Lucerne

Lucerne means “City of Lights” and, according to legend, was established by an angel’s request. On the shores of Lake Lucerne with heartbreaking views of the Alps, Lucerne has been attracting tourists for centuries, prompting Mark Twain to observe that “the shops are packed with Alpine crystals. Photographs of scenery, and wooden and ivory carvings...Millions of them.” Stroll across the historic wooden Chapel Bridge, one of Lucerne’s landmarks, and if possible visit during the city’s carnival season, which features extravagant parades in which you march “where you like.”