How to Spend an Awesome Weekend in Oklahoma City

Chris Boothman
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3
How to Spend an Awesome Weekend in Oklahoma City

When you think about cities around the USA, I am sure that many of you are thinking about New York City, Boston, Chicago or Los Angeles. However, what about Oklahoma City? It’s time to change the stereotype of cities like Oklahoma City (OKC) being in the middle of nowhere and help them get on the radar because it truly is a beautiful city. Spending a weekend in Oklahoma City will certainly help sway your opinion (if you previously had one) or at least hopefully persuade you that the capital of Oklahoma is well worth visiting if you are road tripping along I-40.

Where is Oklahoma City?

Located a little over 3 hours from Dallas, Oklahoma City is a perfect location for a weekend getaway for many people that live in nearby states. Fort Smith, Arkansas is under 3 hours away and Wichita, Kansas is a little over 2 hours away.

oklahoma city skyline

As you drive along I-40 or I-35 through the heart of Oklahoma’s western landscape (keep your eyes peeled as you may see a cowboy on the horizon…ok, ok enough of that stereotype!) and approach Oklahoma City, you are welcomed with the breathtaking sight of the skyline primarily highlighted with the towering Devon Tower that stands at 844 feet.

devon tower oklahoma city

Where to Stay in Oklahoma City?

We immediately felt at home when we arrived in Oklahoma City and it certainly helped that we stayed at the gorgeous Ambassador Hotel in the Midtown district of the city. The art-deco inspired architecture that is apparent throughout the interior and exterior of this hotel is one of the main reasons why we would encourage you to stay here.

ambassador hotel in oklahoma city

It is one of the more upscale hotels in the OKC area, but you can certainly find reasonably priced rooms for under $150 per night which is definitely money well spent if you want a relaxing hotel in a booming neighborhood with delicious dining options and bars within short walking distance.

midtown plaza court okc

You can read a full review of our experience at the Ambassador Hotel in Oklahoma City but if you want our recommendation, then this is the place to stay!

Address

Ambassador Hotel Oklahoma City, Autograph Collection
1200 N Walker Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Tel: (405) 600-6200
Website: http://www.ambassadorhotelcollection.com/oklahomacity

What to do in Oklahoma City?

So you have found a great hotel to stay and now it’s time to start preparing your itinerary for a weekend in Oklahoma City. Where do you even begin? What are your interests? How much time will you need? All these are questions that need to be answered but don’t worry, hopefully, this guide will give you a few useful hints and tips that will get you started.

weekend in oklahoma city

Based on our experiences in OKC, we want to break this down into four main categories.

  • Sports – Oklahoma City Thunder, Oklahoma City Energy, Boathouse District.
  • Arts & Culture – The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, The Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Myriad Botanical Gardens, The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
  • Neighborhoods – Paseo Arts District, Midtown, Automobile Alley, Bricktown et al.
  • Cuisine – Iguana Mexican Grill, Waffle Champion, Pie Junkie, Pops 66 Soda Ranch.

If you love adventure, sports, history, art, culture, cuisine, beer or anything else related to any of these domains…Oklahoma City has you covered! We enjoyed a combination of all these in just 48 hours exploring the city and you can too.

Sports

When we started researching things to do in Oklahoma City, I immediately headed over to the CVB website and clicked on Sports because wherever we go we love to experience the local action.

We take our sports pretty seriously here in OKC.

When I read the above quote on the website…I was immediately sold! Let’s take a look at the local teams we experienced.

chesapeake arena oklahoma city thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder

Since 2008, Oklahoma City has been the proud hosts of the Thunder, the NBA team that was formerly known as the Seattle Supersonics.

oklahoma city thunder

With the likes of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder are one of the top teams in the NBA so when we were given the opportunity to experience them play the Utah Jazz at the Chesapeake Energy Arena…well, we didn’t need to be asked twice!

oklahoma city thunder

The gorgeous arena located in the heart of downtown OKC can hold just over 18,000 noisy Thunder fans and first-hand experience of these folks certainly emphasizes the word ‘noisy’.

weekend in oklahoma city

I can’t imagine any opposing team enjoys a visit to the Thunder’s home court but as first-time spectators, we were simply enjoying the raucous crowd lifting their team to a resounding 113-91 victory over a struggling Jazz team.

oklahoma city thunder

Oklahoma City Energy

If NBA basketball doesn’t spark your interest, perhaps watching the local OKC Energy FC team will intrigue you. Playing in the third tier of professional soccer in the States, the Energy ply their trade at Taft Stadium, home of various high schools throughout the city.

taft stadium oklahoma city

The USL (United Soccer League) may not have the quality of the Barclays Premier League, La Liga or even Major League Soccer, but what it does have is an entertainment level that makes this a worthwhile experience while in OKC.

weekend in oklahoma city

From tailgating prior to kick-off to watching a local skydiving team provide the match ball, our experience watching the Energy FC team was memorable for all the right reasons.

oklahoma city energy

Be social (use the #UseYourEnergy hashtag), be vociferous in supporting the Energy and most importantly, have a great time!

