The beautiful city of Lucerne BANKS AND CUR- leckerli, a spiced honey cake with a thin coat- ing of sugar icing on top, meringues, pra- sprawls at the foot of Lake RENCY lines, nougat and chocolate. Lucerne in the cradle of his- Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday 8:30 am- 4:30 pm, except Thursdays toric Switzerland. Its medi- when they close at 6:30 pm. The unit of PLACES TO VISIT eval heritage is evident in the currency is the Swiss Franc (SFr). One of the most famous monuments in the world is "The Dying Lion of Luzern", fortifying walls and towers, carved out of the natural rock in memory of the old churches, houses, and SHOPPING the Swiss bodyguards of the French king covered bridges. Surrounding Louis XVI. Near the Lion Monument you will Explore Lucerne's many shops and find the Glacier Garden, a remnant of the Lucerne are wooded hills, boutiques, where you will find an assortment Ice Age 20,000 years ago. The symbol of above which tower mighty of souvenirs, from Swiss army knives to Lucerne, the Chapel Bridge dates from 1333 cuckoo-clocks. Also available are finely and is decorated with 111 panels painted in mountains. carved wooden articles, delicate chinaware, the 17th and 18th centuries depicting events embroidery and linen. And don't forget those in local and Swiss history. The Musegg Wall, famous Swiss chocolates and cheeses. TRANSPORTATION with its nine towers, once fortified the en- Shops are open weekdays from 8:00 am- tire town, and the Mill Bridge, built in 1408, The orange and white city-bus drives noon and 1:30- 6:30 pm, with longer hours is also known as "The Bridge of the Dance the following routes free of charge: Railway on Thursdays (until 9:00 pm). Saturday of Death" for its painted panels of this me- station- Kantonalbank- Municipal theater- hours are until 4:00 pm. Some shops are dieval theme. Mühleplatz- Hierschenplatz- Schwanenplatz- closed Monday mornings, and some are open Kapellplatz- Railway station. during the lunch hour. You can also purchase a special tourist ticket And of course, there are also the natural at a reduced price for the city bus at most attractions in and around Lucerne. To expe- hotels and the Tourist Information office. EATING rience the beauty of the Lake of Lucerne, Since Switzerland is inhabited by take a half- or full-day excursion on a Bicycles can be rented at the train station. people of varying ethnic and cultural back- steamer, run by the Lake Lucerne Naviga- Maps with designated bike paths are avail- grounds, there is no particular national dish. tion Company. Or take an excursion to Mt. able at the Tourist Information office. Or But one well-known specialty is fondue, the Pilatus, which consists of a trip by boat, you might wish to see Lucerne from a horse- delicious concoction of Gruyère and cogwheel train, and aerial cable car (or you drawn carriage. You can wait in front of the Emmental cheeses, melted and mixed with might prefer to climb by foot). Once at the Jesuit Church, or request a pick-up from your white wine, flour, Kirsch and garlic. Other top, you will have a breathtaking view of hotel. Call 041/37.36.20 for reservations. specialties are râclette, a toasted cheese Lucerne, the lake, the Alpine range of moun- dish eaten with potatoes boiled in their jack- tains, and Central Switzerland. ets, pickled onions and gherkins, and rösti, shredded fried potatoes. For dessert try