A Guide to Explore Your New Hood
Moving to a new country by yourself can be overwhelming. Being surrounded by new people, in a new environment, is very exciting but it makes you step out of your comfort zone. Living in another country makes one want to know where the locals go and what they do in their free time. Well then, you are in for a treat!
Four years ago, I was in the same position when I returned to Switzerland after living in Dubai for over 15 years. I did not even know where to go for a coffee. So I know exactly how you might feel right now. Therefore, I am going to give you a little insight on what to do in Lucerne.
Places to Visit
Lucerne is a tourist hotspot, but when you live in a new country, you might want to find the hidden gems. One way to discover the hidden corners of Lucerne, like for example the Red Lake or the Wesmelin District, is through “Foxtrail”. It takes you all over the city while decoding secret messages and interpreting clues. Click here if you want to be a secret agent for a few hours.
Fun Activities Around Lucerne
Tourist attractions can be fascinating but doing activities in nature gives you a sense of freedom and satisfaction. What I love to do is going on scenic walks and let me tell you, you have many different routes to choose from. Here are some suggestions:
- Forest walks through Meggerwald
- A walk from Lucerne to castle Meggerhorn
- Horwer Peninsula (Fun fact: “Horw” is actually pronounced with a b at the end. So, local people call it “Horb” and not “Horw” 😉)
Lucerne is surrounded by mountains, so it is almost a must to do. Mount Rigi, also known as the “Queen of the Mountains” offers you the perfect postcard view of Switzerland. You can even combine your trip with a little spa visit overlooking the jaw dropping mountain landscape. Another fun activity is to go sledding in Engelberg. In Engelberg, you should visit the “Schauchäsi” where you can see how cheese is made. Little heads up: It might smell a biiiit strong 😉!
Places to Eat & Drink
Figuring out where to grab a bite to eat or drink a coffee in a new city can be very overwhelming. So click here to find a list of popular cafes, restaurants, and bars on Google Maps. You are sure to find locals here!
Personally, I love cafes! My favorite café in Lucerne is Nord. Maybe that is because it is a Swedish café, and since I am half Swedish, it reminds me of home. If you go there, you must try their cinnamon buns called “bullar”.
Have fun exploring your new hood!