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10+ BEST Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland (& How to Visit)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 15, 2024

10+ BEST Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland (& How to Visit)

Looking for some inspiration for Lucerne day trips or wondering what are the best places to visit near Lucerne in Switzerland ? This guide should give you plenty of ideas for the VERY BEST day trips from Lucerne.

Lucerne (Luzern) is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. But in addition to the main sights and attractions in Lucerne city itself, it also has the most stunning surroundings, with lots of beautiful places within easy reach .

Furthermore, the city is very centrally located in Switzerland and has great transport connections. All this makes Lucerne an excellent base location for exploring central Switzerland, no matter if you are traveling by car or by train. In other words, Lucerne is a must in any Switzerland trip itinerary .

But which Lucerne day trips are worth your time the most? And – once you decided which places you want to see – how to get there and make the most of your day? This article should help you choose where to go and help you plan some amazing day trips from Lucerne. Take a look!

Good to know: There are so many beautiful places that you can visit as a day trip from Lucerne. Too many to mention even half of them here. So in this guide, we concentrate only on the VERY BEST, most popular day trips from Lucerne. We also include a few additional suggestions, and locals’ favorites, if you have more time or want to get just a little bit off the beaten path.

Either way, all the places featured below are really worth it even if you are coming from the other side of the world and have to be very selective about what you spend your time and money on.

Take a look!

Best places to visit near Lucerne for a day

PRO TIP: If you are planning on doing lots of day trips from Lucerne on your own and using public transport (recommended instead of renting a car), you may want to consider getting the Swiss Travel Pass .

This pass includes all the public transport in Switzerland (trains, buses, but also boats), several of the most popular mountain excursions near Lucerne, and it gives you up to 50% discount on most mountain trains and gondolas, etc.

It’s best to book this pass online at least a few days before your trip. For more information on what exactly is included, please check our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Swiss Travel Pass

These are the BEST day trips from Lucerne:

1. Mt Pilatus

Mt Pilatus , just a stone’s throw from the city is by far the most popular day excursion near Lucerne. The views on a clear day are stunning!

Because it’s so close by and you can see the best in just a few hours, many people coming from the other towns visit Lucerne and Mt Pilatus on the same day. I highly recommend planning two separate days for the city and Mt Pilatus, but if you are short on time, a day trip is definitely possible as well.

Why visit: Mt Pilatus offers stunning views over the city, the Lake of the Four Cantons (aka Lucerne Lake), and the surrounding mountains. In addition, if you do the famous Mt Pilatus Golden Round Trip , you ride on a scenic gondola, enjoy jaw-dropping views from an aerial cable car, travel on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, and you’ll take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne. It’s the best way to experience a wide variety of scenery and different modes of transport.

Lucerne to Mt Pilatus - complete guide on how to visit Mount Pilatus in Switzerland

Season: Mt Pilatus is accessible the whole year, but the best season is between mid-May and mid-October when the boats and the cogwheel trains operate. This allows you to enjoy everything that a Mt Pilatus day trip has to offer.

How much time do you need: Count at least 4-5 hours for a day trip to Mt Pilatus from Lucerne.

Getting there: Mt Pilatus can easily be reached by car or public transport and there are many ways to do it (the most popular is the golden trip or the silver trip – tickets are usually bookable a few months before the season starts). We explain all the options in our guide below. In addition, there are also organized tours if you prefer to go with a local guide.

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Mt Pilatus from Lucerne

Mount Pilatus - the most popular excursion from Lucerne Switzerland

2. Mt Titlis & Trübsee

At 3,239 meters (over 10,000 ft), Mount Titlis is the highest easily accessible mountain peak near Lucerne. It’s also one of the most beautiful Swiss peak destinations attracting lots of international tourists. The mountain is accessible from Engelberg , which is a small charming mountain resort.

Halfway along the gondola ride to the top of Mt Titlis, there’s also a beautiful mountain lake Trübsee where you’ll find all kinds of outdoor activities in any season. It’s a paradise for nature lovers.

Why visit: Mt Titlis is so high that you feel like standing on top of the world here. The views over the Swiss Alps are incredible! In addition, you can take a ride on the Ice Flyer chairlift , walk over Europe’s highest suspension bridge (Titlis Cliff Walk), and also visit an ice tunnel inside a glacier .

Depending on the season, there are also other fun activities at Mt Titlis and its intermediary cable car station Trübsee . In summer, you can go snow tubing on a glacier, hiking , biking , row a boat on Lake Trübsee, take your kids to a playground , or enjoy some fun activities such as Trübsee flyer zip line . In winter, you can go skiing , sledding , snowshoeing , snowmobiling , visit an ice bar , etc.

We absolutely love skiing in Engelberg in winter and the Four Lakes Hike is one of our favorites in summer. However, if you are just visiting Mt Titlis as a day trip from Lucerne, I recommend concentrating on Mt Titlis itself as well as trying some fun activities at Trübsee.

Mt Titlis - one of the best day tours near Lucerne in Switzerland

Season: Mt Titlis is a year-round destination, and equally special at any time of the year. If you are visiting Lucerne in winter (when many other places aren’t as nice or as easily accessible), Mt Titlis is actually one of the best places to visit for a day!

Good to know: Even in summer, it can be quite cold at the top of Mt Titlis and since you are also visiting an ice tunnel, warm clothing and sensible walking shoes are a must! In winter, dress really warm – ski clothes and warm winter boots are perfect.

How much time do you need: Plan at least 6 hours if you are visiting Mt Titlis from Lucerne. If you can, make it a full-day trip. Be sure to start early so that you can make the most of your day ticket and experience everything that a destination like Mt Titlis has to offer.

Getting there: Mt Titlis can be reached via a series of cable cars from Engelberg town. Engelberg is just a 40-minutes drive from Lucerne (or 43 minutes by train). You can easily visit on your own (in that case, get Mt Titlis tickets here ), or you can also opt for a guided tour by bus (from Lucerne).

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Mt Titlis

Trubsee lake in Engelberg Switzerland

3. Boat Trip on Lake Lucerne

If you are looking for a relaxing tour near Lucerne that doesn’t involve much planning, you can simply opt for a boat ride on Lake Lucerne . It’s especially beautiful in the summer, of course, when it’s warm and the scenery is nice and green.

There are quite a few options when it comes to boat trips, and that will also determine how much time you need. This is one of the easiest excursions from Lucerne that you can do even if you only have an hour or two .

Good to know: Boat trips start near Lucerne Railway Station, right in the heart of the city center. There are various possibilities in any season, but – of course – many more options in the summer. If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, regular cruises on Lake Lucerne are included free of charge.

Here are some of the best boat tours from Lucerne , depending on how much time you have and in which season you visit:

  • 1 hour: Short scenic panorama cruise . This is the most popular boat trip from Lucerne, best in summer.
  • 2 hours: Gourmet lunch cruise . This is the best option in the low season, but also very nice in summer. It’s one of the few tours that’s available almost the whole year.
  • 3-4 hours: City walking tour + scenic boat ride . This is a great year-round option for those who are visiting Lucerne for the first time and want to see the best of the city and its surroundings in just a few hours.
  • Full day: Get a day ticket at the boat terminal near the station (or just go to the boat if you have the Swiss Travel Pass) and hop on and off the boat at some of the villages along the shores of the lake. You can make your own day trip itinerary depending on the boat schedules and the places you want to see.

Lucerne Lake boat trip - one of the best short excursions from Lucerne

Mount Rigi , aka Queen of the Mountains, is another very popular day trip from Lucerne. Located just near the city on the opposite side of the lake from Mt Pilatus, it’s actually a very similar excursion to that of Mt Pilatus.

The views are somewhat different, of course, and there’s more to do at Mt Rigi in the winter season than at Mt Pilatus, but – unless you have lots of free time in the Lucerne area – I’d only do one of these two excursions. There are other day trips in the area that will give you more variety in scenery.

