Lucerne’s biggest attraction is certainly its sublime natural setting. Lake Lucerne’s numerous picturesque arms and the proximity of the city to mountain peaks including Lucerne’s very own Pilatus as well as Rigi just across the lake are definitely unique. Even proper Alpine peaks with glaciers and eternal ice like Titlis are less than a one-hour train ride away. And while the vistas from the peaks are breathtaking all year round (weather permitting), winter has one enormous advantage. You can experience each mountain completely by choosing any number of adventures high above the clouds. Try anything from skiing and snowboarding to sledding and snowshoe hiking on dozens of kilometres of trails.

If, however, that all sounds a bit too daring, don’t worry. You can also enjoy a simple walk through the snow on these mountaintops and relax in the winter sun. What could be better than a lunch or an apéro on the terrace of a mountain resort restaurant, which can be found on nearly every peak? To complete your Swiss mountain experience, why not savor some melted cheese at an open-air fondue? You can find all the mountain peaks by clicking here.

But it would be wrong to reduce Lucerne only to its nearby natural wonders. With its charming old town, worldrenowned Chapel Bridge and famous 19th-century sights, Lucerne is steeped in history. That said, the city has all of the advantages of a proper urban centre. You’ll find plenty of good shopping opportunities as well as a fair share of good restaurants serving traditional Swiss cuisine as well as more contemporary fare. And Lucerne’s nightlife scene shouldn’t be overlooked, especially some of the classy bars in the city’s grandest hotels .

Last but not least, Lucerne is brimming with culture. The superb concert halls at the KKL Lucerne draw the best talents from the world of classical music as well as pop and rock stars from around the globe.