Swiss Lake Steamers-one of the Best Cruises in the world!
Words and photos by John Clayton
This is the view from my hotel balcony.
There was not even a small ripple on the pristine lake, as its glossy, almost shiny surface, looking like a thousand uncut diamonds sparkling in the morning sun, greeted a new day. The object referred to as the Sun, now a huge golden orb, began its climb skywards in a slow and meandering ascent. It seemed to be determined to find its proper place in this picture book setting, and one that welcomed all those who cared to gaze upon this mesmerizing and enchanting scene on Lake Lucerne in super Switzerland.
As the sun rose higher and higher behind the nearby Mt. Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps, I gazed out of my hotel bedroom widow and marveled at this scene of tranquility and total serenity. A slight and hardly perceptible early morning mist hung over the top of the Lake, as if guarding the denizens of the deep just below its surface. Over there, on the far right hand side of the lake, was one of the story book steamers at anchor – a sight that is so much a key and important part of Switzerland and its lovely lakes. The air was fresh and inviting, and the atmosphere made you feel that Mother Nature herself was saying “Welcome to my Switzerland, come, come and enjoy yourself in this peaceful and happy land.”
Of all the places around the world that have captivated me, Switzerland is one country where there do not seem to be enough superlatives to fully and completely convey its beauty and its wide variety of unique offerings. When you ask someone to think about Switzerland, I’ll bet that among the images that instantly spring to mind are the classic steamers that ply their lakes and give it that unique touch.
Although I’ve been to this country many times, I had not – until a few years ago – ever taken an extended trip on any of these one-of-a-kind ships. As a train buff I also loved the equally diverse array of trains that twist and turn, climb and run past and through some of the world’s most stunning scenery – whether it be along lowlands, highlands or in and out and around and through the majestic and towering mountains. So on this day I decided the time had finally come to take the steamer from Lucerne to the wonderful sounding Fluelen, almost at the “other end” as it were of this lake – which meant nearly an entire day basking in the scenery around Lake Lucerne and, of course, enjoying the magic of this unique Swiss ship. At Fluelen I’d catch a Swiss train that provided another amazing series of stunning sights to dazzle the eye and mind. But that’s another story! (let me hear YOUR Swiss story at jdcradio@cox.net)
The preceding words — and the accompanying photos — give just a brief glimpse of why a cruise aboard a Swiss Lake Steamer is truly one of the best, most enjoyable cruises in the world. For more information see www.myswitzerland.com – or Google it and type in Swiss Lake Steamers. PEN