STORIES from LUCERNE Media Kit Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Region

Home , Brienzer Rothorn, Entlebuch, Glarus Alps, Lake Lucerne, Pilatus (mountain), Rigi

STORIES FROM LUCERNE Media Kit Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Region

Summer/Autumn 2021 CONTENT

Editorial 1 Facts and curiosities 2 Tourism history: a brief overview 3 News 4 Events and festivals 5 Anniversaries 6

Tell-Trail Hiking in the footsteps of William Tell 7 Stories along the Tell-Trail 8 Record-breaking region 11

The world in Lucerne 12

Information for media professionals Media and research trips 14 Information about filmproduction and drone flights 16 Contact information 17

Stories from Lucerne Front cover Spectacular Wagenleis wind gap – part of stage 5 of the “Tell-Trail” Media Kit, August 2021 © Switzerland Tourism EDITORIAL

Welcome...

Dear Media Professionals

The Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region finally has its own long-distance footpath in the shape of the new “Tell- Trail”. Starting this summer, hiking enthusiasts can follow in William Tell’s footsteps in eight stages. 2021 – a year that offers compelling stories and much to talk about – also finds us celebrating proud anniversaries and re-openings of time-honoured hotels, cableways and mountain railways. Delve into our latest news and stimulating short stories surrounding the “Tell-Trail” for inspiration for your next blog, article or website copy.

Sibylle Gerardi, Head of Corporate Communications & PR ...to the heart of Switzerland.

Lucerne -Lake Lucerne

1 FACTS AND CURIOSITIES

Sursee Einsiedeln

Lucerne Weggis Schwyz Hoch-Ybrig Vitznau Entlebuch Stoos Stans

Sarnen The City. Altdorf

Engelberg Melchsee-Frutt The Lake. The Mountains. Andermatt

The Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region lies in the heart of 5 seasons Switzerland; within it, the city of Lucerne is a cultural Carnival, where winter meets spring, is seen as the stronghold. Nowhere will you find more to see and do fifth season in this tradition-conscious region in the than here, a city nestling in a magnificent landscape heart of Switzerland. characterised by mountains and water. Here are some facts, records and curiosities to spark your interest: 3,912,377 visitors booked accommodation in the region in 2019, just un- 684,219 people der half in the city of Lucerne. In 2020 the numbers called the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region home in were down around 45 percent owing to the global 2019. pandemic.

5 cantons - 52.5 degrees Celsius Lucerne, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Uri are was the temperature recorded on 7 February 1991 at all located on Lake Lucerne. Glattalp in Canton Schwyz. A record low!

394 km2 74 forts and castles is the size of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch, are a reminder of the splendour of times past. Switzerland’s first such reserve. 57 kilometres 266 mountain cableways and railways is the length of the twin-bore Gotthard Base Tunnel, provide access to the mountains around Lake Lucerne the world’s longest railway tunnel. Completed in 2017, – including some record holders. its portals are in Canton Uri and the south of the Alps.

Pole position 46° 48› 4» N, 8° 13› 36» E BAK Economics has identified Lucerne as the alpine The geographical centre point of Switzerland is on the region’s most successful summer destination on many Älggialp in Canton Obwalden. occasions.

2 TOURISM HISTORY FROM SIMPLE FISHING VILLAGE TO POPULAR HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Hospitality with tradition Inauguration of the Goldener Adler The upper strata of European society began acqui- 1815 in Küssnacht am Rigi, the first hotel ring a taste for the Alps in the 1760s: mountaineering to be built by Lake Lucerne. and hiking soon became de rigueur in these circles. Visitors also discovered the region around Lake Lu- Launch of the first paddle steamer cerne, which became popular for its scenic lands- 1837 to see service on Lake Lucerne, the capes. Lucerne city’s first phase as a tourist destina- Stadt Luzern. tion began in 1835 with the opening of the Hotel Schwanen, where steamships started docking not Inauguration of Lucerne’s first rail- long afterwards. 1856 way station built of timber. The arrival of the railways in 1852 made it possible The Vitznau-Rigi Railway, Europe’s for the European elite to converge on Lucerne. Previ- 1871 first mountain railway, commences ously medieval in character, it began its transforma- operations. tion into a modern city oriented towards the lake with the construction of spacious hotels and waterside 1910 The year that overnight stays promenades. Visitor numbers increased steadily from peaked at 192,532, an annual figure the mid-19th century. The inauguration of Europe’s Lucerne was destined not to expe- first mountain rack railway in 1871 saw tourists start rience again until the 1950s. converging on the peaks around Lake Lucerne. Visi- tors would often stay for weeks, and famous perso- The collapse of tourism caused by nalities attracted to Lucerne helped cement the city’s 1916 the war led to the closure of hotels international reputation. – a pattern that repeated itself in the 1930s and after. The third phase of the region’s tourism history coincided with the global economic boom at the turn of the One of the region’s first ski lifts century. It was destined not to last: The First World 1938 goes into service in Oberiberg – the War caused tourism to collapse in 1914, and the ups- ensuing decades witness a skiing wing in Lucerne’s fortunes at the end of hostilities boom. came to another abrupt halt with the outbreak of the Second World War. Many hotels had to close. Ceremonial inauguration of the 1959 Swiss Museum of Transport. A spirit of optimism emerged following the difficult war years. Lucerne positioned itself with various cul- 1998 Inauguration of the KKL Luzern with tural and sporting events such as the event series its overhanging roof. now feted as the Lucerne Festival, and the World Ro- wing Championships on Lake Rot. 1959 witnessed 2001 Following a referendum, the Entle- the inauguration of the Swiss Museum of Transport buch is awarded the UNESCO “Bios- (destined to become the country’s most visited mu- phere” label. Today, the valley is a seum), with further museum openings to follow. The model of sustainability for other regi- 1970s and 1980s saw Lucerne develop as an interna- ons. tional holiday destination, which has resulted in today›s broad mix of overseas visitors. 2015 The Gästival “guest festival” celeb- rates 200 years of hospitality in the The inauguration of architect Jean Nouvel’s KKL Lu- region, with a floating stage in the zern culture and convention centre in 1998 coincided shape of a water lily as the central with Lucerne increasingly positioning itself as a festi- attraction. val and congress city and a quality-focused tourism destination. Thanks to its privileged location on the lake in the immediate vicinity of the surrounding mountains, Lucerne was promoted as “Switzerland in a nutshell”. Some milestones in 200 years of 3 tourism history. NEWS