Why visit: Mt Rigi offers a typical Swiss mountain experience – with a variety of transport options, great views, and fun outdoor activities.

You also get a chance to ride on the historic Vitznau – Rigi railway. Built in the 1870s, it’s the oldest mountain rack railway in Europe (and the second oldest in the world).

Because of its proximity to Lucerne and a more flexible schedule (with trains running from early morning to late in the evening), you can easily plan a half-day to a full-day trip here, even if you only start later in the day.

Mount Rigi Switzerland

Season: Mt Rigi is a year-round destination and enjoyable in summer as well as in winter.

How much time do you need: Count at least 5-6 hours for a visit to Mt Rigi from Lucerne. If you start early and stay late, you’ll have some time for hiking (summer) or fun winter activities on the mountain.

Getting there: Just as with Mt Pilatus, visiting Mt Rigi from Lucerne involves quite a few transport options (also because you can reach the peak from different sides). One of the best ways to visit Rigi from Lucerne is by booking this Classic Round Trip ticket . It includes a scenic boat ride to Vitznau, a rack railway trip from Vitznau to Rigi, a cable car travel to Rigi Kaltbad, followed by one more boat ride back to Lucerne.

If you don’t care about the boat ride and want to make your own way to/back from the foot of the mountain, you can also just get a Mt Rigi day ticket . It includes all the trains/gondolas on the mountain, but not the tickets to/from Lucerne. This is a good option for those who are driving or those who prefer to take a train instead of a boat from the city.

TIP: Another nice option for the Mt Rigi day trip from Lucerne is this highly-rated self-guided tour that – in addition to the transport tickets to the top of the mountain also includes an entrance to Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa. Keep in mind that you’ll have to get to Vitznau, Weggis, or Goldau on your own (there are trains and boats, so it’s easy to do, but not included in this ticket).

Mount Rigi - one of the most popular day trips from Lucerne

5. Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe

Jungfraujoch, aka Top of Europe , is one of the highest places you can easily visit in the Swiss Alps. It’s also one of the most popular day trips in central Switzerland.

Why visit: Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe . A scenic railway trip takes you next to and above the glaciers to an altitude of 3,454 m (11,332 ft). Once at the top, you can admire the stunning views over the Aletsch Glacier (the largest glacier in the Alps) and some of the highest mountain peaks in Europe.

In addition, there are some fun experiences such as an Ice Palace deep under the eternal ice; Alpine Sensation, or Jungfrau Panorama… In summer, you can also hike to a nearby mountain hut or go snow tubing on the glacier.

In addition to the activities at Jungfraujoch itself, you can also go hiking in the area around Kleine Scheidegg, visit the charming car-free village Wengen, explore the beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley and maybe even see the subterranean Trummelbach Falls . In winter, you can opt for some fun winter activities or spend more time in the towns of Wengen or Grindelwald.

We love the Jungfraujoch region and visit here quite often – hiking in summer or skiing in winter . There’s so much to see and do here that you can spend weeks and still not see it all… But if one day is all you’ve got, a Jungfraujoch day trip will not disappoint.

Lucerne day trips - Jungfraujoch

Season: Jungfraujoch is a year-round destination that you can visit 365 days a year. Because of the altitude, there is always snow at the top, so be sure to dress warm!

How much time do you need: Plan an entire day for a day trip to Jungfraujoch from Lucerne. Start as early as you can so that you can make the most of your ticket and visit other places such as Kleine Scheidegg and either Grindelwald or Wengen that you’ll pass along the way.  

Getting there: Jungfraujoch can only be reached by train from Kleine Scheidegg or Eiger, which are small railway stations high in the mountains. They are accessible either from Lauterbrunnen via Wengen or from Grindelwald, which – in turn – are accessible via a train from Interlaken. And Interlaken can be easily reached by train from Lucerne. If you don’t have a car, that’s a lot of trains indeed!

Getting to Jungfraujoch is less complicated than it sounds, and you can read all about it in our detailed guide for visiting Jungfraujoch via the link below. You’ll need to get train tickets or – depending on the season – the train and gondola combo. Alternatively – and probably the easiest option for those who don’t have a car – is to visit Jungfraujoch from Lucerne with this highly-rated guided day tour .

Going with a tour has several advantages . First, you don’t have to worry about anything, and the guide will make sure you see the best places and enjoy the best views and activities available in that season and within the time that you have. Furthermore, tours can even be a bit cheaper than going on your own since they take advantage of group discounts for train tickets.

Good to know: This is one of the most expensive day trips from Lucerne. Also if you go by car, it’s still very pricey because of the train tickets, especially those for the highest section on the Jungfraujoch Railway. But when you see the infrastructure and the environment where this railway is built, you’ll realize that building and maintaining a place like this must cost a fortune, and that’s reflected in the price.

TIP: If you can, we recommend planning at least two days to the Jungfrau Region from Lucerne. This would allow you to visit a few places (e.g. Jungfraujoch + Grindelwald and/or Interlaken (see below)) without wasting too much time on connections. This 2-day tour can help you plan a trip like this.

LEARN MORE: How to visit Jungfraujoch

Top of Europe sign inside an Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch

6. Interlaken

Interlaken is a picturesque little town located between two even more picturesque lakes: Brienzersee and Thunersee. It’s a very popular destination for excursions in Switzerland, but not that much for the town itself, rather for the stunning surroundings.

So if you plan a day trip to Interlaken, don’t just visit the town – be sure to explore at least one of the lakes as well!

Alternatively, you can opt for some of the adventurous activities in Interlaken, such as canyoning or rafting . These tours also include transfers from Lucerne – more info below.

Why visit: Interlaken is one of the more relaxing day trips from Lucerne, and the landscapes here are amazing. Come here for the fantastic scenery of the two lakes of Interlaken, the views from Harder Kulm (a small mountain that you can easily reach by funicular from Interlaken), and the charming town itself.

Brienzersee lake and Interlaken - a nice day trip from Lucerne

Good to know: Because it’s lower here in the valley, you can usually enjoy amazing views even when it’s cloudy in the nearby mountains. It’s also a rather budget-friendly day trip, certainly if compared to visiting places like Jungfraujoch (mentioned above).

Season: Interlaken can be visited the whole year, but it’s most enjoyable in the summer season (+- May to October). In winter, only very few boats are available (usually only on weekends) and the Harder Kulm funicular doesn’t run either, so it’s a very different experience than in the summer.

How much time do you need: Plan an entire day if you are visiting Interlaken from Lucerne. You don’t need much time for the town itself, but you could take a boat on both lakes and make a very enjoyable day trip.

Getting there: You can take a train from Lucerne to Interlaken (it takes almost 2 hrs), but we recommend including at least one boat ride in your day trip itinerary.

Here are a few suggestions on how to plan a day trip to Interlaken from Lucerne (this will work best when all the boats are running, so from April to mid-October):

  • Interlaken + Thunersee: For a more relaxing day, visit Interlaken and Harder Kulm first, followed by a boat ride on Thunersee Lake, visit Oberhofen Castle and/or Spiez, and end in Thun. Visit the town and then take a train (1.5hrs) from here back to Lucerne.
  • Interlaken + Brienzersee + Thunersee: If you want to ‘see it all’, take a train from Lucerne to Brienz (1.5 hrs), followed by a boat ride on Brienzersee to Interlaken. Here, take a funicular to Harder Kulm and have lunch. Afterwards, take a boat on Thunersee from Interlaken to Thun. Visit the town and take a train back to Lucerne. For this trip, get a boat day pass for both lakes .
  • Interlaken + Grindelwald: You can also opt for this organized tour that visits Interlaken together with Grindelwald as a day trip from Lucerne (more about it further below). If you want to see both of these places on the same day, this is by far the best way to do it.
  • Adventurous activities. If you are looking for an adventurous day trip from Lucerne rather than sightseeing, check out this Interlaken rafting trip or this canyoning trip (both include return transfers from Lucerne).

Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong – this is one of the most beautiful areas in central Switzerland.

LEARN MORE: Interlaken Day Trip

Oberhofen Castle and Thunersee lake in Switzerland

The capital of Switzerland, Bern , is also one of the nicest cities to visit in Switzerland. If this is your first time in the country and you haven’t been to Bern yet, then definitely consider a visit!

The good thing is that Bern is quite compact and you can see most of its main attractions in a day. Furthermore, it’s just a 1-hour journey by train, and thus a perfect day trip destination from Lucerne.

Why visit: Bern is the capital city of Switzerland and that in itself is a good reason to visit. But it’s also a really beautiful and unique town, totally different than Lucerne or Interlaken.

Bern has a rich history and some famous landmarks including the building of the Swiss Parliament, the Cathedral, Zytglogge clock tower, and Bern Historical Museum/ Einstein Museum. You can also visit Einstein’s House. But probably the nicest thing to do is simply walk around the old town and admire all the beautiful fountains.

TIP: Be sure to see the brown bears in a small sanctuary next to the river. Bears are the symbol of the city, but it’s really special to see them roaming around in this Bear Pit in the town center.

Bern city in Switzerland

Season: Bern can be visited at any time of the year. It’s also a great day trip from Lucerne when it rains, or when the weather is too bad to enjoy the mountains.

How much time do you need: We recommend planning an entire day for Bern. You can see the main landmarks and get a taste of what the city is about in just a few hours. But if you want to explore all the best places, climb the Cathedral tower, and visit at least one museum, you should really plan at least 4-5 hours in the city, plus the travel time.

Getting there: You can easily get to Bern by train from Lucerne. It takes just an hour and there are plenty of trains from early morning to late evening. By car, it takes quite a bit longer than by train, mainly because the traffic around the two cities can be really bad. Parking is quite easy in Bern and not as expensive as in Lucerne.

TIP: There’s also a very nice day tour that visits Bern and the Emmental Valley (+ cheese dairy farm, etc.). You can take this tour from Lucerne or from Zurich, but it’s only available in high season and just a few days a week.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Bern

Bern old town, Switzerland

8. Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a charming town and a world-known mountain resort in central Switzerland. Located about half an hour by train from Interlaken, it’s one of the places from where you can reach Jungfraujoch (mentioned above). But there is so much more to see in this area that Grindelwald deserves a separate day trip!

Just like Interlaken, Grindelwald town itself is nice, but mostly for shopping and dining. It’s the mountains around it that make it special!

Why visit: Grindelwald is one of the most famous ski resorts in Switzerland and the town itself is quite nice. But the main reason to come here is the scenery of the surrounding mountains. In the summer, head to Grindelwald-First which is a fantastic destination in itself.

Here, you’ll find sweeping panoramas and some of the best views in the area. Don’t miss the First Clifftop Walk and take a short hike to Bachalpsee Lake . In addition, there are many fun activities here such as gliding and ziplining, mountain carts, etc.

Next to Grindelwald town, you can also visit Gletscherschlucht , a beautiful glacier canyon . It’s accessible via boardwalks and is a nice place for the whole family.

Day trips from Lucerne - Grindelwald

Season: Grindelwald is a year-round destination and skiing here is phenomenal. But if you are planning a day trip from Lucerne and are mainly interested in sightseeing, Grindelwald is more worthwhile in the summer. In winter, I’d opt to go on to Jungfraujoch instead.

How much time do you need: If you are planning to visit Grindelwald as a day trip from Lucerne, count an entire day. If you plan well and only concentrate on ‘the musts’, you can also make a quick stop in Interlaken on your way back since you’ll pass there anyway. In fact, there is a tour that does exactly this and combines a visit to Interlaken and Grindelwald in one day from Lucerne. (But they do use a private coach instead of the trains, which makes it easier to do it with limited time).

Getting there: Grindelwald can be reached by train or by car. From Lucerne, take a train to Interlaken and from there – another train to Grindelwald.

LEARN MORE: What to do at Grindelwald – First

Bachalp Lake (Bachalpsee) in Grindelwald Switzerland

9. Schynige Platte

Schynige Platte is a real hidden gem of the Swiss mountains, one you won’t (yet) find in many travel guides. It’s a wonderful destination but is somewhat overshadowed by all the other famous places nearby (Interlaken, Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch…). And so not many tourists find the time to get here.

But if you’d like to see some jaw-dropping mountain scenery without the huge crowds of international tourists, you’ll love it here. Schynige Platte is a great alternative to places like Mt Pilatus, Mt Rigi, Interlaken, or Grindelwald.

This is not to say that you’ll be alone here – far from it. But it’s a place that is more popular with the locals and travelers spending longer vacations in the area and is not frequented by tour groups.

Why visit: Schynige Platte has some of the very best 360° views in the area around Interlaken ! On one side, you can see the snowcapped mountain peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. And on the other side, you have the incredible panorama of the two lakes of Interlaken.

There are also some relatively easy (and very rewarding) hikes at Schynige Platte . This is one of our personal favorite places in central Switzerland – simply breathtaking!

Schynige Platte - nice day trip destination in central Switzerland

Season: Schynige Platte can be visited in the summer season, from around the end of May to mid-October.

How much time do you need: Plan an entire day if you are visiting Schynige Platte as a day trip from Lucerne. You could also combine it with a stop at Interlaken (on your way back).

Getting there: Schynige Platte can be reached by (a very slow) historic cogwheel train from Wilderswill, just near Interlaken. You need to take a train from Lucerne to Interlaken, and from there – a train in the direction of either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, and get off at Wilderswill.

Be sure to check the train schedule for the Wilderswill – Schynige Platte train, get your tickets in advance , and arrive early. There aren’t that many trains and it can get quite busy here, especially on the weekends at around 10-11 AM.

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Schynige Platte

Lucerne day trips - Schynige Platte

10. Stoos – Fronalpstock

Stoos is a little car-free mountain village on the eastern side of Lake Lucerne. It’s another hidden gem of the area but is extremely popular with the locals. It’s not that much the village itself that makes it worth visiting, but the phenomenal scenery of the area, especially at Fronalpstock .

Stoos area makes a wonderful day trip from Lucerne, but – unless you have a car – it will require much more effort to get there than any of the other places mentioned above.

Why visit: Come here for the jaw-dropping panoramas from Fronalpstock and for one of the best ridge trails in Switzerland, Stoos Ridge Hike.

In addition, Stoos has one of the coolest mountain railways we’ve ever seen. A ride on this world’s steepest funicular railroad (with a gradient of 110%!) is an attraction in itself!

Fronalpstock - a beautiful place to visit from Lucerne

Season: Stoos can be visited in summer or in winter, but for the best views and hiking, come here from late May to early October. In winter, it’s a nice ski resort, and the views remain amazing, of course.

How much time do you need: Count a good part of the day if you are visiting Stoos from Lucerne. For the visit itself (+ the hike), you need 3-4 hours. This does not include travel time from Lucerne.

Getting there: The best way to do this day trip from Lucerne is by car, and it takes about 40 minutes. It’s also possible to get here by public transport. You’ll need to take a train from Lucerne to Schwyz and from there the bus nr. 501 to Schwyz, Stoosbahn. This journey takes at least 1h20. For more practical information and to read more about the hike itself, please see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Stoos Ridge Hike

Schwyz–Stoos funicular (Stoosbahn) in Switzerland

10+. Additional suggestions for day trips from Lucerne

If you have even more time in the Lucerne area, or if you are looking for some more inspiration for nice excursions nearby, here are a few more suggestions for places to visit near Lucerne:

  • Mount Bürgenstock half-day/day trip from Lucerne by ferry and funicular (see more info and get the tickets here ). You can also take the impressive Hammetschwand Elevator here – see the picture below!
  • Stanserhorn – just 15-20min by car or by train to Stanserhorn-Bahn, and from there the cable car to the top. More possibilities – here .
  • Zurich – just 45min by train or by car from Lucerne.
  • Stein am Rhein & Rhein Falls ( Europe’s biggest waterfall ) – take a train from Lucerne to Zurich, followed by this popular 5hr tour to the falls . You can easily combine a visit to the falls with that of Zurich city itself.
  • Basel – 1hr journey by train from Lucerne.
  • Oeschinen Lake . This is one of our personal favorite hikes in Switzerland. However, it’s almost 2hrs from Lucerne to Kandersteg + gondola and the hike at Osechinensee itself. It’s doable, but ideally only if you have a car, or don’t need to get back to Lucerne on the same day. It can be combined with the Interlaken area (but not all in one day).
  • Zermatt – this is a very popular destination in Switzerland and it’s also possible to see the best of Zermatt in a day . However, I don’t recommend visiting Zermatt as a day trip from Lucerne – it’s really quite far for that (doable, but you’ll spend so much time on the trains that you won’t have much time left to see something). If you go, ideally you spend at least one night, or even more time – there’s so much to see and do in Zermatt in any season !

READ ALSO: Switzerland Itinerary for 10 Days

Hammetschwand Elevator at Burgenstock near Lucerne

So, this is a list of our favorite places to visit near Lucerne. You can’t really go wrong with any of these destinations – they are all worth a visit. It just depends on the season when you visit, the time you have, and your interests.

Have a wonderful trip!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Lucerne

Read also – some of our favorite hikes in Switzerland:

  • Matterhorn Glacier Trail (in Zermatt)
  • Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge Hike  (near Zermatt)
  • Hiking at Schynige Platte  (near Interlaken)
  • Oeschinensee Hike  (close to Interlaken)
  • Four Lakes Hike in Engelberg  (near Lucerne)
  • Bachalpsee Lake Hike  (Grindelwald)
  • Stoos Ridge Hike  (not far from Lucerne)

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Best day trips, tours, and excursions near Lucerne in Switzerland

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Friday 19th of May 2023

What a great page - almost too much info to absorb in one sitting! Thank you sharing both your passion and knowledge of the area.

Monday 22nd of May 2023

Glad to help, Dianne. This list is just meant to show you some of the possibilities of the nicest places to visit around Lucerne. There's no way to do all these day trips unless you are visiting the area for a few weeks, so just pick one or two places that look most interesting to you. Have a great trip!

Sunday 14th of May 2023

Thank you for your excellent blog. Loved your information about Trummelbach Falls, Grindewald First and Lucerne. So excited for my first trip to Switzerland in July.

Monday 15th of May 2023

Glad to help, Trina. Have a great trip!

8 stunning day trips from Lucerne, Switzerland

Kerry Walker

Apr 22, 2022 • 8 min read

Switzerland, Uri - July, 2020: Hairpin bends in the Schoellenen gorges in the swiss alps

Hairpin bends in the Schoellenen gorges in the Swiss Alps © Getty images

Encircled by mountains of myth and sitting astride the shores of its eponymous lake of bluest blue, Lucerne is every bit as gorgeous as it was back in the 19th century when Goethe, Wagner and Queen Victoria eulogised its beauty. Slow travel comes naturally here, with boats, trains and cable cars breezing across the lake and up to nearby Alpine heights. From the birthplace of the nation to sky-scraping glaciers, here’s our pick of the best days out from Lucerne.

Float on the jewel-colored waters of Lake Uri

Switzerland heart in every possible sense of the word, Lake Lucerne’s southernmost arm, Lake Uri, is its most ravishing. At times as narrow as a fjord, Lake Uri’s jewel-colored green-blue waters give way to forested cliffs and peaks that rise sheer and rugged.

Cruise these waters and you’ll glimpse Rütli Meadow , hallowed birthplace of the Swiss Confederation as the spot where the Oath of Eternal Allegiance was signed in 1291. Nearby is the Tellskapelle , a little chapel ensconced in woods, where the apple-shooting hero and Swiss rebel William Tell is said to have leaped to safety from the boat of his Hapsburg captor, Gessler.  

Myths abound, too, at the Schillerstein , a near 30m-high natural obelisk jutting up above the lake. Its inscription pays homage to Friedrich Schiller, the author of the play William Tell.

How to reach Lake Uri: Boat is the way to go to really see Lake Uri. Take SGV’s regular ferry service from Brunnen to Flüelen (44 minutes). Trains link Lucerne to Brunnen (46 minutes) and Flüelen (one hour).

Swiss view on the Jungfrau with Swiss chalet and flag

Hike waterfalls and high-Alpine moors in Meiringen

Tucked away in the eastern corner of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region, Meiringen has a phenomenally beautiful backyard, with hiking and cycling trails leading to wild valleys, waterfalls and high-Alpine moors.

Get an early train for time to see both of its big-hitting natural wonders. First up is the 250m-high Reichenbach Falls , which plummets over sheer, wooded cliff faces with a deafening roar. You can see how author Arthur Conan Doyle thought it the perfect backdrop for a dramatic finale: in The Final Problem , he pushed both Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Moriarty over the precipice here.

The Aare Gorge is just as riveting, with tunnels and galleries wending past milky-blue torrents and limestone overhangs.

Stay for more than a day to delve deeper into the Hasli Valley – to see the Triftbrücke , Europe’s highest (100m) and longest (170m) suspension bridge, dangling precariously over the Trift Glacier, for instance, or the waterfall-laced glacier gorge of Rosenlaui .

How to reach Meiringen: Meiringen is a 50-minute drive south of Lucerne via the A8. There are hourly trains to Meiringen (1 hour 10 minutes).

Cogwheel train passing mountain landscape of Mount Pilatus in the Swiss Alps, near Lucerne

Climb Mt Pilatus on the world's steepest cog railway

Mountains and valleys seem to ripple into infinity from the 2128m peak of Mt Pilatus, where the restless ghost of Roman prefect Pontius Pilate is said to roam. As the legend goes, his corpse was thrown into a lake at the summit and he has haunted these parts ever since – hence the name. 

Reached by the world’s steepest cog railway since 1889, with a gradient of 48%, the mountain is an easy and insanely scenic day trip from Lucerne. Getting here would have been more of an effort back in the 19th century when Wagner waxed lyrical about Pilatus’ views and Queen Victoria trotted up here on horseback. But the exhilarating views on the walking trail are little changed: reaching across the lake, deep into the Swiss Alps and as far as Germany’s Black Forest on clear days. 

How to reach Mt Pilatus: From May to October, you can reach Mt Pilatus on a " golden round-trip " day excursion, a combination of boat, cogwheel railway, cable car and bus.

Witness a blazing sunrise or sunset from Mt Rigi

Puckering up between lakes Lucerne and Zug, the 1797m peak of Mt Rigi is well known for its blazing sunrises and sunsets. Turner was so smitten with the outlook and the singular quality of the light that in 1842 he painted the mountain in watercolors at three different times of day (Blue Rigi, Dark Rigi and Red Rigi).

Europe’s oldest mountain railway – celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2021 – hauls you to the summit, where the view is extraordinary, stretching across both lakes to Mt Titlis and the glaciated peaks of the Jungfrau massif. On clear days, you can see 24 of Switzerland’s 26 cantons. There’s terrific high-level hiking up here in summer on 120km of marked trails, as well as low-key skiing, snowshoeing and sledding in winter. 

 If you’d prefer a swim or massage with a sublime view, head over to the Mario Botta-designed Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad .

How to reach Mt Rigi:  Frequent trains run to Vitznau (one hour) and Goldau (32 minutes), where you can connect with cogwheel railways to Rigi Kulm (32 minutes and 44 minutes respectively).

Overview of Lake Lucerne and Rutli meadow from Fronalpstock.

Head to Brunnen for paragliding, sailing and kitesurfing 

Cradled in the folds of jagged mountains, where Lake Lucerne narrows as it turns sharply south, Brunnen’s quayside is quite the Alpine dream. Turner was so impressed by the view while sojourning here that he painted The Bay of Uri from Brunnen in 1841. When the föhn  wind sweeps down from the peaks, conditions are ideal for sports on and above the water: from sailing to paragliding, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Should you fancy a walk instead, hook onto a section of the 35km, two-day Swiss Path around Lake Uri.

Not only the surrounding peaks offer knife-edge perspectives. Victorinox hails from these parts and the Swiss Knife Valley Museum tells you all about it, with a fascinating romp through the history of knives. The highlight, however, is the chance to build your own Swiss Army Knife (a process of just 15 minutes).

How to reach Brunnen : Brunnen is a 40-minute drive south of Lucerne via the A4, or take one of the regular trains (45 minutes to one hour).

Try winter skiing or high-altitude hiking at Engelberg

As if cupped in celestial hands, Engelberg (literally "Angel Mountain") wings you straight to Alpine heaven with its ragged backdrop of glacier-streaked peaks punching well above the 3000m mark. When the flakes fall in winter, skiers and boarders descend on the resort, eager to make fresh tracks in off-piste powder. In summer, these mountains offer mile upon joyous mile of high-altitude hikes.

The icing on the cake is 3238m, glacier-topped Mt Titlis , Central Switzerland’s tallest mountain, home to the world’s first revolving cable car, which soars above the deeply crevassed ice. With Alps as far as the eye can see, views from the top are staggering, especially if you brave the Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge. Get an early start to avoid the glacier is at its busiest.

How to reach Engelberg : Engelberg is a 40-minute drive south of Lucerne via the A2. There are hourly fast trains linking Lucerne to Engelberg (43 minutes).

 Visitors in wooden deck chairs above snow-capped mountains on the sun terrace atop Stanserhorn Mountain

Ride the funicular and summit Stanserhorn

Flinging up to the south of Lucerne, Stanserhorn is one of the easiest and quickest ways to get high above the lake. From the 1898m summit, an intricate tapestry of mountains, lakes, fields and forests unfurls. Getting there is half the fun, involving a quaintly old-fashioned ride in an 1893 funicular to Kälti, where the double-decker CabriO cable car takes over, swinging up another 1100m in just 6½ minutes. This is the world’s first cable car with a roofless upper deck and it can get mighty breezy up top.

At the summit, there are plenty of big-view hiking trails and hang-gliding and paragliding when conditions allow. The Stanserhorn Rangers give the inside scoop on everything from wildflowers to where to spot eagles and marmots. How to reach Stanserhorn : Stanserhorn is a 25-minute drive south of Lucerne via the A2. Frequent trains make the same journey in 13 minutes. From here, a funicular rises to the summit from mid-April to early November.

Join pilgrims visiting Einsiedeln from afar

When Lucerne is rammed on summer weekends, Einsiedeln, hidden away at the end of a valley and framed by gentle wooded hills, makes a peaceful day trip. Pilgrims come from afar to this small town, which is Switzerland’s answer to Lourdes. According to legend, the Bishop of Constance tried to consecrate the original monastery in AD 964, but was interrupted by a heavenly voice, declaring: "Desist. God himself has consecrated this building."

Whether or not you believe in miracles, the 18th-century Klosterkirche abbey church is magnificent, with its opulent frenzy of frescoes, stucco, marble, and gold swirls. Pilgrims pray before the tiny statue of the Black Madonna. For a view over the abbey to the hills beyond, trudge up to the Statue of St Benedikt .

How to reach Einsiedeln : Einsiedeln is an hour’s drive east of Lucerne via the A14. There are twice hourly trains (1¼ hours).

You might also like: The 11 most incredible places to visit in Switzerland Switzerland's 5 best road trips How to get around in Switzerland

This article was first published March 2021 and updated April 2022

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Home » Destinations

Lucerne: 21 Fun Day Trips for All Ages

day tours in lucerne

  • Last Updated: 20 Jan 2023
  • By Tanya, Founder of Swiss Family Fun

If you buy something through a link here, we may earn a commission. See our disclosure policy . Note that p rices and opening times may change without notice.

Lucerne is a great base for exploring Switzerland, with many beautiful mountains and classic Swiss experiences easy to reach by car or train. For this article, we selected our favorite day trips near Lucerne suitable for a variety of ages, abilities and interests.

We’ve included mountain viewpoints, lakes, waterfalls, cheese, chocolate, city tours and fun activities for kids. Some of these activities have optional hikes. But if hiking is your priority, see Best hikes near Lucerne.

Mountain viewpoints

Lakes & waterfalls, history & culture, especially for kids, city excursions, extra credit: famous but far away, where to stay in lucerne, how to save money on lucerne day trips.

Note: Some excursions are only available in summer season (May/June to Oct). So please check the opening times before planning your trip.

1. Mt. Pilatus – boat cruise, cliff walk, alpine slide

day tours in lucerne

Mt. Pilatus is a tall mountain peak near Lucerne, one of our favorite places to take our visitors. From the big observation deck at the top, you can enjoy stunning panorama views over Lake Lucerne and many mountains without hiking at all.

But if you want to hike, we definitely suggest trying one of the three short hikes to higher viewpoints, one along a dramatic cliff walk (safely secured with fences!).

For even more excitement, we always stop at the middle station to ride a 1350m summer toboggan run , fun for both adults and kids. If you have lots of time, we also love the adventure ropes course in the forest with ziplines and free fall jumps.

The most popular way to get to Mt. Pilatus is the self-guided Golden Round Trip , which includes a boat ride from Lucerne city, cogwheel mountain train to the top, and cable car down the other side of the mountain.

For this excursion, you should plan for about six hours and get an early start, catching the boat around 9am. If you have less time, you can ride the cable car there and back with a return ticket .

Learn more: 10 Tips for visiting Mt Pilatus

From Lucerne: 10 mins by car, 20 mins by bus to Kriens cable car ( see on map )

Cost 2023: cable car return ticket Adult CHF 72 / golden round trip Adult CHF 110

Open: May to Oct with lake cruise / year round via cable cars

Website: www.pilatus.ch

2. Mt. Titlis – glacier, ice cave & suspension bridge

day tours in lucerne

Mt Titlis is the tallest mountain peak near Lucerne, with a glacier at the top, so you can play in the snow even in summer. At the top, you’ll find a suspension bridge, ice cave, restaurants and large snowy plateau where you can enjoy the view and throw snowballs.

On the way back down, you can get off the cable car at the middle station, where there’s a short and easy walk around an alpine lake, possible in summer and winter. For kids, in summer, there are fun activities along the trail, large playground, and big air jump into inflated bouncy pillows.

Learn more: See our Mt Titlis tips .

From Lucerne: 40 mins by car, 50 mins by bus

Cost: Cable car from Engelberg Adult CHF 96 / discount with Swiss transit passes

Open: glacier viewpoint open year round, summer hiking June to Oct

Website: www.titlis.ch

3. Mt. Rigi – boat & mountain excursion

day tours in lucerne

Mount Rigi near Lucerne rises to 1798m, with gorgeous views over many lakes and mountains. This mountain is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. 

The best way to visit Mt Rigi is on the Classic Round Trip , which starts with a boat cruise from Lucerne to the base of the mountain. Then a cogwheel train to the top, where you can stroll to different viewpoints or relax at the restaurant’s outdoor terrace.

In summer, we suggest the hiking along the easy Panorama Trail , which has a gorgeous cliff walk built into the rock. In winter, even non-skiers can enjoy the snowy landscape by walking on the groomed snowy trails or sledding a few km down the mountain on prepared routes.

Learn more: Mt Rigi article

Quick info:

  • From Lucerne: 1hr by boat or train/bus to Vitznau to catch mountain train
  • Cost: round trip from Lucerne – Adult CHF 123 / discount with Swiss transit passes
  • Open: best May to Oct / open year round
  • Website: www.rigi.ch

4. Stoos – quaint alpine village & cliff viewpoint

day tours in lucerne

Stoos is famous for the steepest funicular train in the world, whisking you up to an idyllic alpine village in just a few minutes. For the best views, ride two chairs lift up to the Fronalpstock viewpoint over the cliffs down to Lake Lucerne. 

At the top, you can safely admire the view from an observation deck, panorama terrace of the restaurant, and even a safely enclosed picnic area and playground for children.

If you want to stretch your legs, even non-hikers can enjoy the easy panorama loop trail that wanders along the cliffs. For experienced hikers, we recommend the spectacular ridge trail , which is best done with hiking shoes and good fitness level.

Learn more: Visiting Stoos

From Lucerne: 45 mins by car, 1h10 by train/bus

Cost: mountain lifts Adult CHF 50 / discount with Swiss transit passes

Open: June to Oct / viewpoint also open in winter

Website: stoos-muotatal.ch

5. Stanserhorn – open-air cable car & panorama viewpoint

day tours in lucerne

Ride a vintage funicular and open-air cable car to the top of this gorgeous mountain viewpoint near Lucerne. At the top, you’ll find a restaurant with a big panorama terrace, great place to enjoy traditional Swiss food like Älplermagronen (Swiss mac-n’cheese).

There is a short and easy wander at the top to a higher viewpoint, plus nice picnic areas with grill pits. If you want a fitness challenge, you can hike to the top instead, which I did once. Read our Stanserhorn post for more info .

From Lucerne: 15 mins by car, 20 mins by train

Cost: funicular and cable car to top – Adult CHF 75 / discounted with Swiss travel passes

Open: May to October

Website: www.stanserhorn.ch

Coming from Zürich? Try this Stanserhorn tour that includes a Lucerne city tour

6. Bürgenstock – cliff walk & free-standing lift

day tours in lucerne

From Lucerne, take a short boat cruise to the base of the Bürgenstock mountain, then a funicular ride up to the famous luxury hotel overlooking Lake Lucerne. Enjoy views from their panorama terrace and if you have a big budget, book time at their fabulous spa or lunch at the Spices Kitchen & Terrace. 

From the hotel, it’s a short stroll along the cliff walk leads to the Hammetschwand lift, the highest free standing lift in Europe. Ride the lift to a panorama viewpoint of the lake and mountains in every direction. For a longer hike, complete the cliff walk loop leading to more viewpoints. Read our Bürgenstock article for more info .

From Lucerne: 25 mins by boat + funicular or car / 40 mins by bus

Cost: round trip from Lucerne by boat – Adult CHF 86.40 (lift costs extra) / less in winter, discounted with Swiss transit passes

Open: cliff walk and lift open April to Oct / hotel terrace viewpoint open year round

Website: burgenstockresort.com

Suggested tour:  From Lucerne: Mount Bürgenstock by Ferry and Funicular

7. Grindelwald & Jungfraujoch

day tours in lucerne

Grindelwald and the whole Jungfrau Region is perhaps the most visited region in Switzerland. A popular excursion is riding to the Jungfraujoch, a glacier viewpoint at 3454m near Interlaken. As a day trip from Lucerne, this would take about 10-12 hours depending on what you do during your visit. 

From Lucerne, it’s a lovely train ride to Grindelwald, passing many beautiful alpine villages, lakes and mountains on the way. In Grindelwald, you catch the Eiger Express cable car, then a cogwheel mountain train to reach the Sphinx Observatory at the Jungfraujoch.

From here, you can admire the Aletsch glacier, the longest in Europe at over 20 km. At the top, there are lots of amusements, including an ice cave, multimedia history tour, and indoor and outdoor observation areas. In summer, you can even participate in snow sports on the glacier. Read more in our Jungfraujoch post .

Suggested tour: From Lucerne: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch

From Lucerne: 1h20 mins by car, 2h30 by train to Grindelwald

Cost: round trip from Lucerne – about CHF 249 / discount with Swiss travel passes

Open: year round

Website: www.jungfrau.ch

8. Lake Lucerne boat cruise

day tours in lucerne

If you prefer to spend more time on the water (and skip the cable cars), you can cruise the whole Lake Lucerne. From Lucerne city to the south end of the lake, it takes about two hours and is a spectacular journey. Our family has done it in all seasons and it’s always a hit. Lake Lucerne offers many special boat cruises, some including meals and entertainment.

  You can enjoy boat cruises in both summer and winter, but note that the timetable is reduced from Nov to April. Boat cruises are the one instance where we think upgrading to first class is worth it, so you can sit on the upper decks and have less competition for the good seats.

From Lucerne: ferry dock is near Lucerne train station

Cost: cruises starting at CHF 18 per adult / discounted with Swiss travel passes

Open: year round but best May to October

Website: www.lakelucerne.ch

9. Melchsee-Frutt alpine lakes

day tours in lucerne

Melchsee Frutt is a mountain resort southwest of Lucerne with two gorgeous alpine lakes. A cable car brings you up the mountain, where you’ll have a great view of the lake from the small village.

For an easy day, you can ride a small “train” shuttle along the lakes out to a mountain restaurant. You can optionally stroll along the lakes or choose a more challenging hike up into the mountains . At the end the day, we skip the cable car and instead rent mountain scooters to ride down the mountain.

Learn more: Melchsee Frutt Alpine Lakes

From Lucerne: 35 mins by car, 1h10 by train/bus

Cost: cable car – Adult CHF 18

Open: May to early October

Website: www.melchsee-frutt.ch

10. Reichenbach Falls & Aare Gorge

day tours in lucerne

The village of Meiringen boasts two beautiful water attractions. The 120m tall Reichenbach Falls are famous as the setting for Sherlock Holmes’ apparent death in the novels.

To reach the falls viewpoint, you ride a vintage funicular train up the mountain. You can optionally hike up the falls to more viewpoints and a mountain restaurant. For a bit of excitement, you can ride a fat wheel scooter back down the mountain.

Near the falls, you’ll find the entrance to the narrow Aare Gorge , formed over thousands of years by the Aare glacier. Now you can walk about 1 km through the gorge on raised walkways, admiring the formations in the rock walls and icy blue water.

You can buy a combined entrance ticket that covers both attractions. Afterwards, stop at a cafe in Meiringen for their traditional meringue and cream dessert.

Learn more: Reichenbach Falls & Aare Gorge

From Lucerne: 55 mins by car, 1h35 by train/bus

Cost: combined ticket for falls and gorge – Adult CHF 18

Website: www.grimselwelt.ch

11. Ballenberg

day tours in lucerne

This open-air museum is a window to traditional Swiss rural life, where you can visit historical buildings different eras and Swiss regions throughout a large alpine park. You can wander through homes, schools, farms, and other trade workshops like a blacksmith, saw mill, cheese maker, etc.

Besides the cultural education, it’s just a really lovely place to visit with grassy alpine meadows and mountain views. When the kids were young, we appreciated the picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a fun family outing.

Learn more: Ballenberg Open-air Museum

From Lucerne: 40 mins by car, 1h30 by train

Cost: Adult CHF 32, Child CHF 16, under 6 free.

Open: April to October

Website: www.ballenberg.ch

12. Emmental cheese factory

day tours in lucerne

Learn about traditional and modern cheese production at the Emmental Schaukaserei. It’s touristy, but well-done and a fun place to learn about an important part of Swiss culture.

You can watch live cheese production and visit the traditional buildings for free. But you might have more fun by paying for the audiovisual tour, audio guide or cheese workshops. See our review: Emmental Cheese Factory

Suggested tour: From Lucerne: Bern Capital and Countryside Day-Trip (includes Emmental Cheese Factory)

Open: daily 9:00 – 17:00 year round

Website: emmentaler-schaukaeserei.ch

13. Aeschbach “ChocoWelt” Chocolate Museum

day tours in lucerne

Aeschbach ChocoWelt is the closest chocolate factory to Lucerne. In their fun visitor center, you learn about the history and production of chocolate through a series of interactive exhibits. 

During the tour you can sample chocolate, including a chocolate fountain. On weekdays you can see people working on the chocolate factory floor. After the museum tour, you can make your own chocolate bar.

From Lucerne: 40 mins by car, 1h30 by train – ChocoDromo 1, 6037 Root

Cost: CHF 15/adult, CHF 8/child aged 6-16, under 6 free.

Open: daily 10:00 to 17:00 (excluding public holidays)

Website: aeschbach-chocolatier.ch

14. Brunni Engelberg Tickle Path

day tours in lucerne

From the beautiful mountain village of Engelberg, ride a cable car up to a fantastic playground with a view. My kids love the trampolines, climbing structures, water play and alpine slide.

Further up the mountain, there is a beautiful little lake surrounded by a barefoot sensory path, where you walk on bark, stones, pine cones and mud. If you want to hike, add on the treasure hunt trail where you use clues search for treasure chests along the way.

Learn more about Brunni Tickle Trail

From Lucerne: 40 mins by car, 1h10 by train – Brunni Engelberg cable car

Cost: cable car + chair lift CHF 46/adult, children under 16 ride free with parent in summer

Open: mid June to October

Website: www.brunni.ch

15. Sattel Hochstuckli – alpine slide + suspension bridge

day tours in lucerne

Kids will be jumping for joy when you take them to Sattel Hochstuckli. This mountain resort is full of amusements including bouncy castles, an inner tube slide, trampolines, and mountain scooters. The main attractions are the 600m alpine slide and 374m long suspension bridge.

You need to ride a cable car to reach the amusements. Kids can get a day pass for the amusements. Adults can buy single rides for the alpine slide or a multi-pack.

Learn more about Sattel Hochstuckli

From Lucerne: 40 mins by car, 55 mins by train – Eumatt, 6417 Sattel

Cost: cable car Adult CHF 26

Website: www.sattel-hochstuckli.ch

16. Klewenalp Stockhütte – mountain scooters

day tours in lucerne

Klewenalp is a good choice for families as it has many amusements includes a detective theme trail, playgrounds, and mountain scooter. We suggest the “ Golden Safari “, which includes a short hike before you reach the mountain scooter station. But if you prefer not to hike, you can ride a cable car directly to Stockhütte where you pick up the scooters. 

After that, a beautiful bus ride through the Swiss countryside to an alpine village. Then ride a vintage funicular down to the lake and a boat cruise back to your starting point.

Learn more about Klewenalp

From Lucerne: 25 mins by car, 45 mins by train/bus, 1h30 by boat

Cost: cable cars CHF 40, mountain scooter CHF 15

Open: June to October

Website: www.klewenalp.ch

Lucerne is very centrally located, so it’s easy to do a day trip out to other Swiss cities.

day tours in lucerne

Zurich is very close to Lucerne, just 35 mins by car, 40 mins by train. I’m partial to Zürich because I’ve lived here since 2005, raising my kids in the city and exploring every corner.

For just a day, best to do a walking tour and we really like the one by FreeWalk.ch . They meet every day at 11:00 at Paradeplatz and the tour lasts about 90 mins. You don’t have to book ahead. Tips for your volunteer guides are very welcome. If you want a more extensive guided tour of the city, you may like this city tour that includes a short lake cruise and visit to Lindt Home of Chocolate.

I have a self-guided chocolate tour of the city, visiting with 10+ chocolatiers along the way. It’s a fun way to see the city and you can spend your budget on chocolate at each shop. If you prefer to go with a guide, FreeWalk also offers a Zurich chocolate walk, 2 hours for CHF 30.

I’d also suggest a short trip up to Uetliberg , a viewpoint over the city. For lunch, perhaps a bratwurst at the popular Sternen Grill and a stroll along the lake with the locals. For dinner, we usually take our visitors to Zeughauskeller for the traditional dish of Zürigeschnetzeltes, sliced veal in a cream sauce served with rösti potatoes.   

By car: 25 mins from Lucerne. We always park at Parkhaus Vorstadt ( Schmidgasse 3, 6300 Zug ), but there are many other lots in town. By train: 20 mins from Lucerne to Zug train station . Then 10 mins walk to old town.

Learn more on the Zürich Tourism website .

day tours in lucerne

Bern is the capital of Switzerland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to enjoy the city is on a walking tour, discovering all the charms of the old town. For a special experience, book a guided tour of the iconic Bern clock tower , where you can see the inner workings of the clock and get a bird’s eye view of the city. FreeWalk.ch occasionally offers a 2 hour free Bern walking tour in English, but the schedule varies, so best to check their calendar for upcoming tours. 

There are dozens of great places to eat in Bern. But my top choice for unique ambiance would be Kornhauskeller , which is an absolute surprise when you descend the stairs. For something less fancy, we heartily recommend the pizza at Luce ( Zeughausgasse 28, 3011 Bern ), not far from the train station. For coffee, we’d probably go Cafe Marta or Cafe Alpin, but there are so many other great places to try .

By car: 1hr10 from Lucerne. We typically park at the train station ( Parkterrasse 14, 3012 Bern ). Parking in Bern is very expensive, so prepare yourself. See more Bern parking .

By train: 1hr from Lucerne to Bern main station . The old town is just east of the train station, no tram necessary.

Learn more on the Bern Tourism website .

day tours in lucerne

Basel is a beautiful city built on the banks of the Rhine river. We love strolling the narrow streets in the old town and finding little treasures. If you are with kids, a fun way to see the city is on the FoxTrail , a puzzle trail where you have to solve clues to find your next destination.

From April to October, this 2 hour guided tour is offered every day, visiting popular sights like the town hall, Tinguely Fountain, Cathedral Hill, and old town. FreeWalk.ch offers a 2 hour free Basel walking tour in English on Sundays at 13:00, tips appreciated. 

Do not miss a visit to the Xocolatl speciality chocolate shop ( Marktgasse 6, 4051 Basel ), with an extensive and delicious hot chocolate menu. The chocolate cakes are pretty amazing too. For the trip home, we always stop at Mystrifry ( Rheinsprung 4, 4051 Basel ), to pick up decadent vegan donuts for later. 

By train: 1hr15 from Lucerne to Bern main station . The old town is just east of the train station, no tram necessary.

Learn more on the Basel Tourism website .

day tours in lucerne

If you want more of a small town feel, Zug is just east of Lucerne, set on a big lake overlooking the mountains. The old town quarter is colorful and charming, with lots of interesting old buildings steeped in history. For a self-guided tour, stop at the Zug tourism office at the train station for suggestions. For a special treat, stop by the police station to borrow the key for the clock tower and climb 52m for a view over the city.

You must also stop at the Treichler pastry shop and try their famous “Kirschtorte” (cherry schnaps cake), enjoyed by Audrey Hepburn back in the day. For lunch or dinner, we like eating at the Freiruum , which has lots of interesting casual food stalls. If you prefer to eat closer to the old town, perhaps , wFor then ice cream at LucyGoose or Dieci . We also suggest a stroll along the lake shore, stopping at the Hafenrestaurant for drinks with a view.

By car: 25 mins from Lucerne. We always park at Parkhaus Vorstadt ( Schmidgasse 3, 6300 Zug ), but there are many other lots in town.

