After packing my essentials—because what kind of road trip would it be without my favorite toys, my posh wash bag, and my deluxe bed—we hit the road for our grand adventure from Sittard, The Netherlands, to Lake Como, Italy. We started driving at 1 AM (yes, in the middle of the night!), and after 6 hours, my pawrents were exhausted. Dad fell asleep in the car on a parking lot, and Mom, the hero, sniffed out a last-minute, dog-friendly hotel in Lucerne. And just like that, we spent 24 fur-bulous hours in Lucerne, Switzerland!
Exploring Lucerne
Lucerne is a paw-some city famous for its stunning architecture, towering mountains, and the legendary Chapel Bridge. Oh, and did I mention it’s pricey? Just perfect for a posh poodle like me! The people here love dogs almost as much as I love myself! One lady even said I was the cutest pupper she had ever seen – finally, someone recognizes real beauty when they see it.
Where We Stayed in Lucerne
Since we booked a hotel at the last minute during peak season, our options were limited, and prices were high. We ended up at the Ibis Budget Hotel. Not exactly the five-star treatment I’m used to, but it was paws-itively delightful! The hotel was right in the city center, so I could easily strut my stuff around town. The room was clean, the staff was over the moon to meet me (as they should be), and there was convenient parking for our car.
Strutting My Fluff in the Streets of Lucerne
The day we spent in Lucerne was a scorcher, with temperatures soaring to 35 degrees.My pawrents, bless their hearts, were super careful to make sure the pavement wasn’t too hot for my precious paws. They even carried me when things got too toasty—because this pup does NOT do burnt paws! Luckily, there were plenty of shady spots where I could prance around without turning into a hot dog.
Lucerne is full of beautiful fountains, and they were a lifesaver! My pawrents dipped me in the water at every opportunity to help me cool down. Some fountains even had little doggy water bowls with sprinklers at the bottom, so I could drink and refresh myself whenever I needed.
Walking the Chapel Bridge
No trip to Lucerne would be complete without a stroll across the famous Chapel Bridge, with its iconic Water Tower. This covered wooden footbridge spans the river Reuss, and yes, it’s dog-friendly—though apparently, it’s frowned upon to leave a “pawsome” mark. When I got a bit too curious about the side of the bridge, Mom quickly pulled me away. Apparently, humans get to leave locks and scratch their names into the wood, but when a dog tries to make history, it’s a no-go. Rude!
Visiting the Lion Monument
We also made a pit stop at the Lion Monument, a tribute to the fallen Swiss Guards featuring a majestic, albeit slightly tragic, lion carved into the rock. It was pretty pawsome to see this giant lion, especially since I fancy myself a bit of a lion at heart (small but mighty!). The monument is nestled in a charming park with a cute pond full of ducks—my new feathered friends!
The Best Terraces for Posh Pawrents
Given the heat, we needed plenty of breaks, so we made several stops to eat, drink, and let me rest my paws. Lucerne is packed with chic terraces along the river where you can relax and take in the view. We especially loved Mill’Feuille, an industrial-chic eatery with a darling terrace overlooking the river. I even made a few new furry friends while we were there—because, let’s face it, I’m irresistible!
Dining in Lucerne
Lucerne is full of great dining options,but after a long day and a not-so-fabulous budget, we opted for something simple yet delish: pizza from Daily Pizza Lucerne. It’s a hit with the local students and had great reviews, so we grabbed our pies and headed to the river. We dined by the water, watching the sun set while ducks and swans floated by. Naturally, I tried to make friends with them, too—can’t help it, I’m just that charming!
Wrapping Up Our 24 Hours in Lucerne
Although we only had 24 hours to explore Lucerne, we made the most of it. My pawrents were a bit tired from the drive, so we took it slow, but we still had a tail-wagging good time. There’s so much more to see and do in this fur-bulous city, so I’ll definitely be back—preferably when it’s a little cooler. Until then, this posh poodle is ready to hit the road for the next leg of our adventure!
Paws and kisses,
Pip 🐾