Rigi Festspiel now in summer 2022 Hotel Kempinski Palace Engelberg The “Rigi – Queen of the Mountains” show has had to The first 5-star hotel in Engelberg opened in June be put back a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 2021: The Kempinski Palace Engelberg offers 129 sty- Promising to be one of the highlights marking the lish guest rooms and suites, a first-class restaurant 150th anniversary of Rigi Bahnen company (which and a bar. The new building is skilfully integrated into operates the mountains cableways and railways), it the existing fabric dating from 1904, resulting in a will now take place between 3 and 7 August 2022. The thought-through combination of old-time nostalgia open-air show presents the story of life on the moun- and modern zeitgeist. tain in a musically entertaining way. www.kempinski.com/engelberg www.rigi-festspiel.ch New MTB trail at Marbachegg Winteruniversiade Lucerne 2021 This summer finds the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region From December 11 to 21, 2021, the Lucerne-Lake Lu- adding yet another mountain biking attraction to its list cerne region will host the Winter Universiade 2021. of activities. A new MTB jump trail that’s designed to The program includes competitions in ten sports ta- complement the existing flow trail was built at Marba- king place at seven venues. Around 1,600 student ath- chegg in the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. The new letes between the ages of 17 and 25 from more than trail is the first in Switzerland having MTB’ers pulled 540 universities in 50 countries are expected to take up by a drag lift. The opening took place in August part in the event. 2021. www.winteruniversiade2021.ch www.marbachegg.ch

Campus DAS MORGEN Renovation Glacier Garden The Weggis Vitznau Rigi region is enriched by a The Glacier Garden Lucerne has been extensively re- unique offer. In March 2022, the Campus DAS MOR- novated and expanded. A major highlight is the new GEN will open in Vitznau. The Campus combines the “Felsenwelt” rock visitor experience and the Som- Neuro Campus Hotel – a purely digital hotel –, three merau expansion, both inaugurated in July 2021. The restaurants with different concepts, a unique roof- Schweizerhaus historical residence complete with a top lounge and an open marketplace as a meeting new bistro and museum shop already opened in Sep- place. tember 2020. Caption from left to right: www.dasmorgen.ch www.gletschergarten.ch Flow trail Marbachegg, Winteruniversiade, “Felsenwelt” rock visitor experience at Glacier Garden. 4 EVENTS AND FESTIVALS ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS IN SPORT, MUSIC UND CULTURE

SPORT MUSIC CULTURE

May April January Lucerne Regatta Stanser Musiktage Lilu Light Festival Lucerne (World Rowing Cup III) www.stansermusiktage.ch www.lichtfestivalluzern.ch www.lucerneregatta.com May February July Festival Zaubersee Carnival Athletics Meeting Lucerne www.zaubersee.ch www.luzern.com/fasnacht www.spitzenleichtathletik.ch July April October Blue Balls Festival Fumetto Comic Art Festival Yoga meets Weggis www.blueballs.ch www.fumetto.ch www.yogameetsweggis.ch August September October Heirassa Festival Entlebuch Transhumance SwissCityMarathon www.heirassa-festival.ch www.alpabfahrt.ch www.swisscitymarathon.ch August/September December December Lucerne Festival Nicolas Chase FIS Ski Jumping World Cup www.lucernefestival.ch www.klausjagen.ch www.weltcup-engelberg.ch September/October November - January World Band Festival Christmas City www.worldbandfestival.ch www.luzern.com/weihnachten

November Lucerne Blues Festival www.bluesfestival.ch

5 ANNIVERSARIES 2021

150

200 years Lion Monument To mark the 200th anniversary on 10 August 2021, exhibitions, performances, events and publications have been dedicated to the history of the Lion Monument 1821 since 2017. The “dying lion” in the centre of Lucerne commemorates the Swiss Gu- ards massacred on 10 August 1792 when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Pa- lace in Paris during the French Revolution. www.loewendenkmal21.ch

150 years of the Bourbakis in Switzerland The winter of 1871 saw Switzerland cope with the largest intake of refugees in its 1871 history. The awe-inspiring painting-in-the-round known as the Bourbaki Panorama was inaugurated in Lucerne in 1889 to commemorate this event; it soon became a tourist attraction. In its anniversary year, the Bourbaki Panorama museum is commemorating the incident with a variety of events and examining the events of that time and their impact on the present with a special exhibition “Across Borders. Curi- osity, Hope, Courage”. www.bourbakipanorama.ch

