Overview

Lucerne, the gateway to Central Switzerland, encompasses all the merits of Switzerland - the city, the lake, and the mountains. The city is home to numerous historic sights such as the medieval Chapel Bridge, the fortified wall of Museggmauer, and picturesque squares lined with ancient houses, museums, and theaters. The numerous cableways offer nearby excursions into the mountains of Rigi, Pilatus, and Stanserhorn. Alternatively, visitors can discover the scenic lake on a paddlewheel steamer or motor vessel.

To the north of Lake Lucerne lies the area of Nidwalden. You will find rolling hills and rocky mountains dotted with the little towns of Hergiswil, Stansstad, Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock, Ennetbürgen, Buochs, and Beckenried. The lake and mountains provide the ideal environment for a wide range of leisure activities. Not-to-be-missed sights include Klewenalp, the Adventure Mountain; the glacier of Mount Titlis; the world's highest outdoor lift to Hammetschwand; and the summer bobsled track at Wirzweli.

The Uri region, legendary home of William Tell, stretches from the Lake of Uri up to the 3000-metre-high mountaintops. The lakeshore is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and hikers. The most popular walk in the area is the Swiss Path which stretches 35 kilometres all the way round the lake. Visitors can take one of the cable railways up to the sunny hills or mountain summits to enjoy panoramic walks.

Schwyz in the Swiss Knife Valley is home to the world-famous Swiss penknife. Every day, 25,000 knives are sent from the area to world-wide destinations. The Swiss Knife Valley is particularly popular with hikers, bikers, and paragliders. Stoos is a family-friendly destination located in Schwyz, high above Lake Lucerne. This small, car-free winter and summer resort is ideal for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. Be sure to stop and taste the local alpine chesses, Laui, and Tröligen.

At the foot of the Goohard Pass is one of the most impressive valleys in Switzerland - the Ursern Valley (Canton Uri). Andermatt is the largest of the three villages in the valley. Ursern is a hiker's paradise and its alpine passes offer challenging terrain for mountain bikers and touring cyclists.

The valley of Engelberg boasts an action-packed summer program. The Titlis Glacier Park and mountain are accessible by cableway. Visitors can reach a top altitude of 3020 metres which offers panoramic views over the central Alps. The area offers several theme trails: the Mountain Flower Trail, Brunei Trail, Tickle Trail, and Knapp Trail. Other popular activities include climbing, paragliding, river rafting, canyoning, and biking.

In the foothills of the Alps is the town of Sattel-Hochstuckli. Here you'll find the world's first cable car to have revolving panoramic gondolas. The lift takes passengers from Sattel up to Stuckli Run - the summer sled run. Other summer activities in Sattel include the Engelstock adventure trail, which is the starting point for walks and hikes to the mountain restaurants, and the 7000-square-metre Sattel Roller Park - Europe's largest outdoor skating area - open to rollerbladers, skateboarders, roller skaters, and BMX riders.

Central Switzerland is served by fast reliable inter-European rail services. The area is linked to Europe's extensive motorway network. Zurich and Geneva airports are fully integrated into the Swiss railroad network and also have their own railway stations.