Rick Steves perfect. Sometimes you just want to see him trip or get a pimple. Switzerland’s cities can seem too perfect, too. For me – and most travelers – the mountains provide more real travel thrills per mile, minute, and dollar. But don’t neglect the pristine urban offerings in Zürich, Luzern, and Lausanne. With interesting art, colorful old towns, and serene waterfront settings, these cities are worthy stops as you head for the hills.
People are also reading… The city's art treasure is a set of Chagall stained-glass windows, located in the Fraumünster church. Done in Chagall’s inimitable painting style – deep colors, simple figures, and shard-like Cubism – the five towering windows depict Bible scenes. For fans of Picasso, Luzern’s Rosengart Collection is a must, with several dozen black-and-white candid photographs of the artist. You’ll see Picasso in the bathtub, getting a haircut, playing dress-up, and horsing around with his kids. I’ve seen a pile of Picassos, but never have I gotten as personal with him as I did here.
On the Ouchy lakefront is the top-notch Olympic Museum , you can follow the evolution of state-of-the-art equipment.