20 years of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch From “poorhouse of Switzerland” to global exemplar of sustainability: the Entlebuch region was inscribed into UNESCO’s list of biosphere reserves in 2001 – the first in 2001 Switzerland. Because of the pandemic, the anniversary year isn’t being celebrated with major public events, but, under the motto “20 years – 20 special moments”, twenty accents are nevertheless being set to communicate the special nature of the occasion. Caption from left to right: www.biosphaere.ch Bourbaki Panorama, Schwandalp Kneipp facility (UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch), Lion Monument Lucerne. 6 Rigi Luzern Lauerzersee HIKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS

Vitznau Wilhelm Tell Pilatus Kriens Brunnen Die Geschichte des unerschütter- Fronalpstock lichen Freiheitskämpfers fasziniert bis heute in der ganzen Welt. OF WILLIAM TELL Rund um den Vierwaldstättersee er- wacht die Legende zum Leben.

Telldenkmal Muotathal Vierwaldstättersee In Altdorf, wo heute das Stans

Telldenkmal steht, nahm die Stoos Heldengeschichte ihren Anfang. Stanserhorn

Apfelschuss 45 Weil Tell sich weigerte, den Hut des MENSCH

Landvogts Gessler zu grüssen, musste er mit der Armbrust einen Apfel vom Kopf seines Sohnes Biel-Kinzig schiessen. Rigi Luzern Tellsplatte Lauerzersee ee Der Schuss gelang, trotzdem wurde rs rne Altdorf Tell verhaftet. Bei der Tellsplatte Sa konnte er sich in die Freiheit retten.

Hohle Gasse Zum dramatischen Ende kam es in der Hohlen Gasse, wo Tell den Vitznau Wilhelm Tell Pilatus Kriens Brunnen Die GeschichteLandvogt des unerschütteraus dem Hinterhalt- mit Fronalpstock lichen Freiheitskämpferseinem fasziniertPfeil traf. bis heute in der ganzen Welt. Sörenberg Engelberg Rund um den Vierwaldstättersee er- Titlis wacht die Legende zum Leben. Brienzer Rothorn T r Älggialp ü b s Muotathal TelldenkmalAltdorf–Sörenberg e Lungern Stans e Vierwaldstättersee In Altdorf, wo156,3 heute km das

Telldenkmal steht, nahm die Stoos 7126 m 8176 m Melchsee-Frutt Heldengeschichte ihren Anfang. Stanserhorn 8 Etappen

T3 – anspruchsvolles e ApfelschussBergwandern se 45 Tell-Trail n le Weil Tell sich weigerte, den Hut des st MENSCH ng E LandvogtsEUROTREK Gessler zu grüssen, musste er mit der Armbrust einen Apfel vomDiese Kopf seinesund weitere Sohnes Outdoor- Biel-Kinzig schiessen.Aktivitäten ganz einfach buchen: eurotrek.ch Tellsplatte ee Der Schuss gelang, trotzdem wurde rs rne Altdorf Tell verhaftet. Bei der Tellsplatte Sa konnte er sich in die Freiheit retten.

Hohle Gasse Zum dramatischen Ende kam es in der Hohlen Gasse, wo Tell den Landvogt aus dem Hinterhalt mit einem Pfeil traf. Sörenberg Engelberg Brienzer Titlis Rothorn T r Älggialp ü b s Altdorf–Sörenberg e Lungern e 156,3 km 7126 m 8176 m Melchsee-Frutt 8 Etappen

T3 – anspruchsvolles e Bergwandern se Tell-Trail n tle gs En EUROTREK

Diese und weitere Outdoor- Aktivitäten ganz einfach buchen: eurotrek.ch

Long-distance hiking in the heart of Switzerland Stage 6: Engelberg – Älggialp The new long-distance “Tell-Trail” passes through Stage 7: Älggialp – Lungern the heart of the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region with Stage 8: Lungern – Brienzer Rothorn - Sörenberg its five cantons Lucerne, Schwyz, Uri, Nidwalden and Obwalden. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience The individual daily stages each consist of five to six the unique mix that makes up the region: the urban hours of hiking, covering a distance of 10 to 15 kilo- charm of Lucerne with its world-famous sights, anci- metres. Some routes lead to higher areas, where sui- ent villages, Lake Lucerne and sparkling mountain la- table weather, surefootedness and a head for heights kes – and of course, the region’s breathtaking moun- are required. Precondition with regard to the «Tell tainscape. The trail centres on the “Big 6” of Central Trail» is a good basic level of fitness. Switzerland’s mountains: Stoos, Rigi, Pilatus, Stan- serhorn, Titlis and Brienzer Rothorn. Constant com- “Light” version using the region’s record-brea- panions on the way include the varied flora and fauna king mountain cableways and railways and spectacular mountain vistas. Hikers preferring to invest more energy in cultural and sightseeing pursuits along the way have the op- Eight stages in all kinds of terrain tion of leaving some stages out or taking advantage The trail starts at the William Tell monument in Alt- of the region’s buses, boats and mountain cableway/ dorf. The route then makes a wide arc up hill and railways. The latter, in particular, are quite so- down dale, along lakes and rivers and via the centre mething: whether it’s the world’s steepest cogwheel of Switzerland at Älggialp to Sörenberg: eight days, railway, steepest funicular railway or first revolving 156 kilometres, 7,126 metres of elevation gain/loss, aerial cableway, or Europe’s oldest cogwheel rail- six mountains and eleven lakes. The “Tell-Trail” is way, the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region is home to composed of the following one-day stages: spectacular record-breaking means of transport.

