Each year in the Old Town of Lucerne in central Switzerland, the Fasnacht celebrations occupy the Old Town. Over a week in the lead up to the Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, the city is awash with bands and parades and a hugely convivial atmosphere. A less formal structure than the Basler Fasnacht lets people get more involved.
What not to miss in Lucerne
Water tower and bridges across the River Ruess in the Luzerner Old Town
View of Kappelbrüke in Lucerne with the Hofkirche in the background
Costumed knight conducting a troupe at the Luzerner Fasnacht
Fasnachtler masks on wicker baskest in Lucerne old town
Bandleader leading his troupe through the central Altstad of Lucerne
Decorated carriage and masks in the old town of central Lucerne
Baroque interior of the Jesuit Church in Lucerne
Switzerland - sacred destinations - Nine of the finest churchs, cathedrals and monastries in Switzerland
Lucerne - interior of the Jesuit Church - Baroque interior of the Jesuit Church in Lucerne
Lucerne - a short history of The Lion Monument - A brief history of the Lion Monument in Lucerne, Switzerland
Switzerland pictures - Pictures from my travels in and around Switzerland
Travelogues from Switzerland - A small collection of travelogues from Switzerland
Wines of Switzerland - Information about wines produced and grape varietals grown in Switzerland
Switzerland - festivals not to miss - Fantastic Swiss festivals to visit through the year
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Switzerland - quick facts and figures - Quick facts and figures for the traveller to Switzerland
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Lucerne Tourism - Official website of the Lucerne Tourism Office
Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook