We see the Alps for Real

Following our night in Zurich, before setting off to Belgium, we drove south another 54km to visit Lake Lucerne and the city of Luzerne. This gorgeous lakeside town sits at the foot of the Swiss Alps. We found it in our guide book and could not resist visiting the area before continuing our journey. According to the city’s website, Luzerne has many beautiful sights, but our attention was focused almost solely on the Alpine peaks rising behind the city out of the clouds. As the sun beat out the morning fog and mist, more and more snow capped mountains appeared on the skyline. It was mesmerizing.

Panorama of Lake Lucerne in Luzerne, Switzerland

Lake Lucerne, Luzerne Switzerland

Swiss Alps in Luzerne, Switzerland

Kapellbrucke in Luzerne, Switzerland

A fascinating site we were able to appreciate was the Chapel Bridge or Kapellbrucke. This covered, wooden bridge spans the river running through town, and was erected to protect the city from aquatic invasions from the lake. The bridge is the oldest surviving truss bridge in world, and survive it has. In 1993, a devastating fire almost destroyed the entire bridge. The bridge has since been restored and is a fun way to meander across the river. Also destroyed during the 1993 fire were paintings from the 1600s depicting the history of the city and her patron saints.

Painting in Rafters of Kapellbrucke

These paintings were on triangular shaped pieces of wood in the rafters of the bridge. Some paintings were restored but others have been replaced with photographic replicas. Still others were left missing, to serve as a remembrance of the fire.