Stage 1: Altdorf – Muotathal The following pages contain inspiring stories and Stage 2: Muotathal – Brunnen places along the “Tell-Trail” as well as brief profiles of Stage 3: Brunnen – Rigi Kaltbad – Lucerne the pioneering mountain cableways and railways Stage 4: Lucerne – Pilatus – Stans around Lake Lucerne. Stage 5: Stans – Engelberg Caption from left to right: Further information at www.luzern.com/telltrail The "Tell-Trail” at a glance, spectacular Wagenleis wind gap (stage 5), 7 Lucerne›s Old Town (stages 3 & 4). STORIES FROM LUCERNE KEY PLACES ALONG THE “TELL-TRAIL”

Tell-Museum Bürglen Tracking down Switzerland’s pocket knife Whether you’re talking real historical characters or The success story of the world-famous red pocket myths shrouded in legend, William Tell is THE Swiss knife began over 130 years ago in the Schwyz valley symbol of freedom. With the aid of documents, por- at the foot of the Mythen mountains. The history of trayals and historical, artistic and original artefacts, the knife from then to now is presented interactively the Tell-Museum in Bürglen presents narratives chro- in Brunnen’s Victorinox Museum. The Swiss Army nicling the emergence of the Swiss Confederation Knife has been through a lot. Not only is it a lifesaver, and its national hero. Situated directly on the Tell but it’s also been used in space. By prior arrange- Trail, the museum is also home to an important coll- ment, fans of the iconic tool can assemble their own ection by Ernst Stückelberg (1831-1903), the painter knife in the Victorinox visitor centre and choose from who created the four large murals in the Tell Chapel a large selection of other products. on Lake Uri. www.swissknifevalley.ch www.tellmuseum.ch New life for Lok 7 The Muota valley weather prophets To mark the 150th anniversary of the Rigi Bahnen Humans have always been preoccupied by the wea- company, its historic locomotive No. 7 was brought ther. A band of down-to-earth “weather prophets” in out of retirement from the Swiss Museum of Trans- the Schwyz region is determined to maintain the tra- port in autumn 2020. Built in 1873, the legendary dition of weather forecasting by interpreting the natu- steam locomotive was made rail worthy again thanks ral environment – even in the digital age. These six to several hundred hours of work carried out by a active amateur meteorologists incorporate their ob- specialist workshop in Goldau. The anniversary year servations of nature into their forecasts. Each has his will see the world’s last steam-powered cogwheel lo- own secret method. Twice a year, they come to- comotive equipped with a standing boiler puffing up gether to recite their predictions for the coming six and down the Rigi on at least 30 days. months – quite a fun event. The most accurate pro- www.rigihistoric.ch phet is crowned Weather King. www.erlebniswelt.ch

Caption from left to right: Lok 7 steaming up Mt. Rigi, Tell-Museum in Bürglen. 8

STORIES FROM LUCERNE: KEY PLACES ALONG THE “TELL-TRAIL”

Weggis and its “shameful” lido Pilatus, Dragon Mountain The lakeside lido at Weggis opened in 1919 as Lucerne’s grandiose local mountain, Mount Pilatus, Switzerland’s first mixed outdoor pool: the sexes features in many myths and legends. One legend has were able to mix at a time when separate bathing es- it that in the summer of 1421 a peasant watched the tablishments were the norm. Business-minded hote- Pilatus’s fire-breathing dragon drop a strange-loo- liers saw this as a new trend, but many contempora- king stone. This Dragon Stone, which soon became ries were scandalised: the polemic was encapsulated famous for its miraculous healing powers, is kept in in the derisive term “Schandbad” (shameful lido) and Lucerne’s Natural History Museum – but its origins attracted numerous gapers to Weggis. In response to remain a mystery. The myths and legends surround- insistent demands, Lucerne’s cantonal government ing the Pilatus are the focus of the Dragon Trail, decreed that both men and women should wear which circumnavigates the summit. torso-covering bathing costumes. www.pilatus.ch www.weggis-vitznau.ch

“Buiräbähnli” farm cableways: now cultural as- In the depths of Lake Lucerne sets Starting this fall, the mysterious underwater world of Nidwalden’s forty or so aerial cableways mean that it Lake Lucerne is yours thanks to Subspirit’s P-63 has more than any other canton in Switzerland. A submarine. Experienced submariners will be taking good two dozen of them could be termed “Buiräb- up to three people at a time to a depth of around 100 ähnli”: cableways with mini cabins, the lifeblood of metres, where darkness reigns. The dive induces fee- the mountain farms that operate them. Stringent re- lings of weightlessness and excitement as it passes gulations ensure their safety, so some farmers wel- close to a variety of wrecks such as ships and airpla- come walkers to help offset the maintenance costs. nes, as well as other objects. Typically, these iconic cableways don’t run to a time- www.subspirit.ch table, but on request. Some still feature open cabins: these “little boats” as they are affectionately known were the trademark of the Niederberger company (now defunct), whose founder, a cableways pioneer, was responsible for the first installations in the Engel- berg valley way back in the early 20th century. www.engelberg.ch/safari Caption from left to right: “Buiräbähnli”, lakeside lido at Weggis, mystic Mount Pilatus 9 (view from Lucerne).

