Lucerne, Switzerland- the Alps + the peaks of Mount Rigi + Pilatus

Lucerne is an idyllic town in the Swiss Alps, located a little more than 50km from Zurich. As I spent but one night, in a hotel which was formerly a jail (which, while not the most comfortable was both very cheap for Switzerland @ $70 and served as a useful reminder to stay out of trouble) both days I was there I explored the nearby mountains named Pilatus and Rigi which you get to most quickly by boat across Lake Lucerne. 

Below are photos and two videos of the beautiful area. 

a view back on this idyllic Swiss town from Lake Lucerne

the ferry passes by downtown Lucerne


looking across the lake

video: The Center of Beautiful Lucerne, Switzerland

downtown Lucerne

mansion/ castle atop the hill

the bridge across the lake in the center of Lucerne

the famous flower bridge

a swan keeps me company at the edge of the lake

the train station in Lucerne- beautiful building

flowers in Lucerne

Here are photos (and a video) of the the Swiss mountains around Lucerne. Look how green. The area is incredibly tranquil and quiet, and has a calming effect on the soul as opposed to the hustle and bustle of the big cities of the world.

video: views of Lake Lucerne and areas around Mount Rigi and Pilatus

flowers at the edge of a mountain ledge

a friend sits next to me on the mountain bench

beautiful alpine flowers in the Alps

a cow rests atop Mount Rigi

a look down at Lake Lucerne

atop Mount Rigi! Great wooden carved statue :)

you can see the path through the Alps, a long way down

large Swiss flag

On the whole the area is beautiful and well worth seeing for a day or two.