SWITZERLAND-LUCERNE
Switzerland – Lucerne
We departed Interlaken to stay in Lucerne for a couple of days. It was a 2-hour train ride from Interlaken to Lucerne. We spent our first night on Mt. Pilatus, so once we arrived in Lucerne we took a 1-hour boat ride from Lucerne to Alpnachchstad, and then a 30-minute cogwell ride to the top of Mt. Pilatus at 7000 feet. We stayed at the Hotel Pilatus-Kulm. The rooms are very beautifully decorated with an incredible view overlooking the mountains and lake. The windows open up as well so you get the fresh air.
When we first arrived it was early afternoon, so we took a walk along the perimeter of the mountain. There is a trail, and it had beautiful views. We were fortunate to see a herd of Alpine Ibex climbing the mountains. They give rock climbing a new meaning. It was amazing to be so close to these animals and watch them in their habitat. After dinner we walked around the mountain to view the snow-capped mountains and the sunset. It was such a beautiful evening.
When you stay the night at this hotel, you get a welcome drink, dinner, and breakfast included in the package. The welcome reception was lovely. They set up light snacks and provided wine and water. We hung out there for a bit enjoying the view and then went to dinner. The restaurant is located in an elegant room with lighted candles and chandeliers. They have a pre-set 4-course menu. They offer vegetarian options as well as meat and fish. They brought out the most delicious bread with cheese baked into it. We both enjoyed the salad, soup, steak, and fish. The dessert was one of the best my daughter has had. I ordered the cheese plate for dessert and they brought out a beautiful cart with a variety of cheeses and accompaniments. It was such a lovely presentation, a class act. They also offer all guests a breakfast buffet included with your room. They had a nice assortment of meats, pastries, breakfast items, yogurt, and other items. It was very nice and satisfying.
After we finished breakfast we departed the hotel and took the cable down the mountain to Frakmuntegg to enjoy the Frakmuntegg Experience. We started out by riding the longest summer toboggan run in Switzerland. You go 4400 feet down the mountain though tunnels, past cows, and with the most beautiful view. Once you reach the bottom, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery again as you are pulled back up the mountain on the toboggan. It was such a blast.
The next ride we did was the Dragon Glider. You are strapped into a harness that you sit in and then you are whisked away through the forest. There are turns, twists, and just fun as you glide through the forest. Next, we visited the ropes course. I have done many ropes courses over the years, but this one was by far the most fun and adventurous. You start out by getting geared up and then are given instructions on how to do everything safely. There are a variety of different courses with different levels of difficulty. They watch you on the first course to make sure you understand how to work the gear and then you’re free to explore each course on your own. We had a great time exploring the different courses. Whether we were walking across wood logs or a thin wire, or zip lining across the course, it was extremely challenging and quite satisfying when we made it to the end. What was really funny was watching younger kids go on these same courses showing no fear and easily making it across.
For younger kids (ages 4-8) there is a pilu rope park where young kids can safely meet their own challenges on a smaller course. There are a number of other activities you can participate in at Frakmuntegg, including a free-floating tree tent night. Check out their site for a full list of activities available. https://www.pilatus.ch/en/discover/all-experiences/
When we were completely exhausted from the challenges we faced on the ropes course, we took the cable car down to Kriens and then took the number 1 bus to the city of Lucerne. After checking into our hotel, we visited the Swiss Museum of Transport. I have to tell you I was blown away by this museum. It is one of the largest museums with the most hands-on activities I have ever been in. I saw kids and adults all having fun participating in the different exhibits. Every type of transportation was represented. The outdoor area was just as fun as the indoor area. This is definitely a great place to take your kids for a day of fun and learning. After this long and exhausting day, we were ready for a great dinner. We had a really nice dinner at La Cucina. The ambience was lovely, the service spot-on, and the food incredibly delicious.
The next day we took a 2-hour Guided City Tour of Lucerne. It was great to walk around and learn about the city. After the tour we took a walk to see the Lion Monument and also walked the Musegg Wall and climbed the towers. The steps for the towers were very steep, and we both felt a weird sensation in our knee area--so be aware if you feel something strange, it is normal (the woman in front of me commented about her knee and when I mentioned it to my daughter she felt the same sensation that I did when we were climbing down).