Each year in the Old Town of Lucerne in central Switzerland, the Fasnacht celebrations occupy the Old Town. Over a week in the lead up to the Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, the city is awash with bands and parades and a hugely convivial atmosphere. A less formal structure than the Basler Fasnacht lets people get more involved.
European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference - A reference guide to European tourism and rail organisations
Why chase solar eclipses? - Why I chase total solar eclipse all over the world
Lucerne - a short history of The Lion Monument - A brief history of the Lion Monument in Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne - 7 things not to miss - What not to miss in Lucerne
Lucerne - getting around - How to get around Lucerne in central Switzerland
Berne Münster (Cathedral) - a brief history - A brief history of the Cathedral in the UNESCO-protected old town of Berne
Zürich - a brief history of Grossmünster - A brief history of the distinctive twin-spired Grossmünster in Zürich
Europe - Travel information from around Europe
Basler Fasnacht - closeup of a Waggis - Basler Fasnacht 2011 cortege through central Basel on Monday afternoon
London - the 11 best pubs - 11 great pubs to have a beer in in London
Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook