Switzerland: Lake Lucerne, Summer Family Vacation Fun – Ride the Wilhelm Tell Express. Who doesn’t love legends, mountains, boats, trains, great food, and lovely Swiss chocolate?

If Switzerland sounds totally out of range for a family vacation think again – safe, sunny, and then there’s real chocolate and lovely wine meant to be shared.

Slow and easy makes the difference. Traveling by boat is not the fastest or most efficient means of public transport in Switzerland; however, if you’re not in any rush and feel like taking in some beautiful scenery including snowy Swiss mountains and cool glistening lakes, then traveling by boat in Switzerland is a good idea.

Take one of the three nostalgic paddle steamers that sail on Lake Lucerne, for instance. The Swiss rail system has come up with a brand new excursion ticket called the Wilhelm Tell Express (this is an addition to the Tell Pass that has been available for some time).

Named for the famous Swiss folk hero who supposedly shot an arrow through an apple on his son’s head, the Wilhelm (William) Tell Express Premium fare includes the leisurely lake cruise, a first-class meal, and the train trip from Fluelen at the ship’s destination to the Italian-speaking canton of Tessin or Ticino, or vice versa.

Ticino is the southernmost canton of Switzerland and is almost surrounded by Italy.  Here the sunshine basks palms along either Lake Locarno or Lake Lugano with snow-capped Alps overlooking this temperate climate.

There are so many distractions for children (and adults) on the Wilhelm Tell Express Premium that some context might be advisable before departure.

Getting to the landing. To get to Lucerne’s ship landing in the middle of town and a stone’s throw from the Medieval covered bridge, take the excellent Swiss rail system from either the Zurich airport or any other place you are in this small country. The main Lucerne train station is a short walk across a large plaza from the ship landing.  And remember, there won’t be any luggage.  The children and you are free to truly enjoy Swiss hospitality, Swiss scenery and ancient technology, and there’s plenty of it.

Explore the turn-of-the-20th century steam side-wheeler that was converted to diesel. The cruise takes three-and-a-half hours, leaving enough time to watch the mesmerizing side-wheelers visible through glass windows. Good luck explaining the mechanics of the red and green painted pistons chugging along and fully visible from a railing that opens to the engine room.

Deluxe dinning is an option. Once aboard, there will be two restaurants. Second class and first class ones are separated by a wide stair case.  Upstairs, the dining couldn’t be finer and the staff more helpful at the famous Zuger Kirschtorte. Hint:  The cherry schnapps will make you wonder if it is legal to “eat” such decadence.

The captain heralds the ship’s arrival with a loud toot of the steam whistle as it docks at many historic sites allowing movement on and off the boat. Look for the stop called Ruetli with its authentic landing structure showcasing the birth of modern day Switzerland.

What else happened in 1291 or 1292?  Think Wilhem Tell as a boy. Tell’s legend is just that, of course but certainly fun to discuss with young children.  Tell becomes a folk hero for disobeying the Habsburg overlords back in the 13th century – so the story goes.  Lake Lucerne and the mountains around this large body of water were Tell’s stomping grounds.

Board Wilhelm Tell Express. After disembarking in Fluelen and another short walk through an underpass to the train station, the modern train experience on a very old train route begins.    

The “Salon Liberté” (literally freedom coach) takes travelers ever higher to the Gotthard mountain region.  Between 1872 and 1882 Swiss engineers blasted a tunnel to create this important north-south route; they probably couldn’t imagine the luxurious freedom coach with its panoramic 360 degree swivel chairs that is part of the Wilhelm Tell Express experience.

Millions of people travel through the Gotthard tunnel annually. Very few have yet to take advantage of the brand-new Wilhelm Tell Express. It links two scenic regions (Central Switzerland and the Ticino) and today’s travelers ride in air-conditioned comfort. The train is special because it offers first-class panorama cars with swivel chairs, personal attendants and souvenirs.

Geography classes talk about the Continental Divide in the U.S.  The Swiss equivalent is the watershed between the Mediterranean and the North Sea. The Wilhelm Tell Express takes you right underneath that massive Alpine mountain range. The trip from Fluelen continues through the awesome Reuss Valley with its deep ravines and precipitous cliffs. The world-famous Gotthard line swiftly climbs from 470 to about 1100 metres above sea level to finally enter the 15-kilometer long Gotthard tunnel in Göschenen, Europe’s most important north/south gateway.

Countless spiral and horseshoe tunnels, galleries and bridges testify to the remarkable achievements of the men who built this masterpiece of civil engineering.  On the other side of the 10-minute tunnel ride is Ticino.  Another breathtaking view as the train descends the  Leventina Valley crossing cantilevered bridges and passing charming villages on its way to Bellinzona. From here, the next leg is to Locarno or Lugano: It will be up to you to decide. Need to know: There are numerous Swiss rail passes available online, and a minimal Wilhelm Tell Express surcharge bought in advance, or if this is a last minute decision purchased at the ship’s ticket offices either in Lucerne or Fluelen (on a return trip from Ticino). 

No luggage worries. Traveling with children couldn’t be easier because Swiss ingenuity takes care of all baggage transport from airport to hotels. So what do you do without your entire luggage or if you are not at an airport? Your train station luggage department (at any station) will take your luggage before 9 a.m. and for a small charge guarantee arrival at your destination that evening.  If you know where you are staying, the luggage ticket will let your bell hop pick up your affairs to be delivered to your room.

About Wilhelm Tell Express. The Wilhelm Tell Express links two of Switzerland’s most attractive regions: Central Switzerland and Ticino. New: Two daily connections from Central Switzerland to Ticino and in the opposite direction. The trip starts in Lucerne as you board a nostalgic paddle steamer or motor vessel and cruise to Flüelen on Lake Lucerne in about 3 1/2 hours.

Location on the planet. Schifffahrtsgesellschaft des Vierwaldstättersees Wilhelm Tell Express Werftestrasse 5 Postfach 4265 CH-6002 Luzern. Tel +41 (0)41 367 67 67.

Make it happen. While there are several cruises on Lake Lucerne daily, the Wilhelm Tell Express Premium boat and connection by train to Ticino) departs Lucerne at 11:12 a.m. For bookings Wilhelm Tell Express Premium contact the Rail Service SBB under the number 0900 300 300 (CHF 1.19/Min.) or from abroad +41 512 25 78 00.  For detailed information and reservations go to www.wilhelmtellexpress.ch

Content and images provided by Rene Welti a certified Swiss Hiking Guide and our family Swiss connection. Copyright 2011.