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There are experiences that go far beyond a simple outing – they are sensual journeys through time that leave a lasting impression. I had the pleasure of embarking on just such an experience on a radiant early summer’s day last week on Lake Lucerne.
Aboard the majestic Gallia – the oldest and fastest paddle steamer in Europe – I became part of “Legends of Lake Lucerne”, a captivating production that beautifully weaves together history, nature, and fine cuisine.
Step Aboard & Dive In – Aboard the Gallia
From the moment you step aboard at the port of Lucerne, you sense it: this is no ordinary boat trip. A welcoming crew, elegant details, and a touch of theatre greet the guests. And then he appears: Casimir Friedrich Knörr – merchant, banker, visionary, in the guise of a charismatic host.
He takes us into his world, back to the year 1835, when steam navigation on Lake Lucerne began – with an idea to connect people and horizons.
The Lake – A Stage for Legends
As the Gallia glides steadily across Lake Lucerne during the “Legends of Lake Lucerne” journey, everything begins to feel a bit like a film set. The backdrop? Absolutely breathtaking. Rigi, Pilatus, Bürgenstock, the Rütli Meadow – names I’d heard many times, but never truly experienced.
On board, stories are told that suddenly bring these places to life: how Queen Victoria ascended Mount Pilatus, how the founding fathers of Switzerland swore their oath at the Rütli, or how the Bürgenstock transformed from farmland into a luxury hotspot – with Audrey Hepburn as a neighbour.
And me? I find myself wondering more than once: how many times have I passed by here, without the faintest idea of the stories whispered by the shore? Now I see the lake with new eyes – not just as the most beautiful in Switzerland, but as a living history book. And somehow, also as a quiet mirror of our own dreams.
Cuisine Above the Waves – Five Courses, Pure Poetry
A true highlight – in every sense of the word – is the food on board. Anyone expecting typical boat fare is in for a surprise. What’s served here is nothing short of fine dining, yet with a wonderfully regional soul.
Urner alpine lamb with Sbrinz cheese and thyme vinaigrette, delicate Lucerne-style mini vol-au-vent, creamy Clariden Glacier fondue, perch from Swiss alpine waters, perfectly cooked Central Swiss beef fillet with rösti – and to crown it all, an iced coffee à la Lake Lucerne that tastes like a sweet final glance across the water.
A particularly lovely touch: three of the five courses are served as part of the so-called “Flying Service” – meaning you dine wherever you happen to be. Whether outside with views of Mount Pilatus or indoors surrounded by elegant interiors – the setting is always part of the menu. Accompanied by an excellent selection of wines, champagne, and coffee – all included, all thoughtfully curated.
The Gallia – Steaming Grande Dame with a Future
The Gallia is no ordinary lady – she is a century-old beauty with a steel heart, style, and surprisingly far-reaching vision. Built in 1913, she still glides powerfully and gracefully across Lake Lucerne with her 1,085 horsepower. The rhythm of her paddle wheels, the gentle hiss of the steam – it’s not just nostalgic to hear, it’s something you truly feel.
And yet she is anything but old-fashioned: today she operates more economically and efficiently – and from 2025 onwards, even partly powered by solar fuel. Sustainability meets history, technology meets poetry. And me? I was captivated.
An Experience That Resonates Long Afterwards
After five hours on board, the Gallia returns to Lucerne. The journey offers a relaxed escape filled with varied impressions, fascinating stories, and excellent food.
Lake Lucerne is more than just a beautiful landscape – it uniquely blends history, culture, and nature. This experience invites you to discover and savour the lake at your own pace.
What remains is the realisation that the Lake Lucerne I grew up with is more than a postcard backdrop. It is a mirror of our history, a place for visionaries – and now also a stage for an experience that takes its time to enchant us.
Tickets & Important Information
If you’re now feeling inspired to step on board yourself – here’s everything you need to know about booking:
The Legends cruise takes place from May to September 2025 aboard the steamship Gallia. With only 65 seats per trip, the experience is wonderfully personal and special – but it also sells out quickly. I therefore recommend booking early. Boarding begins at 9:00 am, with departure at 9:45 am. You’ll be on the water for about five hours – plenty of time to fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere, listen to stories, and enjoy the panorama.
The ticket price includes the full experience programme:
- The stylish round trip on the steamship Gallia
- A five-course gourmet menu with regional flair (three courses served via Flying Service)
- A fine selection of drinks – including wine, champagne, and coffee
- An elaborately staged live narration featuring music, theatrical moments, and surprising encounters on board
You can find all dates, prices, and the option to book directly here: www.lakelucerne.ch/legends
The cruises will also run in the same period from 15 May to 15 September in 2026.
