Most picturesque – in the heart of Switzerland.
Overview
Intro
Lucerne has it all: the great transport museum, the first and the steepest cogwheel railways, a narrow-gauge panoramic train, and historic steamships on Lake Lucerne. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the impressive mountainous panorama and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi and Mt. Pilatus, the town is a destination for many travel groups on their journey through the Lake Lucerne Region.
Lucerne, while always known for its great beauty, is the hub of the Lake Lucerne Region. It is a terminus for the narrow-gauge Brünig Line, with its chattering cogwheels; historic steamers on lovely Lake Lucerne; the Swiss Transport Museum; and the breath-taking cogwheel ascent of Pilatus, Lucerne’s house mountain.
Mount Pilatus
The ascent to Mt. Pilatus is always breathtaking: for example, on the classic ”golden round trip”, beginning with a boat ride from Lucerne across the lake to Alpnachstad. From here, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (maximum gradient 48%) climbs to Pilatus Kulm (2,132 m/7000 ft) and the romantic Hotel Pilatus-Kulm, built in 1890, with its sun terrace and panora mic views of the Alps. The descent – down the other side of the mountain, to Kriens – is equally spectacular, by areal cableway and panorama gondola. Engineer Eduard Lochers’ innovative construction using two horizontally revolving cogwheels was recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as a development of clear historical importance.Mount Rigi
Aware of the scenic location of Mount Rigi, and driven by his pioneering spirit, Swiss engineer Niklaus Riggenbach masterminded the construction of the Vitznau-Rigi Railway in the mid-19th century. In his own words: "I want to take everyone up into the mountains, so they can all enjoy the beauty of our glorious country". On Riggenbach's birthday on 21 May 1870, locomotive No. 1, called the 'Stadt Luzern', made its first 300-metre trial run. Finally, on 21 May 1871, the first mountain railway in Europe was officially opened.Because of its unique location and its beautiful landscape, the Rigi enjoys an international reputation as an unforgettable excursion and holiday paradise. From the summit (1.800m / 6.000ft) you can have a 360 degrees breath-taking panoramic view. Take either one of the cogwheel railways, from Vitznau or Goldau, or take of alternatively by the panoramic aerial cable.
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