a shame to depart without taking a cruise on the lake, but they can run two - four hours, so it will jam up your schedule a bit. One way to get it in is to take a dinner-cruise after your day of walking. I can't vouch for the food, but I'll bet the views will be more than worth it. Because you're going in summertime, I think you'll have enough light to be able to see the spectacular scenery around you. You can see the cruise schedules & menus if you surf around www.lakelucerne.ch (might be under "special offers" or "excursions" or something like that).<BR><BR>If you decide not to take the dinner cruise, my vote for dinner would be the Rotes Gatter in the Hotel Des Balances -- be sure to reserve a table close to the windows for a good river view. Other folks on this forum have loved the restaurant in the Wilden Mann hotel and the Old Swiss House close to the Lion Monument.<BR><BR>Info for Luzern monuments & restaurants is at www.luzern.org.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!<BR><BR>s

Hi Laura, S' gives good advice. Her first sentence is so true. S! you are incorrigible! J.<BR>

I second s's suggestions. They are right on. Rotes Gatter is one of my favorites but book the table outside! It is right on the river and lovely.<BR>Enjoy your too brief visit!<BR>Jan

S -- It is nice people like you that make this board worthwhile. I enjoyed reading your candid post and recommendations -- I will be in Switzerland next year.

Folks,<BR><BR>Thanks for the kind words. Timely too, as I've been in active muzzle mode over some comments on another post.<BR><BR>Quiet.<BR><BR>s

Don't forget to go to the lion statue, which is the memorial for the Swiss army.

Swandav, THANK YOU so much for your very useful and detailed comments! I will print them and take them along with us. I am afraid I am falling into my usual trap of planning ahead and then being disappointed when I know too much about a certain place and want to stay longer! I am sure we'll have a wonderful time, in part because of all the advice from those who have "been there" and experienced. Thanks again, all of you! We leave on July 26th. I'll post when I return--Laura