Switzerland in May: parade of steamers in Lucerne

At one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland on May 14 will be held a spectacular event. On Lake Lucerne, in the heart of Switzerland, will be held steamer parade. This is a unique event, which happens only once every 5-6 years.

Today the Lucerne lake fleet in addition to 15 modern ships also include five historic paddle steamers, most of which operate for more than a century.

This year's parade will be dedicated to the Unterwalden steamer built in 1902. For the last three years this ship was on thorough restoration, which cost Schifffahrtsgesellschaft des Vierwaldstättersees (company operating on the lake) approximately EUR 10 million. But now the ship is fully restored and has exactly the same form and features as at the beginning of the last century. The remaining 4 vessels: Gallia (1913), Schiller (1906), Stadt Luzern (1928) and Uri (1901) are also in excellent condition, which can be estimated by the guests making a fascinating tour of the Lake Lucerne. And although the cost of such travel will not be cheap (140 euros for adults, 69 for children), the parade organizers assure that every visitor will be pleased. In addition, the price of the ticket for the tour includes lunch in the ship's restaurant decorated in the rococo style.

Lake Lucerne is especially revered among Swiss. It not only lies in the heart of the country, its surroundings are literally the cradle of Switzerland, here on the Rutli meadow near the coast on August 1, 1291 was signed the alliance of the first three cantons of the country - Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden (Rutli Oath). And if considering the incredibly beautiful scenery around the Lucerne Lake and very mild climate, it becomes clear why it became such a popular resort.