Central Switzerland (Summer)

This is Switzerland’s most historic region, the home of William Tell, and of the original Swiss Confederation, formed in 1291. Today tourists flock to the cosmopolitan city of Lucerne, the idyllic villages around the lake, and the majestic Alpine resorts. Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee in the local German) is a maze of narrow coves and fingers, bordered by pine woods and framed by the white-tipped Alps. A boat ride is a must-do in the warmer months. At the mouth of the lake is Lucerne, with her medieval city walls, old town, and fine museums (if you have kids, don't miss the Transport Museum). Take a cable car up to Pilatus, Rigi or ...

This is Switzerland’s most historic region, the home of William Tell, and of the original Swiss Confederation, formed in 1291. Today tourists flock to the cosmopolitan city of Lucerne, the idyllic villages around the lake, and the majestic Alpine resorts. Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee in the local German) is a maze of narrow coves and fingers, bordered by pine woods and framed by the white-tipped Alps. A boat ride is a must-do in the warmer months. At the mouth of the lake is Lucerne, with her medieval city walls, old town, and fine museums (if you have kids, don't miss the Transport Museum). Take a cable car up to Pilatus, Rigi or Bürgenstock for panoramas of mountains, lake and forests. Hiking, horseback riding, biking and other scenic pursuits are spectacular, and so are watery activities such as swimming and water skiing. There are many interesting destinations in the region, including the pretty lakeside town of Zug and the huge 10th-century monastery at Einsiedeln.

About the Expert

Charlie Morris is the author of the Open Road guidebooks Best of Honduras, Best of Costa Rica, Best of Belize, and Switzerland Guide.