Corinne Steinmann, Switzerland
Have you maybe heard about the town in Switzerland called Lucerne? If not, it’s not a problem; because I’ll give you a short insight and then I am sure you won’t forget it.
Lucerne is one of the 26 cantons in Switzerland, and the city with the same name Lucerne is the principal town of this canton. Lucerne is situated almost in the middle of Switzerland and about 83,700 habitants live there.
The most famous thing to visit in Lucerne is the bridge called “Kappelbruecke” with the “watertower” in the middle which connects the old town with the new town. The river between them is named Reuss.
Another historical monument is the Lion-memorial. It is a rock relief designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris.
Furthermore, if you like classical music, you should go to the KKL (culture and congress center) which is a multi-functional building with a concert hall that is esteemed for its high-profile acoustics. At the biggest concert hall there is space for about 1900 people. The main characteristic of the KKL-building is the boldly projecting cantilevered roof that seems to float over the construction.
Maybe you feel like going on a hike? The Pilatus is a massive mountain overlooking Lucerne in central Switzerland. The top can be reached with the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, or with the aerial panorama gondolas and aerial cableways. The Pilatus is composed of several peaks, of which the highest measures 2,128 m (6,982ft.). There are also a few restaurants to drink and eat something while enjoying the breathtaking view.
One big event in Lucerne that takes place every year in February is named Carnival. This event happens before the fasting period begins. For six days people go crazy, they dress up harebrained clothes and most of them drink a lot of beer or other alcoholic drinks. There are different musical bands which play songs on their instruments. The most fun thing to do is that you choose a dress or maybe you stitch it on your own with your friends. Every year you try to find a new, original idea. Sometimes it is connected to a current topic in the news.
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