Historic Old Town, Zurich
As soon as we arrived in Zurich, our Switzerland adventure began. If you’re looking for a conveniently located hotel, look no further than Hotel Schweizerhof, which is across from the main train station and a quick 10-minute walk from Old Town, Zurich. This hotel is equivalent to the Hilton chain, with hotels scattered all over Switzerland. We started our day with a delicious breakfast included in your stay and take advantage of the butler service that greets you with Swiss chocolates, newspapers, and more.
Be prepared to step back in time to the medieval period when visiting Historic Old Town Zurich. Admire the winding cobblestone alleys, visit the Great Minster, and check out the acclaimed museums like the Swiss National Museum and the Museum of Art. Don’t miss the famous Muhlesteg Footbridge and its array of love locks. When it comes to dining, be sure to head over to Hotel Adler Zurich Restaurant and try the Swiss specialties since 1953. Enjoy the warmth of cozy blankets, fur-lined seats, fire pits, and outdoor heaters while dining outdoors.
Mount Pilatus
Discover Mount Pilatus, near Lucerne, Switzerland! Known for stunning views and rich history, this 2,132-meter mountain offers a unique Swiss Alps experience. Whether you’re a hiker or just seeking a scenic day trip, Mount Pilatus is a must-visit. Take two different modes of transportation for a different experience each way. Check schedules before your trip, as weather and construction may impact operations. Swiss travel pass holders get a 50% discount on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. At the top, grab a warm drink and check out the adventurous trails (proper gear required). Legend has it that the mountain was named after Pontius Pilate who was buried on the mountain!
We decided to take the Panorama Gondolas down which takes about 30 minutes, and a couple of spots to get off along the mountain. We ended in Kriens, the final spot from the mountain, and took the bus to Lucerne.
There is so much to do in this area – please see the link for all activities.. Mount Pilatus
Lucerne/Luzern
You will quickly find out that this city has different spelling and could be confusing when seeking directions. Luzern is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.
I apologize in advance for how many times I will comment on the scenery. Just when I thought my sensories could not take any more, I was wrong. Lucerne offered scenery out of a fairytale. This town is ideal for walking around with a cup of tea and just simply taking in the scenery. The top three things to see are the Chapel Bridge, Lions Monument and the Swiss Museum of Transport. A stroll on The Chapel Bridge is a must. We happened to take our stroll right at sunset which made this a jaw dropping excursion.
The Chapel Bridge
The Kapellbrücke is a covered wooden footbridge spanning the River Reuss diagonally in the city of Lucerne in central Switzerland. The bridge is unique in containing a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century. Many of them were destroyed along with a larger part of the centuries-old bridge in a 1993 fire. The bridge was restored which makes the Kapellbrücke is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, as well as the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge. It serves as the city’s symbol and as one of Switzerland’s main tourist attractions.
Best Dinner Spots in Lucerne and Zurich
Restaurant Pfistern The restaurant is in a traditional house that dates back to 1578 and is located at the heart of the vibrant Old Town of Lucerne. It is an oasis for encounters in every season. This resturant will definitly put you in the holiday spirit. Restaurant Pfistern ambience was iconic Switzerland being it was sprinkled with christmas decoration. In addition, they offer outdoor seating with unique views of the Chapel bridge. My biggest tip with dinner is to not shy away from outdoor dining as I mentioned previously. Trust me when I say it is a whole other experience being in Switzerland to view this scenic country when you dine. This restaurant offers a fondue carriage ride which seems like a great way to explore the city and festive lights.
Restaurant Kindli- Zurich It can be difficult to get reservations at this spot. We happened to walk up and they had an open table. This was a perfect example of why we should not over plan. We had our best dinner at this spot. It was definitely hustle and bustling and despite the formal ambience they were pet friendly!
Hotel Adler Zurich Restaurant-Swiss Chuchi– Old Town Zurich- Swiss specialities since 1953. Don’t be turned off when offered outdoor seating on a brisk night. The Swiss know how to operate in the cold weather. Restaurants are prepared with cozy blankets and fur lined seats, In addition there is an abundance of fire pits and outdoor heaters. I tend to hibernate in New York in the winter but the Swiss embrace it. The streets are hustling and bustling on a cold night and we quickly learned what a wonderful dining experience it can be being outside. This is where my Fondue obsession began.. I was introduced into the art of potatoes with my fondue a