Destinations

This fabulous building was opened in April 2008.  In October 2008 the architects, Snöhetta, was given “World Cultural Building” award at the Barcelona architectural festival.  Believe me, this destination is worth a detour!

I went to visit The Opera House on my last trip to Norway in August of 2008, and I was not disappointed.  The beautiful, white marble roof rises from the Fjord and forms this electrifying building in glass and white marble.  It is built between the Ekeberg Hills and the Oslo Fjord in the unlikely place near the main railroad station.  I walked on the roof together with locals and tourists and had goose bumps for the longest time. Be aware – unexpected grooves are designed into the roof!  The roof is closed in the winter.

Inside, one of the most beautiful and modern opera halls is to be found.  In addition to the opera hall, there are two restaurants.    I had lunch with a friend in the “Brasseriet”  – a delightful, light meal that I can recommend.  There is also a more formal restaurant. 

Check out the Ballet, Opera and Music program at www.operaen.no.  In August 2009, the Oslo Jazz Festival will have their opening concert here.

The very nice Thon Opera Hotel is located across the street just by the train station.  I also highly recommend the Hotel Continental – member of the Leading Hotels of the World, located near the National Theatre.

When we looked across Lake Lucerne, the contrast of the style of buildings suddenly changed dramatically.  Lucerne’s historical Old Town has been preserved for everyone to enjoy.  So beautiful, so charming, UNESCO designated this as a World Heritage site!  After a few steps across the bridge, our first stop was at the Chapel Bridge, built in 1330 as part of the cities’ fortifications.  Paintings depicting Swiss and local history were added in the seventeenth century.  The landmark Water Tower rises 111 feet into the air as part of the city wall.  This is the most photographed monument in Switzerland formally used as a prison, torture chamber, and treasury.

With one unique building next to another, we wandered through the maze of winding lanes and alleyways.  The fresco paintings told the stories of the past.  Imagine we can enter these ancient buildings, they are still in use, and best of all, the buildings are now restaurants, shops, hotels, churches, etc.  Each building stands out; one is more dramatic than the other.  Lovely statues and fountains dot the small picturesque town squares.  Since most of the village’s wooden houses were burnt down during fires, Old Town is predominately composed of stone buildings. 

You can reach Old Town easily with walking paths across several bridges; the two historic Chapel Bridge and Mill Bridge with other bridges build at later times.  I especially enjoyed photographing the buildings from different vantage points.  The busy sidewalk cafes along the river and throughout Old Town, the colorful buildings, and boats give us a glimpse of the way life might have been in the middle ages.  Some of these beautiful buildings include the Franciscan Church with its typical medieval Gothic architecture of the 13th Century, the 16th Century Ritterscher Palace now the Cantonal seat of government, and many others. 

Lucerne is a special city where you can savor the essence of the past, it is an open air museum to explore and discover another world.  Of course Lucerne is filled with attractions, both modern and ancient.  Visitors have a wide variety of choices of international cuisine which rank with our finest Las Vegas restaurants.  Stay a few extra days or a week in order to see as much as you can.  

www.luzern.com    www.myswitzerland.com