Friday, June 26, 2015
Today marks the last day and crescendo of our two-week trip. The day was split into two parts: the trip to Mount Pilatus, and our dinner with the Schwager family in Kussnacht am Rigi. I am splitting today into two separate posts given the completely different themes.
Cafe in the Old Town
Cartoon-like depiction of the mayor.
The day started early with a guided tour of the old city along with a history overview. In contrast to yesterday’s mass of people and traffic, the city was quiet and pristine. We walked the narrow streets lined with beautifully adorned buildings. The first church we visited – Church of Leodegar (Franciscan Church) – was rebuilt in 1633 on the foundation of the burnt, prior church. The most beautiful Catholic church, however, is the Jesuit Church which we visited next. It was built over a period of several decades and finally consecrated in 1677. The Baroque architecture depicting power and glory was a direct response to the Reformation. It was the Catholics’ attempt to regain spiritual leadership on the wave of the Protestants’ domination in Switzerland.
Jesuit Church
Franciscan Church
Chapel Bridge
The most photographed object in Lucerne is the Chapel Bridge. Built in the 14th century, it served as part of the fortification as well as a covered pathway to church.
Our boat to Alpnachstad
The peak in the center is Mt. Pilates, our destination today.
One of many beautiful stops along the lake.
Next a dash to catch the boat to Alpnachstad. The ride was relaxing and offered an unprecedented view of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Pilatus – our destination later today. The one and one-half hour ride was amazing. The Swiss Army treated us to an over-flight formation of military airplanes. We disembarked in Alpnachstad, located at the end of Lake Alpnach, to take the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, to Pilatus Klum at about 7,000 feet. The train first opened in 1889 and was converted from steam to electricity in 1937. The 15,000 foot rail-track climbs 5,400 ft. with grades of up to 48 degrees. It passes through meadows, travels along granite rocks only 6 inches from our railcar, while clinging to a rail on a ledge cut into the sides of cliffs. In some sections the ledge is so narrow that the side of the rail cars hung out over a 2,000 foot drop….don’t look down! The 360 degree view at the top is stunning. We could see the whole lake and surrounding areas. We even spotted Mt. Rigi. The little town, Kussnacht, sits at the base. This is where we will meet up with my aunt, uncle, and cousins later in the evening.
Cogwheel train climbing to Pilatus Klum.
Precarious section of track.
Arriving at Pilatus Klum.
View from Pilatus.
Lunch is awaiting.
Time to enjoy the ambiance.
Buzzed by a paraglider.
Oh yeah! Time to eat, yet again!
OK…no sun screen, so it’s hat time.
It was time to move again. Coming down from Pilatus Kulm, opposite the cogwheel train side of the mountain, we rode an areal cable car half-way down to Freakmuentegg. This was the spot for yet another highly anticipated adventure for the boys. They took a racy ride down the 4,500 foot steel toboggan track – reportedly never applying brakes. Hmm! Mitchell wore his GoPro camera, so he captured the complete run from his point-of-view. Thrilling and scary! Since I can’t post video in this blog, we need to wait for Our Swiss Adventure – The Movie, to be released by the end of July.
Lake Lucerne and surrounding area. Heading down from Pilatus.
Building a church anywhere.
Mitchell starting his run.
The final leg of our mountain-down trip came on a cable car which brought us to lake level. At this point, we caught a bus and returned to Lucerne. Time for a one hour respite to recharge our energy before leaving for Kussnacht am Rigi and dinner with the family. The boys needed rest!
Comments