DER ANDERMATTER Sommer 2014

Capricious in shape, its edges indented with many bays – that’s
Lake Lucerne. Marvelled at from the air or on a map, its cross-shaped
form remains firmly in one’s memory. Even though Lake Lucerne’s
114-kilometres-square surface area makes it only the fifth-largest lake
in Switzerland, it’s the one for which the patriotic heart of Switzerland
beats the loudest. Its moniker comes from the four “Waldstätten” (lit.
forest sites) – Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne – which together
form the core of Switzerland around the lake. The Rütli meadow and
the Lake Lucerne have therefore always been regarded as the birthplace
of Switzerland. Indeed, visitors will find many references to Swiss
history and places of historical i nterest between Lucerne and Flüelen,
Alpnach and Küssnacht am Rigi, all of which make a lake cruise doubly
fascinating.
Quite apart from mythology and politics, Lake Lucerne and its lakeside
landscape are considered uniquely beautiful. Maybe it’s the interplay
between the mighty mountain ranges and the reflections in the lake
or the very attractive contrast between solid cliffs and moving water.
The shorelines of the Lucerne and Küssnacht basins are surrounded
by gentle slopes. However, in the south – around the so-called
Urnersee – the chasms plunge precipitously down into the lake.
The comparison with the Scandinavian fjords is obvious. Because of
its high banks, Lake Lucerne proved a major obstruction to traffic until
the 19th century. Today, it is easy to get round it by car or rail.
Yet the most glorious way to see the lake is, and always has been,
by boat. Lovingly maintained historic steamships cruise the lake and
invite guests to enjoy a boat trip “from yesteryear”, fill up on fresh air
and sunshine on the upper deck, and enjoy the service in the first
class lounge. A quite different experience is on offer in the Lucerne
lake basins. The panorama yacht Saphir, which is only two years old,
entices passengers with its glamorous looks and state-of-the-art
technology. The hour-long audio tour provides an informative touch to
the luxurious experience.
wilhelm tell express
Der «Wilhelm Tell Express» führt von der urchigen Urschweiz ins
mediterrane Tessin: Erst tuckert das Dampf- oder Salonschiff gemütlich
von Flüelen nach Luzern und dann gehts im Panorama-Bahnwagen durch
den Gotthard Richtung Süden. Che bello!
The Wilhelm Tell Express takes you from the traditional heart of Switzerland
to Mediterranean-like Ticino. The journey starts on a steamship or salon
cruiser, which chugs along at a leisurely pace from Flüelen to Lucerne, where
you transfer to panoramic rail carriages to continue your journey south
through the Gotthard Pass. Che bello!
www.lakelucerne.ch
Ein historisches Dampfschiff und die Panorama-Yacht Saphir im Hafen von Luzern. An historic steamer and the panorama yacht Saphir in Lucerne harbour.
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