Lucerne, Switzerland

Capital City

With a population of just 86,234, Lucerne is a small Swiss city that packs a punch. The tax burden may be heavy, but the city's continuous tax-cutting policies have made it Switzerland's most business-friendly canton. While the picturesque lakeside setting and medieval architecture draw legions of tourists, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache for residents. And with over 200 days of rain per year on average, the climate is hardly Mediterranean. Still, Lucerne's convenient transport links, thriving culture scene, and status as a regional economic hub make it an appealing option for those seeking a Swiss base outside the bustle of Zurich or Geneva.