Swiss treat

The Lake Lucerne region in the heart of Switzerland offers tourists from around the world with a rich combination of landscape, culture and recreation.

The city of Lucerne is the gateway to renowned region that includes "queen peak" Mount Rigi, an aerial cable car up to the perpetual snows of Mount Titlis and the world's steepest cogwheel train on Mount Pilatus.

The UNESCO biosphere reserve at Entlebuch has leisure activities and unforgettable excursions in breathtakingly nature. Boat rides on a nostalgic paddle-wheel steamer on the scenic lake add to the allure.

Lake Lucerne with the largest navigable inland water body in Europe is lined by famous landscapes and the hotels of the Lucerne Riviera.

The picturesque villages Weggis and Vitznau along the lakeshore on the sunny southern flank of Mount Rigi offer relaxing strolls along cobblestone streets.

The city

Capital of the canton of Lucerne and in many respects the most important city in central Switzerland, Lucerne is the cultural center of the region and the fourth-largest Swiss municipality.

It owes its development to its picturesque scenery and location on an important transport axis between the Swiss Plateau and the Alps at the threshold of central Switzerland.

Eighth century monastery

Lucerne does not appear to have been officially founded. There was probably a small settlement near the lake during Roman times or earlier. The St. Leodegar Monastery has existed since the early 8th century. Historians regard 1178 as the year of the birth of Lucerne.

It enjoys a long tradition as a center of tourism as far back as 1840. Today the city attracts about 5 million visitors and records around a million overnight stays annually. It is Switzerland's most popular destination for travelers from China.

Festivals and boutiques

Picasso, Toscanini and Wagner are as much part of Lucerne as the futuristic Culture and Congress Centre designed by Jean Nouvel.

As a festival city, Lucerne presents the internationally renowned Lucerne Festival for classical music, which will cooperate with National Center for the Performing Arts for a concert in Beijing in September 2009.

The city's world-famous sights include Chapel Bridge, a well-preserved town center and vibrant shopping with a superb selection of renowned watch and jewelry brands.

Ideal for business

It also offers fine prospects for business. Growing, and with a high standard of living, Lucerne offers many benefits and ease in establishing a residence or business.

It is also easy to reach as a host city for conferences, but unrivalled as a venue for international congresses and business forums.

More information about Lucerne and Lake Lucerne Region to be found on www.luzern.com

(China Daily 08/01/2008 page23)