STORIES FROM LUCERNE: KEY PLACES ALONG THE “TELL-TRAIL”

Geographical centre of Switzerland Brienzer Rothorn ibex colony To mark the 150th anniversary of “Swisstopo” (the Shortly before the end point, the eighth and final country’s geo-information agency) in 1988, the geo- stage of the “Tell-Trail” reaches the Brienzer Rothorn, graphical centre of Switzerland was determined at alt. 2,350 metres the highest peak in Canton Lu- using the very latest measuring methods. Because cerne. Popular for its breathtaking views of turquo- the actual point was found to be on a steep rock ise-blue Lake Brienz and 690 other peaks, it’s also face, the decision was made to move it to a mountain known for its 200 or so ibexes. After this majestic ani- pasture called the Älggialp some 500 metres away. A mal had been hunted to extinction in Switzerland and triangulation pyramid was installed to indicate this large parts of Europe, seven ibexes were reintrodu- “centre” and a stone wall built around it in the shape ced into the wild on the nearby Augstmatthorn in of Switzerland. 1911. Originating from a remnant population that was www.obwalden-tourismus.ch able to survive in the Aosta valley thanks to rigorous protection by the Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II, the The fascination of rock ibex slowly spread along the mountain ridge in the The rock here in Lungern conceals a place where de- ensuing decades to reach the Brienzer Rothorn. votees shoot with crossbows, pistols and rifles: Brü- www.soerenberg.ch nig Indoor is the world’s only underground 300-metre shooting range. Sport and recreational shooters have access to a selection of distances between three and 300 metres. The facility also boasts a restaurant (the Cantina Caverna) and meeting rooms. The Brünig Park complex of galleries carved into the rock is also home to local businesses in the safety, security and engineering sectors. www.bruenigpark.ch

Caption from left to right: Ibex at Brienzer Rothorn, triangulation pyramid at Älggialp, entrance of Brünig Park. 10 RECORD-BREAKING REGION

Lucerne Sattel Vitznau

Stoos Alpnachstad Stans

Engelberg

Funicular railway | 1 Rack railway | 2 The Stoosbahn railway opened in 2017 as the stee- Inaugurated in 1889 and boasting a gradient of up to pest funicular in the world – a technical and enginee- 48 percent and a journey time of around 30 minutes, The ring marvel that turns the journey between Schlattli the rack railway on the Pilatus is the world’s stee- near Schwyz to the car-free mountain village of Stoos pest. It climbs its way metre by metre from Alpnach- into an experience not to be missed. The Stoosbahn stad to Pilatus Kulm, past flowering alpine meadows steepest boasts a maximum gradient of 47 degrees (110 per- and striking rock formations. cent) and negotiates 744 metres of elevation. www.pilatus.ch www.stoos-muotatal.ch

Mountain railway in Europe | 3 Rotating cable cars | 4 Travelling between Vitznau and Rigi Staffelhöhe, the The world›s first aerial cableway with rotating cabins, Vitznau-Rigi Railway entered service in 1871 as the Titlis Rotair is popular with summer visitors and The Europe’s first mountain railway. Its route was exten- winter skiers alike; it has been completing the journey ded up to Rigi Kulm two years later. The railways on between Stand and the summit of the Titlis in five mi- the Rigi continue to be a reliable mode of transport nutes since 1992. The cabins make a complete rota- first up the “Queen of the Mountains”; the trip takes tion during the ride, offering unique panoramic views around 30 minutes. Dating from founding years, the of snow-capped mountains and glacier crevasses. legendary engine no. 7 has been preserved along www.titlis.ch with other artefacts. www.rigi.ch Rotating gondola cabins | 6 The world’s first gondola aerial cableway with rota- Aerial cableway with open-air upper deck | 5 ting cabins, the Stuckli Rondo travels between Sattel The CabriO aerial cableway has been providing ac- and the middle of the Sattel-Hochstuckli recreation cess to the summit of the Stanserhorn since 2012. Its region. The gondolas rotate fully twice during ascent two double-deck cabins have open upper decks that and descent, giving visitors a chance to appreciate offer a sensation of floating under the open sky. Get- the wonderful pre-alpine panorama. ting to the lower terminus is an experience in itself www.sattel-hochstuckli.ch thanks to the vintage funicular railway from Stans. www.stanserhorn.ch 11 THE WORLD IN LUCERNE CIRCLING THE GLOBE IN THE HEART OF SWITZERLAND

Sursee Einsiedeln 1

11 12 8 Luzern Weggis 4 3 6 Schwyz Hoch-Ybrig 7 5 Vitznau 3 Entlebuch Stoos Stans 2 Sarnen

9 Altdorf

Engelberg Melchsee-Frutt 10

Andermatt 4

1 2 5

Discover the world in Lucerne Caribbean on Lake Sempach | 1 Lucerne has long forged links with a wide variety of Cuba Libre, Pina Colada – exotic drinks are on the cultures from near and far, and not only because it menu at the Beach Village on Lake Sempach. receives visitors from all over the world: thanks to its scenic diversity and the presence in the Lake Lu- Norway on Lake Lucerne | 2 cerne region of buildings erected over the years by Lake Uri, the stormy southern arm of fjord-like Lake locals with wanderlust or by migrant incomers wan- Lucerne, calls to mind Scandinavian climes. ting a reminder of their homeland, many places in the region are reminiscent of some of the most diverse Neuschwanstein in Lucerne | 3 landscapes and cultures on earth. Each of these spe- Fairytale Château Gütsch towering above Lucerne cial places has an equally special story behind it. city wouldn’t look out of place in Bavaria.