Unfortunately, our visit to Taft Stadium ended with a sour taste as they succumbed to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Regardless of the result, we had a great time and look forward to a return visit to cheer on the Energy!

weekend in oklahoma city

Boathouse District

If you love extreme adventure thrills, then head over to the new Boathouse District where you can experience an amazing zip line across the Oklahoma River or perhaps head downstream on a kayak.

The center will be a state-of-the-art aquatic adventure facility – one of only a few in the world

An impressive new feature that is opening in May 2016 is the whitewater rafting and kayaking center known as RIVERSPORT Rapids.

boathouse district oklahoma city

Even if extreme adventure is not your thing, taking a stroll by the river is a relaxing experience while watching adventurous folks do their thing in this relatively new part of OKC’s downtown neighborhood.

Arts & Culture

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Located outside of downtown OKC, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers visitors to the area an opportunity to learn all about this ‘cowboy’ stereotype associated with Oklahoma.

national cowboy and western heritage museum

Heading to this museum, I have to admit I was a little skeptical because I had visions in mind of a large barn with horses running around outside and a few artifacts depicting Buffalo Bill and other iconic legends of western heritage.

national cowboy museum oklahoma city

I am so happy to say that I was so wrong! This experience is anything but the stereotype you may imagine, rather it offers a legitimate historical perspective on how society lived in recent decades in the heart of the American West.

national cowboy and western heritage museum

In fact, the museum is home to the world’s largest collection of rodeo photographs and even barbed wire! I never imagined learning about the various types of barbed wire could actually be pretty interesting. You better experience it to believe it.

weekend in oklahoma city

Both inside and outside the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a cool experience.

weekend in oklahoma city

Outside you can learn about Buffalo Bill himself along with marvel over the perfectly manicured gardens and water features that make this a relaxing environment to stroll around.

national cowboy and western heritage museum

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

If you love art, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art will entice you through its doors and provide an exhilarating experience as you are taken back through history with a number of gorgeous works and brought forward to modern day artists and their intricate compositions.

oklahoma museum of art

We were fortunate to experience this museum when the Chihuly exhibit was taking place on the third floor and this in itself is worth the admission fee alone.

chihuly glass

For those of you unfamiliar with Chihuly, the glass works that he produces are breathtaking masterpieces and some of these on display are incredible to imagine how they were sculpted.

oklahoma museum of art

Myriad Botanical Gardens

Who would have thought that downtown Oklahoma City would be home to a gorgeous botanical garden? I know I was surprised to hear that directly opposite the tallest skyscraper in Oklahoma is the Myriad Botanical Gardens. The 17-acre botanical garden is an interactive, urban area of green space.

myriad botanical gardens

A lake, various tiers of densely populated landscaped areas and of course, the focal point – Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, are the main highlights here. We visited on Easter Sunday which gave us free admission to Crystal Bridge though I have to admit we were both a little disappointed by the overall experience.

crystal bridge myriad botanical gardens

The greenhouse effect that is apparent inside this conservatory enables a myriad of tropical plants to grow here but I was just a little overwhelmed with the amount of plant life visible here.

weekend in oklahoma city

However, we can certainly see the attraction here to young children who would learn valuable information on plant habitats and the associated processes behind the development of various species.

myriad botanical gardens okc

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

We wanted to save the best until last! April 19, 1995 was just a normal day in Oklahoma City. At least that was the case until 9:01AM that morning, until the tragic event of a bomb exploding at the Murrah Federal Building.

oklahoma city national museum and memorial

The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum stands on the location where this bomb exploded and provides a chronological experience for visitors to follow exactly how the events unfolded.

weekend in oklahoma city

I have experienced a couple of poignant museums before such as the National September 11 Memorial in New York City, but this experience was something far more emotional than anything else.

weekend in oklahoma city

Whether it was the vivid images or the audio effects provided to visitors, it was a distressing and emotional experience walking through the museum but one that we both valued and can recommend to anyone visiting Oklahoma City.

oklahoma city memorial

This museum and memorial are also an awesome experience at night as the lights illuminate the reflecting pool with the Oklahoma City skyline in the background.

oklahoma city memorial

Neighborhoods

Oklahoma City is a plethora of diverse neighborhoods with each one being unique and offering an eclectic mix of attractions that make them worth visiting. Automobile Alley is an intriguing part of downtown OKC as it was the former location of car dealerships that have since been transformed into bars, restaurants and boutique establishments.

