Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, not only because of its unique location in the middle of a breathtaking scenery, but also thanks to its many interesting buildings and places of interest.

 

Some of Lucerne’s highlights: The Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower. The covered wooden walkway of the Chapel Bridge was built in the 14th century and originally formed part of the city fortifications. In the 17th century a series of painted panels was hung beneath the eaves. The 34-metre high Water Tower, dating from the 13th century, was also originally part of the fortifications of Lucerne. You should not leave Lucerne without visiting the three main squares of the old town: the Weinmarkt, the Hirschenplatz and the Kornmarkt. These squares are surrounded by historical houses with colourful frescoes. Take a nice walk through a maze of small streets, bridges, promenades and squares dominated by countless historical towers, fountains… You will spend unforgettable days in this dream city.

 

There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into Switzerland. Travellers over 18 years old may import: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 2 litres of alcoholic drinks (up to 15%) or 1 litre of strong alcoholic drinks (over 15%).

 

Voltage: the wall sockets (for 2 or 3 pole plugs) supply 220/380 V alternating current. To use American-type plugs, a 220/110 volt transformer should be used together with an adapter plug.

 

The Swiss Currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). At time of printing 1 EURO = 1.53 CHF

 

All major credit cards are accepted in the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops.

 

Most banks open for public business from 09:00 to 15:00. You will find Multibanco automated teller machines (ATMs) at the entrance of almost all banks and in the train station just opposite the KKL Congress Centre.

 

Both the Old Town and the new part of the city are a shopper’s paradise. The charming backdrop of old buildings lends your shopping spree a special atmosphere.

 

General opening hours in Lucerne

Monday through Wednesday

09.00 to 18.30

 

Thursday and Friday

09.00 to 21.00

 

Saturday

09.00 to 16.00

Sunday

Most shops are closed

 

The shops in the train station are most often open daily until 8 pm.

 

Look for the tax-free sticker at the entrance of the shops. The sales personnel will assist you with your tax-free purchases. In Switzerland there is a 7.6% value-added tax (VAT) on goods, which is included in the sales price. Foreign visitors are entitled to a refund of the VAT on purchases over 400 CHF.

 

From Switzerland, the international access code is 00. To call Switzerland from abroad, dial the international access code of the country you are in, plus 41 (Switzerland’s country code), plus the full number of your correspondent. Coin-operated telephones are scarce. Home telephones aside, the cheapest and most convenient way to call anywhere is from a card-operated telephone. These cards are available in post offices, newspaper stands and lottery shops for CHF 5.–, 10.–, 20.– and 50.–.

 

Central European (Greenwich GMT+1).

Summertime: +1 (April to end of October).

 

Prices in hotels and restaurants and the taxi fare are calculated to include taxes and service. A tip, therefore, is at the client’s discretion.

 

A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is highly recommended. NGM 2008 and MCI Suisse SA as organisers will not be held liable for illness, accidents or thefts suffered by Participants or Accompanying Persons during the Meeting or their stay in Switzerland before or after the Meeting.

 

October temperatures in Lucerne average around 10°C/51°F in the daytime. Nights are colder with an average of 8°C/47°F. Clothing should be suitable for a chilly climate. Pack warm clothes in your suitcase, a raincoat or an umbrella for unexpected showers.

 

Dress code for the Welcome Reception and the Gala Dinner is casual attire.

 

When you land at Zurich Kloten, the easiest is to take the train for Lucerne in the airport station. Pick up your luggage and follow the signs “Bahnhof”: you will arrive at the counter to buy a return ticket for Lucerne. There is a train from Zurich Airport to Lucerne approx. every 30 minutes. We recommend that you choose a direct train, without change at Zurich main station. The Lucerne station is situated on the lakeside in the very city centre of Lucerne (please see the City map). However, we recommend that you take a taxi with your luggage to go to the hotel.