Switzerland 2025 - Day 16 / Zürich, Lucerne and Old Swiss House Anniversary Meal

Steps today: 21 720 / 14.32 km

Our last full day, and the first (only!) day we had shitty weather.

Our train pass expired yesterday, so excursions far afield were out of the question. We were debating between staying in Lucerne all day, or just going to Zürich (under an hour away).  We were hesitating because the forecast was not just bad, but full of warnings! Winds up to 150kph, Wind Waring level 3, stay away from trees due to falling branches... if we go somewhere, what if a tree falls on the train tracks and we can't get back?

After much hemming and hawing, we decided to chance it.

We arrived a little after 10, and so far the weather was just drizzly, but the peak badness was predicted from about 11AM to 1PM.  

Step 1 upon arrival was to get a picture of the Blue Angel so we could tease Heidi with it.  She HAAAAAAAAAAATES it!  (and...  I forgot to send it to her!)

We had a drizzly walk around town, only sometimes needing the umbrellas.

....eventually making it to lake.  By now, it was inside out umbrella wind...  increasingly unpleasant.

Knowing the next 2 hours would not be nice, we thought we'd kill the time with a little lake cruise.

It was a flop. The windows were all fogged up and we were at the mercy of those with window seats to wipe down the windows so we could see something! I myself got up a few times to wipe over their heads.

To add insult to injury, despite the promise of food on the information board, there was none. Zilch. Probably because it was so late in the season, they used a smaller boat. Ah well.  At least we stayed dry and missed the peak of the bad weather.

The rain was done after the "cruise" so the umbrellas were stowed for the rest of the day, but the wind was still strong so the hoods stayed up for a while.

We wandered around for a while looking for a place for lunch, but we didn't want much because we had a feast planned for supper and I was saving the stomach space!  We had simple sandwiches, but I didn't pass up the chance to have an Aperol Spritz.

By about 3PM we headed back to Lucerne were the blue skies were coming back.  It was nice enough to sit outside for a while and enjoy the view of the Old Bridge one last time (the wind however did eventually force us inside for round 2)

Supper that night was our highly anticipated meal at "The Old Swiss House". We discovered this place in 2011 and now no trip to Lucerne is complete without a meal here - this would be our 3rd time.  

What made this visit extra special, was that it was the last one of the trip, and I always like to end my vacations with something special, and we also declared it our anniversary meal (22 years).

Their specially is Wienerschnitzel made table-side served with pasta topped with breadcrumbs. It's phenomenal...  and so is the amount of butter they use! YOWZA!

We can't wait for our next visit!!!!

And so, another perfect vacation comes to an end. Back to real life now, but with a train-load of happy memories.

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 accordion 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 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!