Lake Lucerne

Lucerne from the Mussegg Wall

We began our day with a walk across the other Lucerne covered bridge, the Spreuerbrucke.  Not as famous as the Kapellbrucke probably because it is smaller, it nonetheless is very impressive.  It is the only bridge from which the people could toss chaff.  I know!  How restrictive!  There of course is a logical explanation.  It was the bridge which at one time housed the town mill and is downstream from most things.  It is the oldest timber bridge in Switzerland and dates from 1408. Most impressive on the bridge is a series of medieval-style paintings that hang in the rafters which depict the 'Dance of Death" about the plague.  From the bridge we walked up to the Mussegg Wall, the Medieval City Ramparts which are in almost perfect condition and comprise nine towers.  The towers were not opened but the view of the city and Lake Lucerne was awesome.  The weather is surprisingly spring like with temperatures in the 50s and crocuses, snowdrops blooming.

There are many museums in Lucerne.  We chose the Rosengart Museum, a private foundation funded by Angela Rosengart.  Through her father, Seigfreid, she was able to meet many significant artists of the 20th century and became a personal friend of Pablo Picasso. She bequeathed her collection of his and others' works to the foundation.  The works are housed in a beautifully refurbished building.  Picasso continues to intrigue us.  There were beautiful line drawings of bulls and women.

Lake Lucerne 

The day had time to spare and we used it to take a cruise up the river to Lake Lucerne.  It afforded us clear views of the Alps and out lying villages.  I ended my day with a chocolate purchase destined to be enjoyed with some Valpolicella Ripasso.
Pictures at flickr.  Video on YouTube.

Swiss Chocolates