Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s top destinations whether you are visiting in summer or winter. While the countryside is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Switzerland with cities taking a distant backseat, Lucerne is probably the Swiss’ best city/town to add to any itinerary. It’s not a large modern city, rather it is a quaint and charming small town with plenty of ancient charm and most importantly it sits between a couple of stunning mountain vistas and lakes.
Places to Stay in Lucerne
Located in the center of Lucerne’s old town, this hotel boasts a perfect location with one of the area’s best restaurants and extremely comfortable hotel rooms.
Located just a short walk from Lucerne’s old town city center, this swanky hotel has great food, exceptional decor and stunning views of the town and lake that sit just below it.
Would you like to stay in a literal castle overlooking Lucerne? If so, this is the spot for you. This stunning castle built high atop the hill above Lucerne is a truly magical place to stay.
If you’d like to stay in a more secluded, relaxing area, just a short shuttle ride away from the city center then check out Seehotel Hermitage. They have great outdoor spaces along the lake and a lovely sauna.
Things to do in Lucerne
Mt Pilatus
The highlight of any trip to Lucerne is a trip up to the summit of Mt Pilatus. Mt Pilatus, named for the legend that Pontius Pilate was buried there, stretches to a height of nearly 7,000 feet. The views from this vista are unmatched. Below you can see Lucerne, it’s surrounding lakes and stunning Alpine peaks dotting the horizon.
Getting here is easy enough. You just need to google Pilatus-Bahn and head to the base of the mountain where you can take a series of gondolas to the top. There’s two main base points that you can reach the summit by, Kriens and Alpnachstad. Beware that that the trip is not cheap. Expect to pay $50-60 per person to reach the summit.
Once at the top, you can enjoy panoramic views, a cafe, a nice restaurant, fun activities and a small museum. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing as it is absolutely freezing anywhere outdoors at the summit.
Lucerne’s Old Town
Spending an afternoon strolling around Lucerne’s beautiful old town center is an absolute must on any trip to the area. The buildings are all painted with stunning frescoes in traditional Alpine style. The cobblestone streets are lined with plenty of shops selling Swiss chocolate, cheese and watches. There’s plenty of nice cafes, bars and restaurants.
While you’re in the Old Town, be sure to walk around the Old City Walls that were constructed over 600 years ago. Nine towers with peaked rooftops line the walls, four of which are still accessible and open to visitors. If you’re up for climbing some steps you can enjoy some of the best views of the city from these vantage points.
The four towers that are accessible are Schirmer, Zyt, Wacht and Mannli. Zyt is particularly special because the clock in the tower chimes one minute before the rest of the clocks in the city.
Chapel Bridge
The Chapel Bridge is probably the most famous landmark in the city of Lucerne and a must-see on any visit to the historic city. Built in 1333, this covered bridge creates a crossing over the Reuss River. In fact, it’s actually the oldest truss bridge that’s still standing left in the world.
On the ceiling of the bridge’s cover, you’ll find several paintings depicting Lucerne’s history. Unfortunately, in 1993, there was a fire that destroyed most of the masterpieces that make the Chapel Bridge so special. However, there are still 30 of the originals that have been restored.
Boat Ride on Lake Lucerne
Check out these great options below for enjoying a couple hours out on Lake Lucerne.
Boat Trips Available on Lake Lucerne
2-Hour Gourmet Lunch Cruise on Lake Lucerne
1-Hour Cruise on Panoramic Yacht
Lucerne City Tour With All You Can Eat Cheese Fondue And Raclette Evening Cruise
And, for something a little different, here’s a kayaking excursion
Paddling into Sunset with Dinner
Check Out Lucerne’s Two Famous Churches
There are two churches in Lucerne that are well worth your time during your visit. Make sure to stop and check out the Jesuit Church, with its unmissable bulbed spires as well as Hofkirche, Lucerne’s Roman Catholic Church.
Dying Lion Monument
Built in the early 1800s, the monument pays homage to the Swiss Guards who defended King Louis XVI during the storming of the Tuileries in 1792. The entire area is really beautiful around the statue. And, the statue itself is wonderfully detailed, and the lion’s expressiveness is shockingly.
A trip to see the statue won’t take much time out of your day, but it’s worth a stop both for the statue itself and the surrounding area.
Glacier Garden
Right next to Lion Monument is Glacier Garden, an interactive exhibition and multimedia presentation that teaches you about the formation of glaciers.
It’s a great spot to bring kids as it also has a mirror maze inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. It’s made of 90 mirrors and creates endless illusions as you make your way through the twists and turns.
Bourbaki Panorama
The Bourbaki Panorama is a fantastic panorama art display provides the perfect destination for any the art enthusiasts visiting Lucerne. Painted in 1871, this 10-by-112 meter scene wraps around a building and depicts the winter of 1871 when 87,000 French soldiers sought refuge in Switzerland during the Franco-Prussian War.
Summit Mount Rigi
One of the best ways to see Mount Rigi is via the Classic Rigi Route. Take a combination of boat, rack railway, and cable car as you traverse from Lucerne to the mountains. This self-guided, full-day excursion gives you the best of Mount Rigi.
Check out this Self Guided Tour for more information.
Wine Tasting
Check out this great wine tasting on Lake Lucerne
Brauerei Eichhof
Brauerei Eichhof is a 180-year old brewery that makes, sells and serves up ice-cold beers all day long. They’re a local favorite, so you’ll see their beers on tap all round town.
With a visit to Brauerei Eichhof, you’ll have the chance to take a guided tour to see exactly how their famous beer is made and then have the chance to sample it.
Aerial Tour over the Alps
If you’re in to flying in really small planes to get the best view of the Alps, check out this really cool tour.
Where to Eat in Lucerne
High-end dining in one of Lucerne’s nicest and most elegant hotels.
Pfistern offers a great waterfront dining experience for lunch or dinner with unobstructed and instagram worthy views of the Jesuit Church.
The town-hall brewery offers more great riverside seating and the perfect meals to pair with their brewed on the premises beer.
Featuring a seasonal menu with modern takes on both Swiss and international cuisines, Stern boasts architecture with 714 years of history, a great summer terrace with a view of the Franciscan Church, and fabulous service.
Perfect views of the river with great traditional Swiss comfort food.
Burgerstube in the Wilden Mann Hotel
Featuring elevated takes on traditional homestyle cuisine, Burgerstube features a warm, rustic interior and great service.
This place has the best macarons in Lucerne
Best Fondue
