Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, sited on Lake Lucerne, is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to its attractions, its attractive shopping offer, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland.

Jan and Nadine work for a large insurance company in Lucerne – on dry land. We find them swapping terra firma for something rather less solid. Paddling towards the sunset in a kayak, they see the light.

Everyone dons their lifejackets; Reto, lying on his stomach, helps people into their kayaks.

A good half-an-hour of paddling later and the group is greeted by statue of Christ at Meggenhorn. Have we landed in Rio? No, the figure with outstretched arms was created by a sculptor from Entlebuch at the beginning of the last century, some 30 years earlier than its counterpart in Brazil. The little chapel on the tiny island in the bay is far older. It’s home to the saintly Bishop Nikolaus, patron saint of seafarers and sailors. The group pauses for breath under his watchful eye, no one disturbing the magical tranquillity. Gentle waves ripple the shallow water while mallard ducks and great crested grebes circle the kayaks, now a fiery red in the setting sun sinking spectacularly in the bay.

The Pilatus, Lucerne’s landmark mountain steep in legend, looks like it's spewing fire. For its part, the local dragon is keeping quiet. One final selfie against the familiar background and the kayak newbies head back for home.