Lucerne and Mt Pilatus, Switzerland

Mt Pilatus, elevation 7,000 feet

It is remarkable to view the earth from above and this mountain was no exception. It is challenging to impart the experience of grandeur in words with views that make even the largest trees appear as small dots. There were sweeping green landscapes for as far as the eye could see, but with lakes nestled between mountains for a contrast in vibrant colors. 

Mt Pilatus is certainly a popular destination for seeing some of the amazing views of the Swiss landscape. I rode the steepest cogwheel train in the world to the base of the hiking area and then spent time going to each viewpoint lookout. The elevation was such that at times it was damp and chilly as I walked through foggy clouds, but with other areas hot in the sun! The panoramic viewpoints were all impressive! 

Riding down in the gondola allowed for more beautiful vantage points to admire the landscape. I especially enjoyed seeing the grazing cows that dotted the hillsides as I heard the irregular clanging of their bells floating up to my ears as a soundtrack to the gondola ride.

 

After alighting from the gondola ride, I took time to get quite near to some of the cows before leaving for another city! These cows were responsible for all of the incredible cheese that I was enjoying on the trip! 

This day was worth the effort to get to the top of the mountain and back. Despite being slightly confusing prior to arriving (even after I had read a bit of information on navigating up to the top of the mountain), both the cogwheel train and the gondola were part of the experience rather than being merely forms of transportation. 

I made my way back to Lucern and briefly enjoyed walking around and seeing the Kapellbrucke wooden footbridge, which is pictured below. 

The interior of the bridge is adorned with detailed paintings on triangular spaces between ceiling cross beams. Images depicted are both from the history of the Swiss confederation as well as patron saints of the city. These paintings are considered remarkable because they are in open air to the public as well as being created within the confines of triangular spaces. 

This above view is looking out into lucern from the vantage point of being on the bridge. After a quick walk around this area, which is right next to a train stop, I jumped back on the train and made my way to Basel.