The KKL in Luzern is one of the countries newest concert halls.

It’s major feature, at least from outside, is the amazing cantilever roof.

Designed by Jean Nouvel, it fits in neatly with all of the historic buildings that Luzern has to offer, and is beautiful to look at, especially from one of the boats as they leave or arrive.

Photos Flickr safesurfer

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

One of the great things about writing on the topic of Switzerland is that one gets to cover an entire range of Swiss traditional activities.

Whether it’s bringing cows down the mountains, pumpkin or chestnut festivals, or even the spectacle of two cows fighting each other, summer in Switzerland has the best entertainment there is.

Next weekend sees the annual wrestling, or Schwingen, championships on Mount Rigi, near Luzern. It’s basically a bunch of farmers with some extra trousers trying to throw each other on to their backs, but it’s taken very seriously by the competitors and the local public.

It warrants coverage on national TV, but then you’d miss out on the grilled sausages, and the smell of sweat mixed with mountain flowers. Not to mention the smell of the steam trains that I wouldn’t mind betting will be  pressed into service to take visitors to the event.

Schwingen has been around for over 100 years, coincidentally about the same amount of time as the railway that goes up Rigi. Personally, I prefer the railway, but each to their own.

You’ll also get the benefit of seeing the cows go up the mountain, so really it’s an event not to be missed…

www.rigi-schwingen.ch

Photo: Flickr – Jasper

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

 Zürich isn’t the only place where you can chill out in the open air.

Luzern, or Lucerne if you prefer (although you really shouldn’t!) also has a great outdoor location.

Called City Beach, it’s actually written citybeaCH, just so you know it’s in Switzerland. Where else did you think Luzern was?

It’s a pool area, with big comfy beds, and is sure to get booked out on sunny days.

Children aren’t allowed after midday, so a bit of peace and quiet is pretty well guaranteed.

There’s also an Urban Oasis or VIP lounge, sponsored by a well known cigarette manufacturer, but as I’m not telling you which they’ll probably get the hump…

That area can only be rented out to groups though, so best to plan a party.

Food? Grill, Salads or Sushi, plus a wok speciality in the evening.

Photos and Info: www.city-beach.ch

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

This Sunday, 18th, 130 Swiss museums are opening their doors to encourage children and adults alike to extend their knowledge.

Each museum has its own programme, so it’s probably best to check the kanton you are interested in here: http://www.museums.ch/index.php?id=48

I’d probably opt for the transport museum in Lucerne, planesd trains, even racing cars. What more could you want?

It’s supposed to rain over the weekend, so perhaps a bit of knowledge hunting might not go amiss?

Photo: Flickr Lazytom

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

I know I mentioned Fasnacht a couple of weeks ago, but one of the big ones starts this Thursday, and if you are in Switzerland, you might want to go along and see it.

Fasnacht is an amazing carnival, where strangely dressed people play music to blow away the winter.

This year, Fasnacht in Luzern runs from Thurs 31st Jan to Tuesday 5th Feb.

Two parades are planned, One on Thursday, one on Sunday. Both begin at 14:00 The route of the parade runs from Luzernerhof – Schweizerhofquai – Schwanenplatz – Kapellplatz –  Fritschibrunnen –  Seebrücke – Bahnhofplatz – Pilatusstrasse – Viktoriaplatz – Hirschmattstrasse – Waldstätterstrasse (although Kapellplatz – Fritschibrunnen is missed out on Sunday.

Alternatively, wander round the restaurants and bars looking for the *Dekoriert" signs, which tells you a party will be going on.

Don’t be surprised if someone asks you to buy a badge to support the carnival though, and I’d recommend you do – otherwise you are likely to find yourself covered in confetti!

Photos: somebox, Mark and Allegra

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

Engelberg is one of the most popular ski resorts near Zurich, featuring ice caves and a revolving cable car.

Next weekend it also becomes the centre of attention for all in the ski jumping world.

So if you have finished all of your Christmas shopping, the wrapping is done and the turkey plucked, then why not head down to central Switzerland to watch some crazy people flying through the air?

The FIS World Cup event runs from Friday 21st to Sun 23rd, with training on the Friday and the real thing on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are 25 CHF for adults, 12 CHF for children (or free if accompanied by an adult) with reductions if you go two days.

Engelberg is easily reached by train, about 1 hour from Luzern, or 2 hours from Zurich (via Luzern).

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

Dave

A wintry day on Lake Luzern. Photo: Akcija

Work in progress, a stage being constructed near Lake Neuchatel. Photo: gozef

And finally, a run up to a white Christmas – snow in the alps. Photo: youngrobv

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

On 17 and 18 November, the 7th annual market takes place at the restaurant on top of the mountain, 2012m (7000ft) above sea level.

You won’t be alone, typically 4000 people attend the fair, perhaps attracted by the opportunity to go up the mountain with 30% off normal ticket prices.

Over 50 exhibitors from the region will be there, offering a wide variety of goods, I’m guessing traditional toys and foods will provide the mainstay.

Children can be professionally supervised in the Märliwelt (Fairy-tale World) so it’s a good opportunity for parents to get some fresh air on their own.

Follow that with some "tasty festive food" and listen to the music and you’ll be in the mood for Christmas in no time.

Doors open: Saturday 11.00 hrs, Sunday 09.30 hrs (open until 16.00 hrs).

Photos: www.pilatus.ch and miramann

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

My brother Ken and his partner Samm are over visiting for a few days, and as it’s Samm’s first time in Switzerland, Ken drove her to Luzern for the day.

Luzern is probably the most visited city in Switzerland, and is pretty much slap bang in the middle of the country.

Easy to reach by car or train from anywhere, the main sight is the Kapellebrücke, now back to looking like a really old bridge after it was rebuilt at the end of the last millenium after 80% was damaged by fire.

The tower was originally a prison, and presumably wasn’t much loved by its inmates, but now it must be one of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Luzern does modern architecture too, the dramatic new concert hall by the station being a classic.

Whatever you feel like doing, Luzern will deliver. Shopping, quiet strolls through the lanes, coffee by the river or an unforgettable boat ride. Just don’t forget to take your camera.

Photos PPRV

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler