Gap Year in Lucerne, Switzerland
Experience the heart of Switzerland in lovely Lucerne, ranked among one of the prettiest cities in the world.
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Discover Lucerne, a charming and quaint city in Central Switzerland located where the River Reuss meets Lake Lucerne.
Nicknamed the “Playground of Europe,” this historic alpine oasis attracts travelers from all over the world—venture out onto Lake Lucerne or up into the Alps and you’ll soon see why!
The city is also known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval district, Altstadt, or Old Town: make your way through the maze of crooked cobblestone streets leading to open-aired squares and wander down Old Town’s waterfront boulevard. You’ll find the past and present come together to create current-day Lucerne, a dreamy destination for the modern adventurer.
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Embark on a scenic boat ride. Cruise to Mount Rigi, “The Queen of the Mountains,” on the pristine and tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne, Switzerland’s fourth largest lake.
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Home to EF’s global headquarters. In 1977, our founder Bertil Hult established Education First’s head office in Lucerne, Switzerland. Today, EF’s global reach spans more than 100 countries in 6 continents – that’s how you know, wherever you go, we’re nearby.
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Lucerne’s most photographed destination. No trip to Lucerne is complete without a walk across Kapellbrücke, or the Chapel Bridge; this covered wooden footbridge is the oldest in all of Europe.
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Sample Swiss cuisine. From cheese to chocolate, pastries to potatoes, there’s plenty of delicious dining to be had in the city. Try one the most famous local dishes of Lucerne, the Luzerner Chügelipastete—diced veal and mushrooms served with a cream sauce in a flaky pastry shell.
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See “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” Or so Mark Twain said! You be the judge: visit one of the most famous monuments in all of Switzerland. Lucerne’s world-famous Lion Monument is a rock relief commemorating Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution.
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Head in the clouds. Travel by cable car and gondola to the top of magnificent Mount Pilatus, just shy of 7,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy sensational sweeping views of the surrounding Alps and explore hiking paths to scenic viewpoints, the sun terrace, and the wildflower garden.