Hazelnut Chocolate Cake In Lucerne, Switzerland

Our first glimpse of Lucerne was breathtaking! The railway station at which we arrived from Zurich is located on the shores of Lake Lucerne and to get to the historic town centre we walked along the banks of the scenic river Reuss that flows out of the lake and runs through the middle of town.

That was when we first saw the famous covered bridges that span the river. These are reputed to be the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 14th century, and are now a major tourist attraction. The octagonal watch towers with pointed roofs, that once monitored traffic along the river, completed the medieval look of the historic old town.

Though Lucerne is famous for its covered bridges and the scenic snow capped mountains that surround it, there is so much more to see and do here. Baroque churches, half-timbered houses, beautiful murals on buildings, lovely squares with charming little water fountains surrounded by shops, and fine restaurants lining the riverfront make walking through Lucerne a delight. Several excellent museums and concert halls give you plenty to keep you occupied.

Lucerne is famous as the setting for the story of William Tell, long celebrated in Switzerland as its national foundational myth. It was in the villages surrounding Lake Lucerne that Tell, whose skill with a crossbow was legendary, is said to have led a rebellion against the rule of the Austrian Habsburg emperor in the 13th century and established the Swiss Confederacy. Though modern historians doubt that William Tell actually existed, you can take a tour around the lake to visit sites associated with his name and deeds.

Lucerne became a popular tourist destination in the 19th century, attracting visitors with its beautiful buildings, charming lakeside location, and proximity to the Swiss Alps. Celebrity vacationers included Queen Victoria and Mark Twain, whose fame encouraged others to follow. Visitors have flocked to Lucerne since then - history, culture, majestic architecture and stunning scenery making it an essential stop on every travel itinerary.

There are plenty of cosy little cafes where you can take a break from sightseeing. We found one by the water’s edge where we could watch the world go by while sipping on coffee and savouring this delightful Tiroler cake that is so popular all over Switzerland. It had just the right amount of sugar and chocolate to revive us!

This nutty chocolate cake reminds me of my favourite Swiss Ragusa chocolates and takes me back to the lovely time we spent visiting our family in Zurich. It can be whipped up quickly anytime you’re in the mood for a sweet treat and is best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee by your side.