Are you looking for a fun and educational destination in Switzerland? Do you want to explore the history, present, and future of mobility in a unique and interactive way? If yes, then you should visit the Swiss Museum of Transport, the most visited museum in the country. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing museum, its exhibits and attractions, and how to plan your visit. Read on and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure!
What is the Swiss Museum of Transport?
The Swiss Museum of Transport, or Verkehrshaus der Schweiz in German, is a museum dedicated to the theme of mobility and communication. It was founded in 1959 and is located in the city of Lucerne, on the shore of Lake Lucerne. The museum covers an area of 20,000 square meters and displays more than 3,000 objects related to various modes of transport, such as road, rail, air, water, and space. The museum also features interactive exhibits, multimedia shows, simulators, and games that allow visitors to experience and learn about mobility in a fun and engaging way. The museum attracts more than 800,000 visitors every year and is one of the most popular attractions in Switzerland.
What are the exhibits and attractions at the Swiss Museum of Transport?
The Swiss Museum of Transport offers a wide range of exhibits and attractions that cater to different interests and ages. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
Media World: This is a new and innovative exhibit that showcases the evolution and impact of media and communication. You can immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality, create your own TV show in a studio, experiment with green screen effects, and take funny photos in a photo booth. You can also learn about the history and future of media, such as radio, television, cinema, and internet.
Cinema: This is a film theatre that offers movies and documentaries on a variety of topics, such as nature, culture, science, and technology. The cinema boasts Switzerland’s largest screen, measuring 19 by 26 meters, and a state-of-the-art sound system. You can enjoy stunning visuals and immersive audio in a comfortable and spacious setting.
Planetarium: This is a dome-shaped theatre that displays the night sky and astronomy shows. You can marvel at the stars, planets, and constellations, and learn about the mysteries and wonders of the universe. The planetarium also features live shows with commentators who explain and answer questions about the sky and space.
Swiss Chocolate Adventure: This is a multimedia ride that reveals the secrets and stories of chocolate, from its origin to its production and consumption. You can hop on a chocolate cart and travel through different stations, where you will see, hear, smell, and taste chocolate. You will also receive a mini chocolate at the end of the ride as a souvenir.
Other exhibits and attractions: The museum also has other exhibits and attractions that cover various aspects of mobility, such as the Road Transport Hall, the Rail Transport Hall, the Aviation and Space Travel Hall, the Navigation Hall, the Swissarena, the Hans Erni Museum, and the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works. You can see and touch historical and modern vehicles, such as cars, trains, planes, boats, and rockets, and learn about their development and function. You can also try out different simulators, such as driving a bus, flying a plane, or landing on the moon, and test your skills and knowledge.
How to get tickets and visit the Swiss Museum of Transport?
If you are interested in visiting the Swiss Museum of Transport, here are some practical information that you need to know:
Tickets: You can buy tickets online or at the museum entrance. The prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the age of the visitor. The standard entry ticket costs CHF 32 for adults, CHF 22 for students and seniors, and CHF 12 for children (6-16 years old). The day pass ticket, which includes access to all exhibits and attractions, costs CHF 48 for adults, CHF 38 for students and seniors, and CHF 28 for children. There are also combo tickets that combine the museum entry with other attractions, such as the cinema, the planetarium, or the Swiss Chocolate Adventure. You can check the website for more details and discounts.
Opening hours: The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, except on December 25, when it is closed. The cinema, the planetarium, and the Swiss Chocolate Adventure have different opening hours and show times, which you can find on the website or at the museum.
Location and directions: The museum is located at Lidostrasse 5, 6006 Lucerne, Switzerland. You can reach the museum by public transport or by car. By public transport, you can take the bus number 6, 8, or 24 from Lucerne main station and get off at the stop Verkehrshaus. By car, you can follow the signs to Verkehrshaus and park at the museum’s parking lot, which costs CHF 10 per day.
What else to do and see in Lucerne?
Lucerne is a beautiful and charming city in central Switzerland, surrounded by mountains and lakes. It is also a cultural and historical hub, with many attractions and activities to offer. Here are some of the things that you can do and see in Lucerne, besides visiting the Swiss Museum of Transport:
Chapel Bridge: This is a wooden bridge that crosses the Reuss River and connects the old town with the new town. It is the oldest and most famous bridge in Switzerland, dating back to the 14th century. It is also decorated with paintings that depict the history and legends of Lucerne. You can walk along the bridge and enjoy the views of the river and the city.
Lion Monument: This is a stone sculpture that commemorates the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution in 1792. It depicts a dying lion lying on a shield with the Swiss coat of arms. It is considered one of the most moving and powerful monuments in the world, and was praised by Mark Twain as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”.
Old Town: This is the historical and cultural center of Lucerne, where you can find many buildings, churches, squares, and fountains that date back to the Middle Ages. You can stroll through the narrow and cobblestone streets, admire the colorful and ornate facades, and shop for souvenirs and local products. You can also visit the Musegg Wall, a fortification that encloses the old town and offers panoramic views of the city and the lake.
Lake Lucerne: This is a stunning and scenic lake that covers an area of 114 square kilometers and has a complex shape with many bends and arms. You can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the lake by taking a boat cruise, a paddle boat, or a kayak. You can also explore the many towns and villages that dot the shore of the lake, such as Weggis, Vitznau, and Brunnen.
The Swiss Museum of Transport is a must-see attraction for anyone who is interested in mobility and communication. It is a fun and educational place that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions that appeal to different ages and interests. It is also a great way to learn about the history and culture of Switzerland and its people.