Rio de Janeiro at Meggenhorn | 4 Erected by a baroness in thanksgiving for her reco- very, the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Lake Lu- cerne is some six times smaller than the original in Brazil.

Africa in Weggis | 5 The region’s sole elephant doesn’t bathe in the Nile; instead, it has its own little rocky island in Lake Lu- cerne.

12 THE WORLD IN LUCERNE: CIRCLING THE GLOBE IN THE HEART OF SWITZERLAND

8 10

6 11

7 9 12

Sydney on Lake Lucerne | 6 Himalaya at Mount Titlis | 10 An architectural jewel, a cultural centre of excellence Like Everest and the “Roof of the World”, the Titlis and located directly on the waterfront - what the fa- fascinates with an imposing glacier world of ice and mous Opera House is to Sydney, the KKL Luzern is snow. to Lucerne. Gibraltar in Lucerne | 11 Madagascar in Wolhusen | 7 As in the Strait of Gibraltar, worlds meet here too. The Wolhusen Tropical Centre is home to exotic Culture, local handcrafts, bars and restaurants: fruits and plants from the rainforest. Lucerne's Gibraltar Street runs right through the Bruch quarter, the city's trendiest neighbourhood. Belgium at Mount Rigi | 8 The Flemish-style memorial chapel commemorating England in Meggen | 12 Queen Astrid, who died in an accident, belongs to As well as Anglo-Saxon villas, Meggen even has its the Belgian state. own English cemetery.

Alaska in Entlebuch | 9 Large expanses of moorland and rugged rock formations – the Entlebuch region is also known as Lucerne’s “Wild West”.

13 MEDIA AND RESEARCH TRIPS

Media and research trips Are you unable to explore the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Are you planning to produce an article or a feature region in person? No problem. We welcome any inte- about the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region? We can as- rest in our destination and are more than happy to sist you with your researches as well as story and help you with your home-based research. fact finding. We work with our destination partners to organise tailor-made media visits.

Please contact us at least four weeks before your arrival, so that we can provide you with all the assistance you need. How we can assist you:

• Travel in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region • Accommodation • A travel itinerary tailored to your requirements (excursions, visits, interviews, content, stories etc.)

