Chapel Bridge and Lucerne Old Town

The Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge, has crossed the river Reuss where it leaves Lake Lucerne since the 14th century. Walk under its roof to see the triangular paintings of the city's history, many restored after a fire in 1993, with the octagonal Water Tower standing in the river beside it.

From the bridge the Old Town is a short stroll: frescoed houses on the Weinmarkt, riverside cafés, and the Lion Monument, carved into a sandstone cliff in memory of the Swiss Guards who died in Paris in 1792.

Early evening is the best time, when the bridge is lit and the crowds thin out. Lucerne is also the base for Mount Titlis, Mount Pilatus and the lake cruises, so it suits two or three nights.