Swiss Highlights in One Day: Lucerne and Bern Adventure

The tourism capital of Switzerland, Lucerne, and the de facto capital, Bern, are just one hour apart by train. You’ll discover why Switzerland doesn’t have a traditional capital! In Lucerne, I’ll guide you through some of the most picturesque spots in this stunning city. We’ll start at the Lion Monument, then take a walk along the promenade with breathtaking mountain views. Along the way, we’ll dive into Lucerne’s rich history and explore its charming streets, famous bridges, and lovely old town. After a 2.5-hour walk in Lucerne, we’ll take the train to Bern. (I recommend stopping at Bachmann for a sandwich or lunch on the way.) Bern’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and legend has it that Duke Berchthold of Zahringen named the city after the first animal he killed on a hunting expedition — a bear! We’ll wander through this medieval city with its Renaissance fountains, narrow streets, and historic towers, experiencing the essence of Bern’s unique charm.