Travel tips

Feb 14, 2012, 13:01 GMT

Lucerne in the grip of a monster carnival

Lucerne, Switzerland (dpa) - Lucerne carnival practically rules the town for a few days from so-called Dirty Thursday through to Carnival Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. From February 16 to 21 the streets of this favourite Swiss tourist destination on the lake of the same name are filled with costumed revellers at one of the country's largest carnival events. There are three large processions, plenty of stirring brass band music and numerous fancy-dress balls and other society parties. (www.luzern.com)

Festival of Light in Singapore

Singapore (dpa) - Asia's leading sustainable light art festival returns to Singapore for a second edition from March 9 to April 1 with 30 outdoor installations. 'Light meets Asia' is the theme of the event which started up last year. When night falls, the displays will illuminate various open spaces around the Marina Bay and along the 3.5 km waterfront promenade. The emphasis is on light from renewable energy sources and there is a full spread of other entertainment taking place in the city, including midnight picnics and night hikes. The festival is open daily from 1930 to 2300. (www.ilightmarinabay.sg)

New observation tower in The Hague

The Hague (dpa) - The Dutch city of The Hague boasts a new viewing area on the Hague Tower with views on clear days stretching as far as Rotterdam, Leiden and Hook of Holland. From the 'City Balcony' 130 metres aloft, the Peace Palace, Kurhaus, Grote Kerk, the Town Hall and the Ministries are all clearly visible. Entry to the viewing platform is free of charge. (www.denhaag.info)

A stitch in time on the Rhaetian Railway

Chur, Switzerland (dpa) - Railway journeys are ideal for a spot of knitting and that is exactly what travellers on Switzerland's Rhaetian Railway will be able to do on February 26. The day marks the start of what is being billed as the world's first knitting express. Experts will be on hand to pass on their skills and give advice about the traditional handicraft. The price of wool is included in the fee of 82 euros (108 dollars). The train 'casts off' from Chur station on the return trip to Disentis. Bookings can be made with the Rheatian Railway (Tel.: 0041/81/2886565).

Yves Saint Laurent retrospective in Denver

Denver (dpa) - Visitors to Denver in the US state of Colorado from March 25 can enjoy a sweeping retrospective of French designer Yves Saint Laurent's 40 years of creativity. The show features the historical foundations of Laurent's work and a selection of 200 garments along with numerous photographs, drawings and films.