AUSGABE 2019

get packing

ZENTRAL-The real drawcard of Mount Bürgenstock, though, is the Hammetschwand, the highest of wall, four are open to the public. Climb the freestanding outdoor lift in Europe. It shoots 33-metre-tall Männli tower and you’ll be rewarded SCHWEIZ-brave sightseers 152.8 metres into the sky in Leah Glynn with sweeping views of the city and beyond. Words and photography just under one minute, the glass compartment DAY TWO offering spectacular views of Lake Lucerne and SPECIALits surrounds – if you can keep your eyes open, Woke up feeling peckish? If you happen get packing that is. You can reach the Hammetschwand via to be visiting Lucerne on a Tuesday or Saturday, the Felsenweg path, a five-kilometre loop track be sure to browse the outdoor markets that that was first carved into the mountainside line the river. From fresh fruit and veggies to in 1905. The Hammetschwand is currently just-baked sourdough, cheese, yoghurt, olives, LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND undergoing renovations, but is due to reopen where? meats and flowers, the amount of delicious, for the 2020 summer season. homegrown produce on offer is staggering. Once you’ve* DIEloaded upLIEBE on goodies (you can DESTINATION how long? THREE DAYS bring home as much cheese as you want as long as it’s packagedZUM and LAUFEN labelled correctly), HIGHLIGHTS a leisurely amble TRAILRUNNING along Lake Lucerne will take YOUR TRIP The name might be a tongue twister, but you to the Swiss Transport Museum, oneIN ofOBWALDEN the the Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre ABOUT AU$3,200 ACCOMMODATION how much? many attractions that offers heavily discounted (KKL, for short) is not only an architectural Hotel Anker – two nights, AU$240 a night or free entry* DIEif you purchase LEICHTIGKEIT a Swiss Travel masterpiece; it’s also the beating heart of the hotel-restaurant-anker.ch Pass. So much more than just planes, trains city’s art, music and live performance scene. DES WANDERNS TOTAL = AU$480 and automobiles (although there are those, of Open since 2000, it houses the 1840-seater DER course), it’s Switzerland’s VIER-QUELLEN-WEG most-visited museum Lucerne Concert Hall, Museum of Art Lucerne FOOD AND DRINK for good reason. The exhibits, which include and a range of restaurants and bars. Switzerland’s reputation as one of Europe’s most in-depth explorations of space travel and aerial * DER TRAUM expensive countries is no secret, so don’t expect cableways, are all highly informative and VITAL STATS to save a buck or two on food. Around AU$170 interactive. V ONThere’s DERalso a planetarium, computer While French, Italian and Romansh are all H per day should be enough for a light brekky, science hub, Media World and – ratherÜTTE curiously spoken in Switzerland, 64 per cent of people ZU GAST IM BRISENHAUS lunch on the go and a decent dinner, plus an – the Lindt Boutique, where chocoholics can speak German (or Swiss-German) as a arvo coffee and cake or a few cheeky wines. devour melt-in-your-mouth samples and watch first language. As Lucerne is located in the TOTAL = AU$510 on as chocolatiers weave their sugary magic. German-speaking part of the country, it might For art buffs, the Rosengart Collection, with be a good idea to brush up on your Deutsch TRANSPORT works by Picasso, Chagall, Miró and Monet on skills before arrival. Fly return from Melbourne to Zurich with Swiss Air display, is well worth a look, as is the Museum of AU$1,600 Art Lucerne, which boasts contemporary pieces. WHEN TO GO swissair.com Finish your day at the Bourbaki Panorama, Lucerne is at its most glorious from April Three-day Swiss Travel Pass (unlimited an unusual 138-year-old circular painting to mid-October. The days are long and travel on all rail, bus and boat services) portraying the French Army seeking refuge in warm(ish), conditions are perfect for hiking AU$360 per person Switzerland during the Franco-Prussian War and there’s a real buzz in the air as everyone swiss-pass.ch in 1871. Admission here is free with your heads outside to soak up the sunshine. Mount Bürgenstock funicular Swiss Travel Pass. AU$36 per person, return trip TOP TIP lakelucerne.ch DAY THREE If you can tack another day onto your Lucerne TOTAL = AU$1,996 By now you’ve probably noticed the many itinerary, immerse yourself in the beauty of Chapel Bridge, originally built in the boats, yachts and paddle steamers that criss- the Swiss Alps with a trip up to the Schilthorn. 1300s, spans the River Reuss. TOURS AND ACTIVITIES Bridge, which spans the River Reuss and houses cross Lake Lucerne, ferrying passengersIM to HERZEN Most famous for featuring in the James , Two-hour Lucerne walking tour a celebrated collection of 17th-century paintings picturesque spots along the shoreline. While Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service easy to understand why so many. visitors fall AU$30 per person E that depict Lucerne’s history. Originally built in Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi are the most the summit boasts a revolving restaurant, luzern.com under Lucerne’s charming spell WITZERLAND IS ONE OF THOSs impossible 1333, the footbridge was ravaged by fire in 1993, popular destinations for a day trip, the much the Bond World museum and jaw-dropping countries so beautiful it’ DER SCHWEIZSwiss Transport Museum which destroyed all but 30 of the 147 murals – quieter Mount Bürgenstock is a cracking 360-degree views of the legendary Eiger, Caption from left to right: AU$58 (discount price with Swiss Travel Pass) to put your camera down, even for watch out for the still-visible charred remains. option for anyone looking to escape crowds, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. Plus, the S verkehrshaus.ch a second. It’s the type of place that will Other highlights include the Jesuit Church queuesWANDERGLÜCK and tour groups. RUND UM DEN VIERWALDSTÄTTERSEEtrain and cable car journey through the OUR TIPS FOR A Rosengart Collection, AU$26 have you rubbing your eyes, wondering if (Switzerland’s very first baroque-style house A 45-minute boat ride will get you to the Lauterbrunnen Valley is breathtaking. THREE-DAY TRIP rosengart.ch the snow-capped mountain vista in front of of worship), the brightly coloured frescos that Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock landing pier, while Museum of Art Lucerne, AU$22 you is even real, while murmuring “wow” on adorn many of the buildings throughout the a short trip on the funicular, which lurches FURTHER INFORMATION DAY ONE kunstmuseumluzern.ch repeat like an open-mouthed clown at the Altstadt (Old Town) and the Lion Monument, a 837 metres upwards at a sickeningly steep For more information on what to see, do, Journalists visiting Rosengart First things first. Check in and ditch your bags TOTAL = AU$136 local carnival. And the sparkling jewel in much-loved and moving sculpture honouring the incline, takes you to the summit. You’ll pull in eat and drink in Lucerne, visit the Lucerne at Hotel Anker, which is just a 10-minute walk * Switzerland’s crown is Lucerne.agnificent Lake loss of Swiss mercenaries in France in 1792. at the swanky new Bürgenstock Resort, but if and Switzerland tourism websites. from the Lucerne Train Station. It’ll be tempting Set on the banks of the m If your legs aren’t completely shot from a few window shopping at Omega or Longines isn’t TOTAL = AU$3,122 luzern.com to relax in the cosy, velvet-lounged lobby with a Lucerne, it has all the ingredients required hours of pounding the footpath, make your way to your thing, there are plenty of hiking trails myswitzerland.com hot chocolate, but when you’ve only got three *Prices are approximate and are based on twin-share of a quintessential Swiss city: a historic the Musegg Wall, constructed in the 14th century. to explore. And because this is Switzerland, ISSUE 63 get lost 33 days to explore, time is precious. accommodation and the exchange rate at time of writing. Old Town, medieval squares, cobblestone This formidable symbol of power that once everything is marked and signposted, so Collection, Filming scene for a The best way to acquaint yourself with the lanes and the ever-present Alps looming in formed part of Lucerne’s ancient fortifications there’s no chance of getting lost. wonders of the city is by joining a private two-hour the distance. Add in an impressive line-up is remarkably well-preserved, and of the nine walking tour organised by Lucerne Tourism. You’ll of musical events that rival even Salzburg’s watchtowers that line the 800-metre stretch get in the know Sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen carved the outline of a pig around the Lion Monument after not being paid correctly. tick off many of the main attractions as you stroll cultural scene, renowned galleries and the streets, including the world-famous Chapel 14 museums, plus more cheese and chocolate folklore show. that you’ll ever be able to consume, and it’s get in the know Built in 1333, Chapel Bridge is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe.

