Riding the Sonnenberg Funicular, and a Walk down to Luzern

Sunday September 5, 2021 -- After the long hike we did the day before (five hours, photos are HERE), we originally weren't going to go anywhere, but it was a nice day, so we simply went to Luzern in the afternoon, to the small mountain called Sonnenberg on the western side of the city, from where you get a good view into the mountains to the South.

The main reason for going there was to ride the Sonnenberg Funicular, a small railway line which connects Kriens (a kind of suburb of Luzern) to the low-ish mountain of Sonnenberg. The small funicular was built in 1902 to access the Sonnenberg Hotel, and even though it has undergone renovations mechanically and electrically, it has otherwise remained the same. Urs, being a train fan, has long talked about riding this. It turned out to be a very short ride!

And it was also a very hot afternoon, so we were glad to spend the first hours walking in the forested area on the mountain (including a small ravine called the Wolfschlucht), followed by a one-hour descent into Luzern from the West. By that time the afternoon had cooled off quite a bit. There were surprisingly many tourists in the city as well. (We didn't do a tour this time, so the only photos I have of Luzern in this album are from the West side to the train station).

This time it's a photo of Urs with the funicular, as it has long been a wish of his to do this excursion! Look how excited he is!

The little Sonnenberg funicular has received some upgrades, but otherwise still pretty well has the same original chassis (built in 1902). 

There is a platform on top of the funicular house, and we admired the view South (across Kriens and to Mt.Stanserhorn) and watched the funicular descend.

A rather short afternoon walk for us. First a ride on the Sonnenberg funicular (departs from Kriens), then an hour round tour through the Wolfschlucht ravine, and then another hour to descend through the southwestern part of Luzern to the train station. 

We were glad of the cooler temperatures in the Wolfschlucht ravine

A short section through the Wolfschlucht Ravine. It was wonderfully quiet and smelled good, of clean forest.

Heading out of the ravine to return to the Sonnenberg funicular station

This section is part of national trail no.3: Alpine Panorama Trail

A look down into the Root Valley (that hill is called Rooterberg, and the large city below is Ebikon, past the lake Rotsee. Our city of Zug is on the other side of the Rooterberg)

Back at the Sonnenberg Funicular station, another view South across Kriens to Mount Stanserhorn and the alps of Central Switzerland

Heading East along Sonnenberg. In the background is Mt. Rigi

Another look South, this time to Mt. Pilatus

Heading down through Gütsch, this is looking over the Southern part of Luzern, across Lake Luzern to the Uri Alps. (Looks like a hike over there would have been a cloudy affair today!)

A row of houses along the railway tracks which lead into the Luzern train station. The roof-top terraces are impressive!

A glimpse of two of Luzern's towers, along the old city wall

That's the healthiest banana tree I've seen in this region!

Here we enter Luzern directly South of the river with its landmark bridges

A glimpse of another of the towers: This is the Clock Tower. Inside, you can watch the mechanics at work. 

Sandstone carvings on the old buildings

The 500-year old "Gasthaus zum Wilden Mann" apparently has quite a history here in Luzern!

Passing through the alley next to the Jesuit Church, near the river. 

The Luzern Jesuitenkirche was the first large Baroque church to be built in Switzerland (mid 1600's). It is on my list of things to see another day!

Along the Reuss River in Luzern, with its pretty bridges.

The most well-known of Luzern's bridges! The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is a favourite to walk across! It was built at an angle because where it was originally planned to be built straight across, the river bottom was too unstable. 

Main old town of Luzern is on the North side of the Reuss River.