Luzern

 Driving from Bolzano and Merano in the South Tyrol into Switzerland, the Flüela Pass took us through the Swiss Alps.   

The summit (it's one of the highest in Switzerland), minus winter snow, looks barren and rocky

but soon opens out into something altogether more picture-postcard-Alps 

Descending via Davos (a surprisingly unlovely town) it was late afternoon by the time we reached Luzern, where all was peace and serenity on the shores of the lake.

There was time to walk over to the KKL - Kultur- und Kongresszentrum - in Europa Platz, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel (responsible for the fabulous Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris).

where performers in a World Band event were chilling in front of sunset views across the river

before we headed to the old town across the wooden Kapellbrücke, Europe's oldest (1333) covered bridge (arguably, since much of it was rebuilt after burning down not long ago when someone tossed a lighted cigarette at it)

for a drink on the waterside while the light faded.

Luzern, Switzerland, September 2014

Italy trip