Lake Lucerne, Alpine lake in central Switzerland
Lake Lucerne is a body of water in central Switzerland that extends through several cantons, with shores surrounded by mountains. The water consists of four basins connected by narrow passages, which give the lake its characteristic shape.
In 1291, representatives of the surrounding valleys met on the shore to form an alliance that is later regarded as the founding date of Switzerland. In the 19th century, regular steamship traffic began, connecting the communities along the water and bringing tourism to the region.
The surroundings of the lake hold special meaning for Switzerland, as the Rütli meadow on its shore is considered the symbolic birthplace of the Confederation and still plays a central role in national celebrations. Many place names along the shore refer to old legends and the story of William Tell, which have shaped the identity of the region for centuries.
Roads and paths along the shore provide access to the water in many places, with flat sections in the north and steep slopes in the south shaping the landscape. Ships operate even in winter and connect the towns along the shore, making it possible to reach different parts of the lake without a car.
Under the water surface near Seelisberg, divers found remains of a settlement about 3,000 years old that dates from the Bronze Age. The discovery shows that people lived directly on the shore at that time and used the water for trade and supply.
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