The beauty of Oklahoma City is that many of these neighborhoods and located within walking distance, or a short drive away, so be sure to get on your walking boots and explore these parts of the city.

automobile alley

We walked to the Bricktown neighborhood which is typified by the gorgeous canal that winds through the district and offers a water taxi ride that is a really cool way to experience this district. Our tour guide shared some tips on restaurants and bars around this part of OKC, along with a few history lessons on the bronze statues that represent the Oklahoma Land Run participants of 1889.

bricktown water taxi

If you are looking for a little Spanish extravagance, head over to the Paseo Arts district and experience the vibrant colors of the architecture. You won’t need to head to Barcelona to see Gaudi inspired work when you can wander around this community and visit art galleries and restaurants in the Paseo district of OKC.

paseo arts district

These are just a couple of examples of neighborhoods that you can spend some time exploring. Be sure to check out our post focused on highlighting some of the best neighborhoods in Oklahoma City that you won’t want to miss.

Cuisine

Arriving in Oklahoma City, we were both ready to experience some local cuisine. But what is the local food in Oklahoma that we all associate with the Sooner state? Whether it’s Tex-Mex cuisine, BBQ or just any food that is deep-fried, we were ready to sample all of it.

iguana mexican grill oklahoma city

We don’t want to share all our secrets just yet but if you are looking for some authentic Mexican cuisine, head over to the Midtown district and try Iguana Mexican Grill. The queso and guacamole are delicious!

If you are an early riser and particularly if you are staying at our recommended hotel, perhaps Waffle Champion is the perfect option…if you have a sweet tooth, please trust us when we say you won’t regret it.

pops 66 soda ranch

And then there is Pops 66 Soda Ranch. Two locations, the original in Arcadia, OK located north of Oklahoma City and a newer store that recently opened in the Nichols Hills neighborhood. Both have over 700 bottled sodas to choose from and the food will have you salivating as you walk through the door.

But that’s not all folks…there are plenty other options to choose from, so be sure to check out our post on our recommended best places to eat in Oklahoma City.

Summary

As you can see, there is A LOT to do in Oklahoma City and perhaps spending only a weekend here isn’t enough time to fully experience everything this booming city has to offer. We managed to experience everything listed above in a little over 48 hours. Yes, we are exhausted and yes, you need to have a plan before heading to OKC if you want to accomplish everything but we just want to encourage you to give this city a chance.

weekend in oklahoma city

Regardless of how much time you allocate to spending here, you can certainly see a lot of cool attractions, museums and other experiences that will have a positive impact on your opinion of Oklahoma City. In fact, you will be pleasantly surprised at just how beautiful a city OKC really is.

Best Neighborhoods in Oklahoma City You Need to Know About

Chris Boothman
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7
Best Neighborhoods in Oklahoma City You Need to Know About

Exploring any city is more than just visiting the top tourist attractions instead, it is about getting off the beaten path and visiting some of the hidden neighborhoods and districts that typify the local culture. This is exactly why we decided to visit some of the best neighborhoods in Oklahoma City during our recent visit and explore an eclectic mix of diverse districts that reflect both old and new cultures within the Sooner State.

Welcome to the Sooner State!

We want to share a guide to some of the neighborhoods (or districts as they are commonly referred to in Oklahoma City) that you won’t want to miss and perhaps give you a few hidden ‘local tips’ on the best spots to visit within these areas of the city.

bricktown centennial land run sooner

Before getting into the local hotspots that make Oklahoma City such an intriguing city to visit, ask yourself if any of the following interests you.

  • If you love culture…Oklahoma City is the place to be!
  • If you love arts…Oklahoma City is the place to be!
  • If you love adventure…Oklahoma City is the place to be!
  • If you love fine cuisine…Oklahoma City is the place to be!
  • If you love a combination of all the above…that’s right you guessed it, Oklahoma City is the place to be!

Sounds like OKC is a pretty booming city…well they don’t call it “Boomer Sooner” for nothing!

downtown oklahoma city

Rather than focusing on all the neighborhoods (we want to save some for a return trip to OKC!), we decided to focus our attention on six of Oklahoma City’s trendiest and most colorful districts. This may seem like a lot but several of these are fairly small and located close to each other but don’t let that dissuade you from visiting because they offer plenty to keep you interested.

Automobile Alley

What better place to start our review of Oklahoma City neighborhoods than the revolutionized Automobile Alley.

automobile alley oklahoma city

What was once the roaring district for car dealerships has been transformed into a location that is home to many of the best dining spots, bars, and boutique establishments.

best neighborhoods in oklahoma city

Revitalized. Revamped. And really cool.

When we heard about how this part of OKC had been renovated, we had to check it out for ourselves. True to their word, it’s very apparent that car dealerships and even a gas station were prevalent here, yet today they have been completely transformed into a fresh part of the city that attracts visitors and locals alike.

automobile alley in oklahoma city

Yet the best aspect of Automobile Alley is that despite the transformation, much of the original architecture has remained in place and just strolling along the sidewalk and glancing up at the historic buildings, you can pick out the old Buick showroom among many others.

automobile alley okc

It’s not often that a city revitalizes an area in such a way so this is a pretty cool aspect of OKC that you just have to experience for yourselves!

automobile alley okc

Why not grab a beer or sit down for lunch while taking in the intricate details of the architecture and how they have been converted into today’s culture for the district to continue thriving.

best neighborhoods in okc

Perhaps you would prefer to wait until darkness sets to explore Automobile Alley and why not, because the neon lights that light up the Oklahoma City night sky make this an incredibly beautiful neighborhood to visit.

hideaway pizza okc

Our Top Tips

  • Known locally as ‘The little taco stand by the railroad tracks’, Iguana Mexican Grill is a great dining option for authentic Tex-Mex cuisine.
  • Alternatively, if you prefer to sample the local pizza joint that is renowned for having some of the best pizza in OKC, head over to Hideaway Pizza on Broadway.
iguana mexican grill

Bricktown District

The Bricktown District was once the warehouse district of Oklahoma City but today it has been transformed into a prosperous area for entertainment and dining.

bricktown district in oklahoma city

The heart of Bricktown is a mile long canal that visitors can travel along by hopping on the Bricktown Water Taxi.

bricktown district

We had a great experience exploring the Bricktown district. Walking along the infamous Mickey Mantle Drive in front of the Chickasaw Bricktown ballpark, we enjoyed taking in the gorgeous architecture and contemplating which of the various restaurants and bars we wanted to sample.

chickasaw bricktown ballpark

We strongly recommend taking the Water Taxi, which for only $10.50 for an all-day pass is a relaxing way to explore the district.

bricktown oklahoma city

But perhaps a better way to explore is to take the path that weaves along the edge of the canal, under the various bridges and ends close to the interstate.

bricktown water taxi

This is a great way to capture those perfect pictures while also enjoying the rich history that surrounds this neighborhood.

bricktown canal

The Centennial Land Run Monument features 45 participants of the iconic ‘land run’ commemorating the opening of Indian land in Oklahoma territory.

centennial land run monuments

The lone figure at the very end represents a lone sooner waiting with his horse in the distance.

Our Top Tips

  • If you want a moment of fame, why not visit Kevin Durant’s restaurant to enjoy some local southern comfort food (chicken, burgers, catfish etc.)
  • Take the Bricktown Water Taxi and listen to stories about all of the items that have been found at the bottom of the canal…you may be surprised at what people actually lose!

Paseo Arts District

If you love Spanish-inspired architecture, you will love the vibrant colors and intricate designs of the buildings throughout the Paseo Arts district.

best neighborhoods in oklahoma city

We visited this neighborhood and were pleasantly surprised to find a relatively quiet part of Oklahoma City, away from the hustle and bustle of the lively bars and restaurants in Bricktown for example.

paseo arts district in oklahoma city

The quietness here should take nothing away from the beauty because this small neighborhood offers a variety of great restaurants, cool local boutique shops, a coffee house and of course, art galleries.

paseo arts district

For the Gaudi aficionados out there, this is the perfect neighborhood to spend some time relaxing while appreciating the beauty surrounding you.

paseo arts district okc

We stumbled across several cute looking stores with bicycles outside and I could just imagine hopping on a two-wheeled companion and exploring the Paseo Arts district.

