Lucerne

While the covered, medieval Chapel Bridge – one of the oldest in Europe – is the quintessential picture of Lucerne, this naturally beautiful, culturally rich city goes much deeper in its appeal. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the imposing peak of Mount Pilatus, Lucerne is home to a well-preserved medieval core and sophisticated historic buildings. See the Musegg Wall, an intact part of the town’s rampart walls built in 1386. Take a sightseeing dinner cruise on a steamboat across the sparkling lake. The arts are alive here, thanks to the KKL, a three-stage concert and theater venue, and the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra. Visit the lakeside villa of Richard Wagard Wagner, now a museum that’s interesting even to non-opera lovers. Or, venture into the mountains for alpine-air recreation. Zurich, Basel and Bern are just one hour away.