Passes and Panorama: Lake Como to Lucerne

A picturesque town on the western shores of Lake Como, renowned for its breathtaking nature and historic villas.
Leave the haunting beauty of Lake Como behind you and prepare to cross the border into Switzerland, heading further into the Alps.

With the St. Gotthard Pass ahead of you, prepare your vehicle for the climb and utilise the services if needed.

A picturesque spot at the start of the St. Gotthard Pass, offering stunning mountain vistas.
As you traverse the St. Gotthard Pass, take a moment to stop and look back at the scenery unfolding before you. Marvel at this deep valley, which became a strategic defence point, protecting Switzerland from any threats from the south. 🅿️ On-site parking is available.

A charming spot along the historic, paved road, offering scenic views of the Saint-Gotthard Massif.
Survey the Saint-Gotthard Massif, which connects the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in the south and the German-speaking canton of Uri in the north. It is easy to understand why this is nicknamed the 'King of Mountain Passes.'
The Gotthard pass is inaccessible during the winter months, typically from November until May, but becomes navigable again in summer, spanning from May through November. Additionally, there might be repair works underway during the summer season, so if you find this pass closed, you can return to the main road, which also offers great views along the way. 🅿️ On-site parking is available.

Venture into the heart of Lucerne and park your car, before making the short walk over to the Glacier Garden.

A family-run restaurant integrating 3D printing technology into its design while offering authentic Transalpine cuisine by Pietro Catalano.
Experience the culinary artistry of CAAA by Pietro Catalano, where innovative cuisine meets eco-conscious dining. Founded by a chef dedicated to sustainability, CAAA crafts each dish with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's design is also pretty unusual, the ceiling is made from recycled materials. Enjoy a menu offering delicious options such as Piedmontese beef and Gnocchi Ortolana. 🗓️ Check the opening hours and book a table in advance.

A unique geological site featuring glacial potholes formed during the Ice Age, as well as fascinating rock formations and ancient fossils.
The Glacier Garden of Lucerne is a fascinating combination of a natural monument, a park, and a museum. Discover the natural history of the region, where you can view glacial potholes (also known as giant’s cauldrons or glacial mills) left by the receding Reuss Glacier. There are also fossilised shells and palm leaves from a subtropical ocean region dating back 20 million years on view.
You can also explore the Felsenwelt (Rock Underworld), which is an underground path that takes you through different times and rooms. And for the child at heart, you can also lose yourself in the mirror maze, called 'Alhambra.' The museum building, which resembles a typical Swiss chalet, displays artefacts from throughout the town’s history. 🗓️ Check the opening hours and book your visit in advance.

A sculpted lion commemorating the Swiss soldiers killed in 1792 during the French Revolution.
Make the short walk from the museum along the path to the famous Lion Monument. This poignant sculpture, carved into a sandstone rock face, depicts a dying lion. The sculpture commemorates the Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution. The monument's solemn beauty and historical significance make it a moving tribute to sacrifice and courage.

A luxurious hotel on the banks of the Reuss River with a Michelin-recommended restaurant on-site.
The Hotel des Balances will be your home from home this evening, offering you the opportunity to stay in the former Guild Hall of Lucerne. With tranquil views over the Reuss River, the relaxed luxury of this establishment is sure to charm you.
Be sure to make a reservation for dinner at the Restaurant Balances, the hotel's Michelin-recommended restaurant. The modern design and stylish atmosphere will welcome you, as will chefs Andy Fluri and Niko Eichner and their team. Their French-Mediterranean cuisine features the likes of grilled St. Peter’s Fish fillet with saffron foam, black wholegrain rice, Savoy cabbage, and baby carrot, and bison fillet with pear chutney and truffle jus, sweet potato purée, and seasonal vegetables. 🗓️ Check the opening hours and book a table in advance. 🅿️ On-site parking is available.