Showing posts with label Lucerne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lucerne. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Switzerland - A tourist's paradise
Image via WikipediaBy: Matrix
Switzerland does not need any introduction in any manner whatsoever, being a favourite of tourists from around the world, including even the Europeans. Such is the beauty of this destination, that despite the chilling cold, finding a reservation in hotels is really a daunting task. Following is a brief about some of the 'hotspots' of the country.
Basel: The best time to visit the city of Basel is in the summers, even though popular notion is that the city is famous for its Fasnacht and Vogel Gryff festivals in spring and winter. The reason for such a reasoning is that it is precisely during this season that the local population shows its true colours by hanging around the multitude of fountains in the city, driving past their stylish motor scooters, and drinking and dining on the pavements, which are already overcrowded, much to the surprise of a tourist from any part of the world. To an average tourist, the city, also known as Bâle in French, and occasionally Basle in English, is a great place to visit because of its art galleries and fantastic examples of modern architecture. But even for those who don't have such tastes, it's a worthwhile visit.
Lucerne: According to a popular legend, an angel with a light guided the first settlers of Lucerne regarding where they should build a chapel. So profound is the setting of this town, that even someone who does not have much belief in the concept of god would gape at awe at its splendour. Having a breathtaking lake (to say the least) in its 'premises', Lucerne, which was once a small fishing village, rests within itself and its Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) the essence of Switzerland. Its primary importance was as a rest stop of sorts while en route to the Alps (between the 13th and 19th centuries). After this, tourists just kept pouring in, and Lucerne found its way to the top rather easily.
Bern: One can't spend too much time in Bern without hearing or reading about UNESCO, for the capital of Switzerland is so proud of its medieval town centre being declared as a world heritage site by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization! Walking on the city's topsy-turvy streets that have tall 15th century buildings, one will feel as if he is in another dimension. The surrounding hills give a fantastic view of the parallel rows of red roofs that are interspersed on a relatively small stretch of land at the bend of the Aare river. However, unlike other global capitals like Canberra in Australia, Bern, which has two different nomenclatures in French and English (Berne), only got so much prominence since it was easy for French and German speakers to agree on when the new Swiss Confederation came into being in 1848, and this is precisely the reason it is still a provincial town, having a parliament.
While in Switzerland, one would obviously want to stay in touch with friends and family. Those who purchase Matrix international calling cards will have a great advantage in this case, since they will be able to save upto 80% on every call, making the conversations longer, and the bills shorter!
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About the AuthorBasel: The best time to visit the city of Basel is in the summers, even though popular notion is that the city is famous for its Fasnacht and Vogel Gryff festivals in spring and winter. The reason for such a reasoning is that it is precisely during this season that the local population shows its true colours by hanging around the multitude of fountains in the city, driving past their stylish motor scooters, and drinking and dining on the pavements, which are already overcrowded, much to the surprise of a tourist from any part of the world. To an average tourist, the city, also known as Bâle in French, and occasionally Basle in English, is a great place to visit because of its art galleries and fantastic examples of modern architecture. But even for those who don't have such tastes, it's a worthwhile visit.
Lucerne: According to a popular legend, an angel with a light guided the first settlers of Lucerne regarding where they should build a chapel. So profound is the setting of this town, that even someone who does not have much belief in the concept of god would gape at awe at its splendour. Having a breathtaking lake (to say the least) in its 'premises', Lucerne, which was once a small fishing village, rests within itself and its Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) the essence of Switzerland. Its primary importance was as a rest stop of sorts while en route to the Alps (between the 13th and 19th centuries). After this, tourists just kept pouring in, and Lucerne found its way to the top rather easily.
Bern: One can't spend too much time in Bern without hearing or reading about UNESCO, for the capital of Switzerland is so proud of its medieval town centre being declared as a world heritage site by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization! Walking on the city's topsy-turvy streets that have tall 15th century buildings, one will feel as if he is in another dimension. The surrounding hills give a fantastic view of the parallel rows of red roofs that are interspersed on a relatively small stretch of land at the bend of the Aare river. However, unlike other global capitals like Canberra in Australia, Bern, which has two different nomenclatures in French and English (Berne), only got so much prominence since it was easy for French and German speakers to agree on when the new Swiss Confederation came into being in 1848, and this is precisely the reason it is still a provincial town, having a parliament.
While in Switzerland, one would obviously want to stay in touch with friends and family. Those who purchase Matrix international calling cards will have a great advantage in this case, since they will be able to save upto 80% on every call, making the conversations longer, and the bills shorter!
Search Amazon.com for vino con vista
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(ArticlesBase SC #3728029)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Switzerland - A tourist's paradise
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Lucerne's most popular annual festivals and events
Image via WikipediaAuthor: Paul BuchananLucerne in central Switzerland might have a small population of around 60,000 people but it's one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. And it's certainly no surprise why: Lucerne boasts spectacularly beautiful surroundings, with a stunning lake, picturesque mountains and a charming Old Town. One of its most famous features is the Chapel Bridge; once Europe's oldest woodbridge – dating back to the fourteenth century – a fire in 1993 means that the current bridge is mostly a replica. However, while many tourists simply pass through Lucerne on short tours before exploring the surrounding Swiss rural idyll, its plethora of annual events and festivals make an extended stay in the town worth considering.
The Lucerne Festival, for example, is one of Europe's most well-respected classical music festivals. Held each summer, its first event took place in 1938 in the gardens near Villa Tribschen, once the home of German composer Richard Wagner. Since then, the festival has expanded considerably. Its core summer event of world-class classical music and performances by the lauded Lucerne Festival Orchestra is now accompanied by two other festivals during the year: the Lucerne Festival at Easter and the Lucerne Festival at the Piano. The latter takes place each autumn and showcases some of the best piano players from across the globe.
Also in autumn, the town hosts the annual Lucerne Blues Festival, a non-profit event that aims to boost the profile of blues music in Switzerland. If you're a true blues fan, this festival provides the ideal opportunity to hear established acts and up-and-coming talent from around the world. Crucially, it doesn't play host to blues megastars, giving smaller acts a chance to enjoy the spotlight. The organisers even run a programme called "blues at school" during the festival, taking participating artists into Lucerne's high schools for performances and learning sessions.
Contemporary music lovers will also find entertainment in Lucerne, with the annual Blue Balls Festival attracting international pop and rock stars to the town. In the past, guests have included singer-songwriters Natalie Cole, KT Tunstall and Gabriella Cilmi, folk artist Newton Faulkner, hip-hop outfit The Roots and musician Gil Scott Heron. However, Lucerne's yearly festivals aren't confined to the sphere of music. The Lucerne Cheese Festival takes place each October and the Rose d'Or festival – an important awards ceremony for international television – has been held annually in the town since 2004.
And while New Orleans' Mardi Gras might get all the attention, Lucerne's own Carnival, known as Fasnacht, is one of Europe's liveliest pre-Lent celebrations. Starting at 5am on Shrove Tuesday and ending on Ash Wednesday, Fasnacht in Lucerne is a chaotic event, with people dressed in elaborate masks and costumes parading the street for several days. The marching of its revellers is characterised by Guggenmusig, a traditional Swiss carnival marching band that consists of wind instruments and drums. Be warned, however, that the town can get very busy during Fasnacht, so be sure to book Lucerne hotels early if you're planning to participate in its merriment. Also make sure you have a good costume and a mask – without them, you'll mark yourself out clearly as a tourist.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/lucernes-most-popular-annual-festivals-and-events-3592739.html
About the Author
Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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