paseo arts district

Take a moment to enjoy your surroundings and think about the history of this neighborhood that dates back to 1929 as this was the first shopping district developed north of downtown OKC.

paseo arts district

Our Top Tips

  • As you walking around the Paseo Arts district, be sure to check out all the art here. You don’t even need to visit an art gallery here to begin appreciating the Spanish revival architecture surrounding you.
  • Go inside some of the local stores such as Craig’s Curious Emporium and check out the local products. From scented candles to delicately inscribed tea towels, there will be something here that will leave you with a reminder of your experience in the Paseo Arts district.
paseo arts district oklahoma city

Midtown District

We found that Midtown Oklahoma City was a perfect spot to stay as it was a centralized focal point to explore the rest of the city. Whether you are ready to hop in a Cadillac Escalade offered as complimentary service while staying at the Ambassador Hotel in Midtown, or perhaps just take a stroll around the neighborhood to explore, you will find that this district is within a short distance of many others.

midtown district oklahoma city

But don’t think that Midtown doesn’t have plenty to offer, in fact, that is far from the truth! This is the ultimate spot for local dining establishments and generally where many locals frequent to enjoy local cuisine or an evening drink. European style restaurants and pubs such as the Irish pub McNellie’s or the German beer hall, Fassler Hall are located in the heart of Midtown.

bleu garten beer garden

Or perhaps you prefer to head over to the open-air beer garden reflecting the true German and French influence here at Bleu Garten.

waffle champion midtown oklahoma city

For local cuisine, Waffle Champion is the place to go for a sweet or savory option at breakfast (or late night snack on many evenings). Packard’s New American Kitchen offers a plethora of delicious looking dishes though the prices are a little higher than other options within the area (they do say that you get what you pay for!).

Our Top Tips

  • Experience one (or more) of the 350+ brews available at McNellie’s Irish Pub in Midtown while sampling stereotypical Irish cuisine at affordable prices.
  • Treat yourselves at Packard’s New American Kitchen while sitting on the rooftop and appreciating the stunning views across Oklahoma City.

Plaza District

The Plaza district is a relatively new neighborhood in Oklahoma City that we only stumbled across because of a recommendation to visit a spot selling the best pies in the city. Pie Junkie is a popular spot because of the delicious pies but we were excited to see that there is much more to the Plaza district than just a hotbed for pie slices.

pie junkie oklahoma city

Located at Northwest 16th Street, this neighborhood is home to a diverse variety of art galleries, boutique specialty stores, and awesome local restaurants.

plaza district oklahoma city

It’s not surprising to hear that over $15 million has been spent to renovate this neighborhood and hopefully this trendy area of OKC will continue to develop as it really is a great hang-out district.

plaza district okc

Our Top Tips

  • The Mule is a locally owned restaurant and is one of the top picks in the Plaza district. The Okie Poutine is a popular choice here, offering an Oklahoma version of the Canadian delicacy.
  • Looking for some Oklahoma apparel or other products local to the area while exploring OKC? Head to Tree and Leaf Clothing for authentic Oklahoma-based items. Visit here before heading next door to Pie Junkie for a slice of Drunken Turtle pie!

Boathouse District

After spending time learning about Oklahoma’s western heritage, appreciating the European influence in the architecture of the Paseo district and indulging in fine cuisine across all of the city’s diverse neighborhoods, you will be ready for a little adventure.

boathouse district

There is no better neighborhood to let your hair down and enjoy a little action than the Boathouse district.

boathouse district zipline

Home to a multi-million dollar project that has revolutionized this area of OKC, the Boathouse district offers a variety of world-class adventure activities for all the family to enjoy.

boathouse district okc

I will openly admit that we didn’t participate in this outdoor recreation but we did take a walk by the Oklahoma River and watch those folks with a little more adventure in their veins participate in what to us appeared to be death-defying activities.

oklahoma river kayaking

From zip-lining across the Oklahoma River to the world’s tallest adventure course, the adrenalin junkies out there will love the Boathouse district.

best neighborhoods in oklahoma city

Kayaking downstream is also available but perhaps the really adventurous visitors are waiting for the brand-new white-water rafting venue to open in May 2016. Oklahoma City will be home to one of only a few state-of-the-art aquatic adventure facilities around the world.

Our Top Tips

  • The Boathouse District is not necessarily for everyone but we recommend checking it out even if you are just taking a stroll along the river. It is conveniently located near Bass Pro Shops and the Bricktown area, with both being within walking distance if you prefer to leave your car behind.
  • A pleasure cruise on board an Oklahoma River Cruiser is available here and this takes you on a seven-mile journey along the river past the infamous Stockyards District (check out Cattlemen’s Steakhouse if you visit this part of OKC).

