Adelaide's Travel Notes - Switzerland

Switzerland
Luzern

	Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower are the most famous sights of Luzern. The Alps frame the city with snow-capped peaks.
Chapel Bridge was built on the 14th century. The covered wooden structure has paintings inside showing historical and religious scenes. It was partially damaged by fire in 1993, but is already restored. The Water Tower has an octogonal shape and is 34m high. Once used as a prison, it is considered the most photographed monument in Switzerland.
The day was mostly cloudy and dark when I was there, so unfortunately the images are not good. Winter arrived one month earlier then in 1992.
	Luzern has many beautiful buildings, many of which are remnants from the Middle Ages. Balconies, flower pots and painted façades are a commonplace. Some of these historical buildings are now hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.
On the right, you can see the towers of Hof Church, originally from the 8th century, but rebuilt in the present Renaissance style after being destroyed by fire in the 17th century.
	A popular tour is the world's steepest cog railway to Mt. Pilatus, with a 48% inclination. It is located at Alpnachstad, 20 minutes away from Luzern's train station (or 1 1/2h by boat, which was free for Eurailpass holders). It was sunny down hill when I caught the train, allowing a nice view of the lake, the city and the nearby valleys.
	But as the train approached Mt. Pilatus, at 2132m above the sea level (1700m above the lake), the landscape was covered with fresh snow. It was the first time I ever saw a snowfall.

Links
Luzern Tourist Board
Luzern, by Swiss Backpackers News
Pilatus