June 28, 2023 - Andermatt - Lucerne

 Sooz and I took a 1-hour ride to Lucerne today just to check it out.  We thought it was one of the most beautiful cities we have visited.  It was less hectic than Zurich and much more accessible, yet still has an urban vibe.  Most everyone we met and interacted with spoke English.

We checked out the Chapel Bridge which was built in 1333, and is the world's oldest truss bridge and the oldest covered bridge in Europe.  We also crossed over the Reuss River through the Spreuer Bridge, a 15th-century, covered pedestrian bridge featuring a series of paintings with a death motif.

There are lots of cobblestone streets, beautiful and impressive architecture, and the Jesuit Catholic Church built in baroque-style in mid-1600s with the interior filled with white and gold rococo stucco. Lucerne is on the shore of Lake Lucerne and the Reuss River runs through the old town.

We were able to park the GS in old town and change out of our riding gear into walking gear which made the day much more enjoyable, cooler and less tiring.  

We also took a 1-hour cruise around Lake Lucerne which gave us a great view of the surrounding area from the water.  Plus, I didn't get seasick, which is always a plus.

Lake Lucerne from the SS Minnow - HERE

Short video of Reuss River in old town Lucerne - HERE

The GS guarding our riding gear as we traipsed around Lucerne.

Chapel Bridge

Jesuit Catholic Church

Approaching the Chapel Bridge

Reuss River

Reuss River

Sooz thinking about taking a dip in the Reuss River as we approach the Spreuer Bridge

Sooz impressed by the Spreuer Bridge and its ancient, massive, wooden supports

One of the death motifs in the Spreuer Bridge

They like their bicycles in Lucerne

Sooz filling up her new water bottle she picked up at the Lucerne tourist office

Impressive tractor and hay bales in downtown Lucerne - the cows must be fed!

Sooz not noticing the Hofkirche St. Leodegar Catholic Church right behind her

I decided to go light for lunch

The mighty SS Minnow (Saphir) waiting to take us for a tour around Lake Lucerne

Looking from the back deck of the SS Minnow.  I know you know this, but the flag is the Swiss national flag (not a medical flag)

Sooz achieving the impressive, and almost impossible, TRIPLE PHOTO BOMB!

Lucerne ducks trying to look inconspicuous

Can't we at least keep MacDonald's out of Lucerne old town!

The power plant from 1996/98 on the Reuss River

Me with a goofy smile as I enjoy learning about and standing next to part of the Lucerne water management system