Switzerland 2025 - Day 15 / Lugano and Lucerne

Steps today: 20 323 / 13.4 km

We just followed the sun today.  After 2 weeks of perfect weather, the tide was turning.  We checked to see where the sun was shining in Switzerland and it was in the Italian canton of Ticino so we set off to it's largest city: Lugano.

We stayed in Lugano twice for a few days, and I have since sworn it off as a vacation destination.  Why? well, it's 100% like being in Italy... so why spend a small fortune to holiday in the Swiss-Italy when I can spend half the price and just go to the Real-Italy!  

It's just fine for a day-trip however, and thanks to the Gotthard tunnel it's just a little over 90 minutes from Lucerne with a direct train.

Of course, first thing on the agenda was an Aperol Spritz stop!  Did you expect anything less?

We had no plans other than to enjoy the only sunny place in Switzerland.  

We started with a walk along the lake.

Then a lunch stop where I had Trofie al Pesto, a dish I have only ever found in Northern Italy. Looks awful, but I love it.

A bit more wandering around the city

And then, the funicular up to Monte Brè for the sweeping view down to the city.  Just like when I go up to the Harder Kulm in Interlaken, the views from Monte Brè are always hazy... still, it's beautiful.

We weren't sure if the restaurant would be open since it's getting close to the end of the season, but luckily it was, so we lingered on the terrasse for a while to enjoy the view.... 

...and another Spritz. (in a questionable "glass")

By about 6PM or so, we headed back to Lucerne.

We had fixed plans for supper tomorrow night, and I wanted to make sure we squeezed in one more fondue meal on the trip.  For many days, we had walked passed a nice place near the water where the terrasse was always full of people eating fondue outside.  It was a little too cool for dining al fresco at this time, so we headed inside.

Turned out, the outdoor tables were always full with fondue dinners because they only serve it outside! We were told it was "because of the smell of the cheese". COME ON! A little stink is necessary when having fondue!  It's even in the add campaigns!! So screw them!  

Thankfully, Frank remembered another place we passed by a few days before and it was great! 

Perfect atmosphere. Cute, quaint, wood paneled, Swiss according and yodel music softy playing in the background and somehow didn't feel touristy.

Yummy of course, but their particular recipe was just a bit too salty for me.  Frank thought it was perfect.  No complaints, it was exactly what I wanted for my penultimate supper in Switzerland.

Switzerland 2025 - Day 14 / Ebenalp and St Gallen

Steps today: 15 436 / 10.19 km

Today was a "Switzerland Bucket List Item" Day - seeing the Äscher Cliff Restaurant with my own eyes.  Most people would recognize this image.

It was also extra special because our good friend Heidi accompanied us for the day. We had plans to meet her on the train on the way over (she lives much closer to the destination than our 3½ hour journey), but it was a little trickier than planned since our original train leaving Lucerne just after 7AM was cancelled...  how is that possible in Switzerland?  Anyway, we were only 30 minutes late.

Right off the train in Wasserauen, before even getting on the cable car up to Ebenalp,  the views were incredible.

And from the top, the views down over the undulating hills of the Appenzeller region were breathtaking.

It was a little early when we arrived (11:15AM) so we wondered if the restaurant was even open for lunch, but it was and it was Raclette all around!

After lunch, we started off on the trek to the Äscher.

It was not easy!!!!  I regret not taking more pictures of the trail, but all my concentration was focused on not tumbling down the mountain.  Heidi, who is a seasoned hiker, was well equipped with her walking poles and I wished I had a pair too for increased stability.  I really admire her tenacity - she's a testament to the fact that you just need to KEEP MOVING!  Please God let me have her stamina when I am 80!

This part of the trail was easier because there was something to hold on to, so I finally stopped to take some pictures.

We made it to the Äscher in a little over 30 minutes and settled in on the terrasse for some boozy refreshments.  I saw some Appenzeller Cream Liquor on the menu and my curiosity took over. It was quite tasty, but no more alcohol for me after this - I needed full control over my feet for the trek back to the cable car!

In order to breakup the long 3½ train ride back, I suggested a little visit through St Gallen on the way back. We visited St Gallen with Heidi back in 2011 and we remembered it fondly. We got there around 5PM and it was very nice to stroll through it again.

We weren't hungry enough for a large dinner, but on my list of Swiss Things to Eat, was a St Gallen Bratwurst (also know as an Olma Bratwurst) so since we were in St Gallen it seemed stupid to miss my chance.

We found a place that served JUST the sausage with no sides.  Perfect! it was just enough. Believe it or not I didn't even have a glass of wine.

We were back in Lucerne by about 8PM but no stopping for drinks on the way back to the hotel. We were pooped! 

Switzerland 2025 - Day 13 / Lucerne, Solothurn, and another family reunion

Steps today: 22 319 / 14.71 km

Just like yesterday, today started with a walk around Lake Lucerne, and then a family reunion - my dad's side this time.

The lake was as beautiful as ever, and I can't get over how there are still so many flowers in bloom in mid-late October!

We strolled around Lucerne some more, just soaking it up and enjoying the city.

Coffee stop. In hindsight I don't remember what we did for lunch....  probably just a sandwich at the train station.

We met up with my aunt and cousin around 2:30, joined by my mom, and had a nice wander around Solothurn.  Spending time with my father's sister today seemed particularly special because by coincidence today was the anniversary of his death.

Solothurn was a very nice town, I don't think I've ever visited it before....

 Lit a candle for my father in the church

The after the stroll, we stopped for a drink and were joined by my cousin's sons who are all grown up now... where does the time go? I have a picture of where we stopped, but was too distracted to take some of us, damn!

Afterwards, we moved over to a pizzeria where the rest of the family joined us -  we were 11 in total.  It was a really fun night, but that ginormous pizza kicked my ass!!!!

We parted ways around 20:30, and Frank and I headed back to Lucerne.  No more stops on this night, it was late enough for us!