Summary

With so many distinctive neighborhoods to explore in Oklahoma City, it’s difficult to know where to begin. Hopefully, we have shared a nice blend of culture, cuisine, and adventure here and we look forward to visiting the heart of Oklahoma again in the near future to experience more of what this city has to offer.

What is your favorite part of Oklahoma City?


Why Lucerne to Interlaken by Train Is the Best Experience?

Chris Boothman
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19
Why Lucerne to Interlaken by Train Is the Best Experience?

We have been incredibly fortunate to explore much of Europe by train over the last couple of years. Thanks to the amazing Eurail passes, we have traveled through various countries, each with unique characteristics and gorgeous scenery worth experiencing. But despite all of our travels, there is one train journey in particular that continues to stand out in our mind as our favorite. Lucerne to Interlaken by train is by far the most breathtaking journey we have experienced to date.

Zurich Day Trip

European train travel is in itself an amazing experience, regardless of the journey you are taking. There are many benefits to exploring Europe by train but when you have the opportunity to see spectacular panoramic scenery such as that available on the trip from Lucerne to Interlaken…well it’s an absolute no-brainer and definitely something you should consider next time you are visiting Switzerland.

To add a little more incentive to this journey, both of these Swiss towns are beautiful and offer iconic reflections on the Swiss culture.

lucerne to interlaken

I also want to mention that our journey from Lucerne to Interlaken was a day trip from Zurich which is yet another reason why this is an epic adventure you won’t want to miss. A short one hour train ride from Zurich saw us arrive in Lucerne by mid-morning.

Our plan was to spend a couple of hours here before heading to Interlaken. Let’s start by taking a look at Lucerne where our journey started.

Things to do in Lucerne

Arriving at Lucerne’s Central Station, we were ready to head and explore this beautiful town sitting on the edge of Lake Lucerne. If you only have a couple of hours to spend here, we recommend donning your walking boots and start exploring.

lucerne to interlaken by train

Here are some of the top attractions worth experiencing in Lucerne before heading on to your next stop:

  • Explore Lake Lucerne
  • Mount Pilatus
  • Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)
  • Musegg Mauer
  • Church of St. Leodegar

We urge you to read our post focused on the top things to do in Lucerne if you are interested in spending several hours, or even longer in this beautiful Swiss town. Even in the short time that we spent in Lucerne, we immediately noticed how this was one of the most relaxing destinations throughout Europe.

lucerne switzerland

Imagine relaxing by Lake Lucerne overlooking the gorgeous harbor…it’s enough to make your heart skip a beat and know that this is a spot you will want to revisit time and time again!

The Golden Pass – Lucerne to Interlaken By Train

After spending several hours exploring the stunning views around Lucerne, you may be forgiven for thinking that your afternoon heading into the Swiss Alps couldn’t get any better. Don’t worry, it does get better… A LOT BETTER.

lucerne to interlaken by train

Welcome to the Golden Pass! They don’t call it this without good reason and as you depart Lucerne aboard the panoramic train you soon begin to realize that this is going to be a pretty special journey.

If you have more time, we strongly encourage you to take the Golden Pass line all the way from Lucerne to Interlaken and then on to Zweisimmen or Montreux.

golden pass lucerne to interlaken by train

For a little over two hours, you are taken deep into the Swiss Alps aboard a train offering panoramic cars where you can experience the breathtaking scenery from all angles. The journey takes you through steep alpine landscapes across the Brünig Pass that links Central Switzerland with the Bernese Oberland.

brunig pass switzerland

Using rack railways to overcome the incredibly steep gradients, the Golden Pass weaves through alpine towns such as Alpnachstad, Giswil, Meiringen and Brienz.

brienz switzerland

The beauty of this journey is that you are quickly able to experience a myriad of landscapes that typify the Swiss culture. The huge contrasts between city life in Lucerne to the small town quirkiness in the heart of the Swiss Alps is evident in the short 2 1/2 hour train journey to Interlaken.

lucerne to interlaken by train

You can’t help by marvel over the landscapes on either side of the rail car. The difficulty is picking which side to look out of, but fortunately, traveling as a couple we were able to capture the best of both worlds.

lake brienz

I really don’t think words or pictures can do the scenery justice, it’s just one of those journeys you have to take in order to fully appreciate how stunning Switzerland’s landscapes really are.

