Swiss swap: a simply lovely home exchange in Lucerne

Swiss swap: the beautiful city of Lucerne, Switzerland

"We were lucky enough to spend just over two weeks in Christine and Robert's beautiful, modern apartment in Kriens, Switzerland. Although we hired a car, we used the excellent bus service, just round the corner, for our trips into Lucerne. Lucerne is such a compact and beautiful city. We enjoyed just wandering around the streets and the market, as well as visiting its churches, walking the city walls and visiting the marvellous Bourbaki Panorama, not to mention its famous covered bridges. It was also a starting point for a lovely walk around the lake, to the Swiss Museum of Transport (or you can go on the bus!). From the apartment, we were able to walk up to the cable car up Mount Pilatus: we did the whole round trip- up on the the cable car and 360 degree gondola, down on the cog railway, back to Lucerne on the boat and a short bus ride back home. Further afield, we had a memorable day trip to the Aare Gorge and the Reichenbach Falls (of Sherlock Holmes fame) at Meiringen. We had many lovely walks from Kriens, either using the funicular railway some 10 minutes walk from the apartment, or walking up past the Pilatus cable car station.

We were there during very hot sunny weather and spent a couple of hours each afternoon/evening relaxing at the lovely Villa Krämerstein near Horw. There are lovely gardens and shaded areas, as well as steps down into the lake. It’s cheaper to park on the road nearby than in the Villa car park. An added bonus is the 15 minute or so drive there on the Kastanienbaum, through lovely alpine meadows. The apartment also has a lovely covered seating area for warm evenings ( and watching the odd storm!).

The communication with Christine and Robert was excellent and they were very considerate hosts and guests. They left us essential supplies, and some Swiss treats, and took great care of our house, leaving it lovely and clean."

- Martin and Cath (Isle of Wight, England)