Attractions
Lucerne
The Chapel Bridge The 14th-century Chapel Bridge is the most recognizable landmark in Lucerne and is said to be the oldest wooden bridge in Europe.
Mount Pilatus The stunning view from Mount Pilatus is well worth the short journey from Lucerne. Take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top.
The Swiss Transport Museum With its large collection of trains, planes, automobiles and motorcycles, this transportation museum is a great place to spend an afternoon. If you get tired of the real train engines you can check out the model railroad or the miniature working steam train.
The Old City Wall The medieval town wall was built in the 15th century and was used by knights in defense of the town. Enjoy a great panoramic view of Lucerne from one of the towers.
The Dying Lion Monument Carved in the early 1800s in honor of the 700 Swiss Guards who died trying to protect Louis XVI, this famous monument was chiseled into the sandstone cliffs above Lucerne.
Glacier Garden Built around a glacial pothole from the Ice Age, this museum displays artifacts from throughout Lucerne’s natural history.
The Picasso Museum Arriving uninvited at Picasso’s villa, Life magazine’s photo correspondent David Douglas Duncan found a welcoming Picasso and family. Over the next few years, Duncan produced an intimate portrait of the artist’s day-to-day life; 200 of these photographs are displayed in the Am-Rhyn-Haus, a beautiful 17th-century building.
Bern
Bern is chock-full of museums and public art; each is marked on the walking map available from the tourist office in the train station.
Bundeshaus (House of Parliaments) The Representative Building dominating the main Square was constructed at the end of 19th century. A free guided tour is offered when the house is out of session.
Einsteinhaus Albert Einstein rented this small flat with his wife during his years working at the Swiss patent office. Hans Albert, their first child, as well as the special and general theories of relativity were born here. The museum displays numerous photos and documents from Einstein’s life.
The Clock Tower Near the center of the Old Town, the Clock Tower is an impressive display of early animatronics technology. The show starts a few minutes before every hour, and you can book a tour to see how the clock works from the inside.
Museum of Fine Arts This large museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by Paul Klee and has an impressive array of 20th-century artists.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz offers an appealing combination of unspoiled natural environment, culture, great shopping and a beautiful setting. Hikes, mountain bike tours, golf, horse riding, windsurfing and sailing are all popular. St. Moritz is also the starting point for some of the scenic trains of Switzerland.
Innsbruck
Triumphal Arch The arch separates the main street, with Marie-Theresien-Strasse to the north and Leopoldstrasse to the south. Built in the Roman style, it commemorates the wedding of the Duke of Tuscany and also serves as a memorial to the Emperor Francis.
Saint Anna’s Column This column was erected in celebration of the withdrawal of Bavarian forces during the war of Spanish Succession in 1703. A statue of the Virgin Mary sits atop, and it incorporates several Christian figures at the base.
Swarovski Kristallwelten A wonderland of crystal, the “Swarovski Crystal World” displays works by artists past and present.
Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum Contained within a historic abbey, this museum is dedicated to the popular arts and crafts of the local people of Tyrol, displaying costumes, furniture and religious items.
Dom zu St. Jakob The cathedral is ornately decorated. The walls and ceilings are lined with striking frescoes while the gilded altar overwhelms.
Alpenzoo The Alpenzoo is home to a large collection of animals native to the Alps.
Munich
Brandenburg Gate Built during the reign of Frederick William II, the gate is considered to be a symbol of peace and unity.
Berlin Wall The 160 kilometer wall was built in 1961 to divide Berlin into East and West. This barrier was destroyed in 1989 by a joyous German crowd. The only standing part is the East Side Gallery.
Reichstag Serving today as the seat of the German Government, the building was pulled down during the Nazi regime and rebuilt in 1999.
Checkpoint Charlie This is opened for visitors from 9.00 am to 10.00pm. The former checkpoint is situated just beside the great divider between the east and the west. A few yards away you can find the Checkpoint Charlie Museum.
Ka De We Located in the heart of the city of Berlin, Ka De We is the largest department store in Europe.
Berliner Dom The base of the famous Berlin Cathedral was built in 1905. The beautifully crafted dome is full of mosaics and historical photographs. The sepultures of the old church hold the casket of 80 Prussian kings.
Museum Island An archipelago of world renowned museums is located in the central part of Berlin.
Tiergarten Park Tiergarten is the largest park in Berlin and is the site of the annual Love Parade.
Charlottenburg Palace The largest existing palace of Munich, Charlottenburg Palace is used today as a museum. The palace was built in memory of Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Frederick III.