Weggis

Weggis stretches across much of the northern shore of Lake Lucerne, across the lake from Lucerne itself. Facing the south and thus warmed by the sun all year round, it is locally renowned for its mild climate, earning it the nickname the "Lucerne Riviera", and the town makes the most of it with a palm-tree lined promenade.

The most scenic way to reach Weggis are the scheduled Lake Lucerne ferries from Lucerne, which take around 45 minutes and run approximately hourly. The ferries stop at both Hertenstein and Central Weggis, about 2.3 km apart. The comfortable, stylish boats have a well-stocked cafe/bar on board, with a perfectly servicable 2nd class downstairs and a slightly plusher and quieter 1st class upstairs. Fr 21/39 return in 2nd class.

A more boring but practical option is to take a train to Küssnacht and switch to bus 502, which takes about the same time but is less than half price at Fr 10.40. The bus station is just around the corner from the ferry stop.

Finally, there is a cable car to Rigi, located some 800 mostly uphill meters away from the bus station. Many visitors opt to head up to Rigi via Vitznau instead and return via Weggis.

The most pleasant way to get around Weggis to stroll along the lakeside Uferpromenade. Alternatively, the Lido Bus runs between Hertenstein and the Weggis bus station. Fare Fr 2.50-3.50 depending on distance.

• Wehren's, Luzernerstrasse 1. Tucked away on the 2nd floor above the seaside promenade, this cafe-bakery has a full range of breads and pastries and a lovely outdoor terrace. In season, their vermicelles (chestnut puree cakes) spiked with kirsch are some of the best around. Coffee Fr 5. (updated Dec 2021)

• Hotel Alexander, Hertensteinstrasse 42. Upmarket boutique hotel featuring the lakeside Vitalis Spa, with heated outdoor pool, various saunas, etc. Spa day entry Fr 39-99. (updated Dec 2021)

• Rigi, the Queen of the Mountains, can easily be reached by cable car.