32 get lost ISSUE 63 TRAVEL ITINERARY THIS IS WHAT AN EXCLUSIVE MEDIA JOURNEY COULD LOOK LIKE

Arrival in Lucerne and check-in at the time-honoured In the afternoon, guided tour of Lucerne’s Old Town Grand Hotel National on Lake Lucerne. Guided tour quarter, taking in the decorated house facades and Day 1 of the 5-star establishment, which is over 150 years ancient fortifications. Visit to Bucherer on Schwanen- old; lunch on the lakeside terrace. platz, which has been manufacturing and retailing high-end watches since 1888. Spend the evening en- joying traditional Lucerne cuisine at the 500-year-old Burgerstube.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the Café de In the afternoon, take the 100-plus-year old paddle Ville in a setting that takes you back a few decades. steamer Gallia from Lucerne to Vitznau for a vintage Day 2 Pay a visit to the Richard Wagner Museum on the train ride up the oldest mountain railway in Europe. It Tribschen peninsula; the German composer lived in takes an hour to reach the summit of the “Queen of this heritage-protected country manor for six years. the Mountains” – Rigi Kulm. Evening meal and accommodation at the Hotel Rigi Kulm; back in 1816, the first mountaineers sought refuge here, albeit in an earlier building that occupied this spot.

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the Glarus Alps – an experience well worth waking up for. After break- Day 3 fast, follow the Mark Twain theme trail down to Weg- gis; it takes some four hours. This was the path Lucerne Rigi-Kulm Weggis traditionally followed by visitors wishing to visit the summit prior to 1871, when Europe’s first mountain Vitznau railway was inaugurated. Explore Weggis and the Lake Lucerne Riviera before returning home under your own steam.

Caption from left to right: View from Mount Rigi, Grand Hotel National, Weinmarkt square in Old Town 15 Lucerne. FILMPRODUCTIONS & DRONE FLIGHTS IN LUCERNE

The Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region provides wonder- Operation of drones ful locations for TV and film productions. Lucerne A series of rules must be observed when flying dro- Tourism and Film Commission provide their expert, nes in Switzerland. straightforward assistance in the realisation of pro- Without permission, it is prohibited to fly drones: jects. • Closer than 5 km to airfields and heliports • More than 150 m above the ground in control zo- We provide assistance in the realisation of projects, nes including supervising productions in the region, • Close to where emergency services are working scouting production locations, coordinating shooting • Over or less than 100 m from groups of people permits and other forms of facilitation. • Unless the pilot has direct eye contact with the drone Competencies and Support • An aircraft that weighs more than 30 kg in flight The media department of Lucerne Tourism is happy to help with film and video productions in a touristic However, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) context. or the Swiss Air Navigation Services (Skyguide) may For large-scale film and TV productions (e.g. crime issue a permit for such flights under certain circum- thriller or documentary) as well as commercial as- stances. Here it is essential to allow sufficient time signments of all kinds, the Film Commission Lucerne for preparing an application and submitting it to the offers professional support and coordination. FOCA as early as possible.

Filming in the city of Lucerne The integration of the new European provisions on Being one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, drones into Swiss law has been postponed. For this Lucerne is perfectly suited as a scenery for film and reason, Swiss law will continue to apply to drones and video productions of all kinds. For a successful model aircraft until further notice. filming process, a few important points must be observed: Footage Lucerne Tourism provides media representatives with Generally, permission must be obtained from the City free footage for media-related work. Our gallery con- of Lucerne for filming in public spaces. Filming on tains a selection of high-quality visual content fea- private property is only permitted with the consent of turing the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region. the owner. Filming on bridges is not permitted for safety reasons. Please contact us at [email protected] for any other footage you are looking for. In the city of Lucerne and the Lucerne lake basin, the use of a drone is not possible without a permit (see below). There is a zone with restricted air traffic above Lake Lucerne. Permits must be obtained by the drone pilot himself from the respective authority.

16 CONTACT INFORMATION

from left

Cyrill Zemp Project Manager Communications & PR Martina Achermann Project Manager Communications & PR Sibylle Gerardi Head of Corporate Communications & PR Res Marty Assistant Communications & PR

Contact Luzern Tourismus AG Bahnhofstrasse 3 CH-6002 Luzern www.luzern.com

[email protected] Tel.+41 41 227 17 05

Mediacorner News, press releases, text content, footage and further information can be found on: www.luzern.com/media

Social Media @ilove_lucerne @ilovelucerne @ilovelucerne luzerntourismus

Stories from Lucerne Photos AURA (Natalie Boo), David Birri, Beat Brechbühl, Gemeinde Meggen, Gerry Nitsch, Andreas Gerth, Gletschergarten Lu- Media Kit Lucerne - Lake Lucerne zern, HohlgassLand Tourismus, Luzern Tourismus (Laila Bosco, Cyrill Zemp), Obwalden Tourismus (Tamara Durrer), Rigi Bahnen May 2021 AG, Ivo Scholz, Schweiz Tourismus (Silvano Zeiter), Seelisberg Tourismus / Treib-Seelisberg-Bahn AG, Sempachersee Touris- mus, Sportbahnen Marbachegg AG, Tropenhaus Wolhusen, Winteruniversiade 2021, Markus Wolfisberg Texts Luzern Tourismus AG (Martina Achermann, Anja Flatz, Cyrill Zemp) Layout Luzern Tourismus AG (Cyrill Zemp)