lucerne to interlaken by train

Passing by Lake Brienz is one of the most rewarding scenes on this journey. Take a moment to paint this picture in your mind. The perfect image of fishing boats docked at the harbor with the sunlight glistening on the surface of the lake, accompanied by the majestic Swiss peaks of Jungfrau among others providing a perfect backdrop.

jungfraujoch

As the Golden Pass line slowly weaves along the edge of Lake Brienz’s banks, you are left with lifelong memories before the train pulls into the Alpine town of Interlaken.

interlaken east station

Things to do in Interlaken

By the time you arrive in Interlaken, you could be forgiven for being exhausted at the amount of natural beauty you have experienced throughout the day. Grab some coffee or whatever you need to boost your energy levels and get ready to explore the gorgeous town of Interlaken.

interlaken

A wide variety of attractions and activities are available in the small town of Interlaken though perhaps the most famous attraction here is the challenging ski slopes that surround this mountain town. As we strolled around this beautiful town, it’s difficult to avoid visitors holding their skis getting ready to head on the slopes.

jungfraujoch skiing

The Höheweg promenade is the heart of Interlaken, linking the urban center of Interlaken West to the less active Interlaken East. Both locations have stations and we chose to walk from one to the other to fully explore everything available here.

interlaken

Here are a couple of things you should consider experiencing while in Interlaken:

  • Höheweg Promenade
  • Interlaken Castle
  • Garden of Friendship
  • Riverside Walk
  • Roman Catholic Church on Schlossstrasse
  • Covered Bridge across the River Aare

interlaken bridge river aare

Summary

After exploring Interlaken, be prepared to take some time to reflect on your amazing day in Switzerland. We took a number of amazing day trips while in Europe but Zurich to Lucerne to Interlaken (and back) was certainly up there with the very best. This trip had everything from breathtaking scenery to quaint gift shops encouraging us to spend our last Swiss Francs.

The Golden Pass is an epic rail line that inspires this form of transportation. If you are hesitant about purchasing a Eurail pass, simply take a look at our pictures passing through the Swiss Alps. If these don’t convince you, then I am afraid nothing will!

5 Things to Do in Lucerne That Should Not Be Missed

Chris Boothman
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17
5 Things to Do in Lucerne That Should Not Be Missed

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland on the banks of a lake is the beautiful city of Lucerne. If you are not familiar with this part of central Switzerland, hopefully after reading this article you be will ready to head there because this is one of the most breathtaking cities throughout Europe. Focusing on some of the top things to do in Lucerne, we want to inspire visitors to the Swiss nation to take some time to explore this part of the country.

things to do in lucerne

Location

Lucerne is an easily accessible city from many of the main hubs in Switzerland. During our recent visit, we were based in Zurich and Lucerne could be reached in a little over 45 minutes. This is a perfect city to experience for a few hours before heading on to explore other parts of Switzerland.

lake lucerne

Conveniently located on the Golden Pass line which allows visitors to take a scenic, panoramic train through the Swiss Alps to Interlaken and beyond, Lucerne is certainly a spot you should consider visiting before heading into the mountains.

things to do in lucerne

Whether you arrive in Lucerne by train or by car, you will soon realize that the heart of this city is by Lake Lucerne and the surrounding neighborhoods. The central station is located by the lake and after arriving here we were immediately able to start exploring some of Lucerne’s most iconic landmarks. Let’s take a look at the top things to do in Lucerne.

Kapellbrücke

If you are visiting Lucerne for the first time, you will likely want to visit the iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) that crosses the Reuss River in the heart of the city. The bridge dates back to 1333 when it was originally constructed and over 600 years later in 1993 it was destroyed by fire. The following year it was rebuilt and today we see a reconstruction of the original wooden footbridge that crosses the river.

chapel bridge lucerne

The Kapellbrücke is iconic for many reasons, none more so than the unique paintings on the interior of the covered bridge. Many of these paintings were of course destroyed during the fire, but 30 of the original 158 paintings were fully restored and are on display today.

things to do in lucerne

Depicting local, historic scenes from Lucerne, these paintings are an integral part of the bridge and as visitors cross today, they are able to not only appreciate the present day beauty surrounding this city but also gain a better understanding of the history here.

things to do in lucerne switzerland

Another of the iconic features of this bridge is the 140 feet tall Wasserturm (water tower). The octagonal shape of this tower is quirky and although you may assume that this is a water tower in the usual sense, this is in fact named this way because it stands in the river.

