We planned this hiking trip for a year. We would be returning to two of our favorite areas – Grindelwald and Zermatt, and the grandkids were going with us. But, in February I started having back pain that radiated down my sciatic nerve and this was not going to get resolved for awhile. We decided to do the trip anyway – I just wouldn’t be able to hike – and arranged to go with Alpenwild Tours who were very accommodating.

Friday: We flew to Zurich to start the trip, then caught a train at the airport that was adequate to hold all our luggage and took us to Lucerne in about an hour. Have been here several times and seemed like a good location to acclimate for a few days and deal with jet lag. What was left of day one was spent checking out the Chapel Bridge and strolling through Old Town.

Another photo that shows the bridge and water tower/conference center that once upon a time was a water tower/dungeon. Note the clouds.

We also visited the Jesuit Church which is near Lake Lucerne.

We never made it inside until this trip.

We had lunch along the lake and the kids did more exploring in Old Town before the rain sent us back to the hotel. One bit of memorable window shopping included this pastry shop/candy store.

Saturday: The plan for our second day was to take the trip up Mount Pilatus which included travel by a gondola, a funicular, a cog train, a bus, and a boat. The webcam, however, nipped that in the bud. Too cloudy.

So it was another day of adventures in Lucerne that first included breakfast in a nearby pastry shop where after eggs, eight of us shared this strawberry pastry and a similar raspberry one. We had not succumbed to pastry gluttony yet.

Then it was off to the farmer’s market where there were lots of olives and succulents.

Then the Vicktorinox Swiss Army Knife Store and Museum where you could purchase this knife containing all the pieces they make for 349 Francs.

Or you could choose all the blades and tools you want and have your own knife assembled there in a case of your choice.

Next stop was the Lion of Lucerne, a famous Swiss monument carved in 1821. It recognizes Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution while protecting the French king. Always seem to be making repairs here.

Then it was on to the Glacier Garden which provided much information about glaciers including the impact of global warming. The most fun thing there was the hall of mirrors.

More shopping included checking out watch shops, bookstores, and a cuckoo clock store.

My more limited day included wandering around a market near our hotel. There I found old postcards to use in my junk journals.

Dinner that night was at the Boccio Della Mama which was Italian food.

Most interesting here was the wall honoring the Giro d’Italia and interestingly, the 2023 Tour de France started today. British rider Adam Yates won the first stage.

And no day would be complete without gelato.

Time to pack up. Tomorrow we head to Grindelwald.