Le Chic En Rose

The weather turned somewhat inclement to say the least for our last couple of days in Switzerland – just as well we had been lucky enough to visit Lucerne before as we couldn’t see too much of it on this occasion!

 

 

Despite the almost constant heavy rain and gloomy fog, the town and lake were as beautiful as ever. We were determined to make the most of our couple of days and although heading to a museum might have been a better option, we took the ferry across the lake to Vitznau and headed up to the summit of the majestic Mount Rigi on the little railway.  The train staff were cheery despite the awful weather and kindly handed out chocolates to make up for the absence of views. A good hearty lunch at the Rigi Kulm cafe followed by hot chocolates in a lakefront cafe at Brunnen, whilst we waited for the return ferry to Lucerne, thawed us out!

 

 

To get an idea of what Lake Lucerne and Mount Rigi look like in brighter conditions see here and here for previous posts (though we have experienced all weathers on top of Mount Rigi before!).  I should also point out that the Post Hotel in Weggis has undergone a couple of changes of management since we last stayed there in 2014 – reviews have not always been favourable since then. Weggis does seem to be a fair bit busier than we remembered from previous visits though as I said in last week’s post (see here) we were there in May a bit later in the season than previous visits.

On last year’s trip, however, we stayed in Lucerne itself – an Airbnb apartment in the Altstadt, part of the Hotel Krone. A light and spacious airy loft apartment gave us good views over the cobbled square below and far more space to spread out in than a conventional hotel room. We took breakfast each morning (as part of the deal) in the hotel restaurant and we found booking via Airbnb a more affordable way to stay in Switzerland rather than booking direct with the hotel. The only downside (perhaps because of building regulations in old historic buildings) was the absence of lifts up to our apartment on the top floor. Great if you’re travelling light, not so good if you’re on the road from Australia for a month!

 

 

Our last day dawned brighter. We had enough time after breakfast to walk round the Altstadt, take in the Saturday morning markets along the River Reuss and meander across the old wooden bridges, the Kapellbruecke and the slightly less well known Spreuerbruecke, before collecting our luggage from the hotel and heading for Zurich Airport.

 

 

Au revoir Lucerne!

 

 

Le Chic En Rose and Monsieur will be on the road for the next 3 weeks travelling to the Arctic Circle (aka as the UK) and returning to Australia via Hong Kong (a 3 night stopover).  I may do some quick posts whilst I’m away, though more regular posting will resume when I’m back Down Under again!

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