There have been many uses of this tower including a prison and torture house but today it is closed to the public aside from a gift shop that is located at the base of the tower along the covered walkway.

chapel bridge lucerne

The Chapel Bridge is one of the first landmarks that you see after leaving the central station in Lucerne, so taking a stroll across here will lead you into the medieval quarters of the city where you can begin exploring more of the city’s iconic attractions.

chapel bridge lucerne

We encourage you to take some time to learn about Lucerne’s history while standing on the bridge, plus take a moment to peer out into Lake Lucerne and take in the awe-inspiring views (don’t worry though, if you miss this opportunity, the views later in your self-guided tour will be even more spectacular!)

Lake Lucerne

Leaving the Chapel Bridge, you are presented with the stunning views across Lake Lucerne. Encircled by the Swiss Alps, this lake offers unequivocally beautiful panoramas both from the banks by the city of Lucerne and of course for those fortunate to take a cruise around the lake.

lake lucerne

The length of time you spend in the city will determine whether you can take one of these scenic cruises. Boat cruises aboard one of the five historic paddle wheel steamers offer an amazing opportunity for visitors to relax on this gorgeous lake. However, just taking a leisurely stroll along the banks of the lake was a wonderful experience.

things to do in lucerne

Glancing over to the sunlight shimmering across the surface of Lake Lucerne while peering up to the majestic Alpine peaks in the background make this the ideal spot to relax before continuing to explore Lucerne’s Old Town.

things to do in lucerne

The graceful elegance of swans gliding across the lake enhance the beauty here and it’s no surprise to see these images scattered across paintings and postcards as you later explore gift shops around Lucerne.

lake lucerne wildlife

Museggmauer

Lucerne’s Old Town neighborhood is typified by gorgeous medieval architecture and narrow streets leading to the historic Museggmauer (Musegg Wall). Located at the summit of the Old Town overlooking the city, Lake Lucerne and beyond, this area is part of the rampart walls built in 1386.

museggmauer

Much of this medieval wall is still intact over 600 years later and today four towers are still open to the public (Schirmer, Zyt, Wacht, and Männli).

lucerne ramparts

The real beauty about exploring this part of Lucerne, aside from the obvious history, is to appreciate the stunning views across the city. When you think about picture perfect scenes, the views from the summit are exactly that.

things to do in lucerne

The hike to the top takes about 15 minutes through the aforementioned quaint cobblestone streets but we can attest that it is well worth the effort. Everything about this part of Lucerne is the epitome of charm and whether you are a history buff or simply an avid explorer, you can’t help but appreciate everything visible here.

things to do in lucerne

Another interesting fact for the historians out there, the oldest city clock dating back to 1535 is located inside the Zyt tower and is set to chime every hour, the difference being it chimes one minute before any other clock in the city.

zyt clock tower

Church of St. Leodegar

After leaving the medieval ramparts of Lucerne, the relatively more modern Church of St. Leodegar stands proudly at the base of the Old Town in close proximity to Lake Lucerne. When I say ‘modern’, I am referencing an era dating back to the mid-17th century.

St. Leodegar was founded in the mid-8th century, part of the monastery which in turn founded Lucerne (Myswitzerland.com)

The history of the St. Leodegar legacy dates further back than this to the 8th century when the monastery here actually founded the city of Lucerne.

church of st leodegar

The ornate details of this church’s architecture make this a spectacular construction and certainly a landmark worth visiting while exploring the rest of the city.  This church is also known as the Hof Church to locals within the area.

Lucerne Rathaus

The Lucerne Town Hall is another intriguing piece of architecture inspired by the Italian Rennaissance era and well worth visiting. The gorgeous clock tower is a feature that stands out among Lucerne’s Old Town neighborhood but the history of the ‘Rathaus’ dates back to the early 17th-century.

lucerne town hall

Designed by Anton Isenmann, the Town Hall is used today as a marketplace in the arcades and above this level is a concert hall.

lucerne town hall switzerland

Summary

We spent just a few hours exploring Lucerne but even in this short amount of time we quickly fell in love with this city. The breathtaking scenery, the relaxing atmosphere throughout the Old Town and the rich history inside the ramparts make this a Swiss destination that we can’t wait to revisit in the near future.

lucerne switzerland

Not only is this a city worth exploring but with so many rail connections to other parts of Switzerland, it may be well worth considering using Lucerne as a hub to explore the rest of the country. We can assure you that you could do a lot worse that choosing this gorgeous city on the banks of Lake Lucerne!

weekend wanderlust


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