By train: 20 mins from Lucerne to Zug train station . Then 10 mins walk to old town.

Learn more on the Zug Tourism website .

21. Zermatt

day tours in lucerne

Zermatt, famous for the Matterhorn, is one of the most visited destinations in Switzerland. It’s a bit far as a day trip from Lucerne, with 3+ hours of travel time each way. But if you are only staying in Lucerne and really want to see the Matterhorn, it is certainly possible to visit Zermatt as a day trip.

From Lucerne, I would plan for at least 12 hours including travel time there and back. I suggest taking the first train at 6:00, arriving in Zermatt at 9:14, so you can maximize your time there. The train journey there is stunning, so that time is definitely not wasted.

Once in Zermatt, I suggest riding the Gornergrat mountain train to the glacier viewpoint and Riffelsee lake shown above. This area has the most iconic views that don’t require strenuous hiking. If you want to hike, our favorite is the trail from Riffelsee to Riffelalp , with Matterhorn views the whole way.

You should plan about 2-4 hours for the Gornergrat excursion depending on whether you hike and/or eat at restaurant on the mountain. I would also plan for an hour to wander the Zermatt village before heading back. If you catch the 17:37 train, you’ll arrive back in Lucerne at 21:01.

From Lucerne: 3h15 by car or train to Zermatt

Cost: Gornergrat railaway – CHF 95 / discount with Swiss travel passes / Book Gornergrat tickets

Open: year round / hiking possible late June to early October

Website: www.zermatt.ch

I suggest staying in Lucerne city, which is most convenient for doing day trips in different directions. Also, after your outing, you can enjoy the charms of the city in the evenings and have access to more restaurants.

Our friends suggest Hotel des Balances , which is right on the river near the famous tower bridge. We’ve also enjoyed Hotel Anker , which has a cool, funky vibe and a great breakfast. For a budget stay, you might consider Ibis Budget Hotel near the Lucerne train station.

Here are a few ways you can save money on these excursions. Check the specific destinations for current discount offers.

Swiss Travel Pass

If you are traveling around Switzerland by public transportation, the Swiss Travel Pass is often the best deal. It covers all public transportation in all of Switzerland and provides a discount (usually 50%) on many cable cars and other mountain transport, including those mentioned in this post. You can purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days of travel. 

Book the Swiss Travel Pass here .

All excursions in this post are fully covered by the Tell Pass, which fully covers public transportation and most mountain excursions in the Lake Lucerne region. This regional travel pass makes the most sense if you are staying in the Lake Lucerne region for multiple days and not visiting other parts of Switzerland. You can buy this pass for 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 days.  Learn more about the Tell Pass .

SBB Railaway Combined Offer

The Swiss rail system has discount offers that provide savings on both the train/bus travel to the destination and the attraction itself. These offers are seasonal and regularly change. See all SBB Railaway offers here .

For children

Children under age 6 are generally free on everything. For children 6-15, you can purchase either a yearly SBB Junior Card or Family Card associated with your Swiss Travel Pass or Tell Pass. These passes cost CHF 30 and which will cover all public transportation including most cable cars when accompanied by an adult.

See more Swiss Budget Travel Tips

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Hi! I’m Tanya and our family has been living & hiking in Switzerland since 2005, collecting dozens of fun hikes and activities for all ages and abilities. More about us…

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Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

Best day trips from Lucerne

12 BEST LUCERNE DAY TRIP, SWITZERLAND

TOP DAY TOURS FROM LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

Table of Contents

Are you staying in Lucerne and wondering about the best Lucerne day trips? As a regular Lucerne visitor and total Switzerland addict, I have compiled a list of the best day trips from Lucerne for you.

Lucerne (or Luzern in German) is one of the prettiest places in Switzerland,  but it also makes a good base if you stay in Switzerland for a few days to discover the nearby towns and villages.

So, after exploring Lucerne and doing a walking tour of the city make sure to go on a few day trips and visit the exceptionally stunning places around Lucerne.

Here are the best day trips from Lucerne, Switzerland. Where to go near Lucerne

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it  here .

GENERAL TIPS FOR LUCERNE DAY TRIPS

The city of Lucerne is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Switzerland. If you road trip Switzerland you don’t need to have one base – but when you train travel, Lucerne can be a fantastic base, and from there you can do day trips by train or car.

➡️ Lucerne is about an hour south of Zurich by car/train, right next to gorgeous Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee).

➡️ Lucerne has a train station that is well connected to other parts of the country and you can get to many of the places mentioned here by train. The fastest train connection is often via Bern. However, they might not be the most scenic. If you are not in a rush and have the time, try to avoid them and take the slower trains that offer better scenery to watch. You can relax and enjoy the ride and the view. 

➡️ TIP : A Swiss Travel Pass might be perfect for you especially if you travel by train. The initial price is quite high, but you can use buses and trains without any costs, can do unlimited boat cruises on Lake Lucerne, enjoy a 50% discount on Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis, and get free entry to many museums in Lucerne. And you get to use the cogwheel train up to Mount Rigi for free with the Swiss Travel Pass in 2024.

Check out the Swiss Travel Pass here and see, if it’s worth it for you.

Old town in Lucerne in winter

WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE

Lucerne has a very high density of great hotels. Unfortunately, accommodation is not cheap in Lucerne. Budget hotels also cost quite a fortune (at least during the high season which means from July to early September and in December). I have stayed in several hotels in Lucerne, and here are some tips.

➡️ Luxury Hotels in Lucerne: Schweizerhof Luzern is a lovely luxury hotel in Lucerne. It is a beautiful and fun 5* hotel located at Lake Lucerne’s shores and a few hundred meters from the old town and main tourist attractions. Check out rates for Schweizerhof here. Also, the hotel is very close to the train station – making it very comfortable to hop on trains for some of the most amazing day tours.

➡️ Mid-Range Hotels in Lucerne:  Hotel des Alpes is a nice 3-star hotel in the city center (and it comes with great views). From there, you are ready to explore the city within minutes. Click here to find the best rates for your stay at Hotel des Alpes and it is just a few minutes walk to the train station from where you can get to do some of the epic day trips.

➡️ Budget Hotels in Lucerne:  The Bed & Breakfast -Neustadt  offers single and double rooms (with an occupancy of 4 people maximum). Some rooms have a shared bathroom, and some have a private one. Click here to find the best rates for your stay at B&B .

If you are still unsure where to stay in Lucerne, you can check out my full accommodation guide on the best places to stay in Lucerne here.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

Here are the best day trips from Lucerne…and if you are looking for general Switzerland travel tips, click here .

Lucerne  Day Trip to Interlaken

Best things to see at Lake Thun, boat tour Lake Thun

Interlaken is situated in a slim stretch of the valley between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun . It is surrounded by the Swiss Alps , dense forests, and meadows – making it a natural beauty. There is so much to do in Interlaken, so you have to decide what you want to see.

I suggest getting up Harder Kulm   Mountain in the summer months – you have some fantastic views of both lakes and the Alps from up there.  Either hike up or take the funicular to the top.

After your mountain excursion, do a boat cruise on one of the lakes  (the picture above is from Lake Thun ) and enjoy the views from the water.  

If you want to be more active and enjoy some more adventurous things, you can also go paragliding as Interlaken is very popular for outdoor sports, and it is not uncommon to see lots of paragliders in the town center – it is just the thing to do.  Find out more about things to do in Interlaken.

HOW TO GET TO INTERLAKEN FROM LUCERNE

Getting to Interlaken from Lucerne is relatively easy:

🚆 One of the most popular ways to travel is by train. Make sure to take the Luzern-Interlaken Express . The train ride is about two hours but an experience in itself. It is one of the most scenic train rides you can take – passing some of the prettiest lakes along the ride makes it worth it!

🚘 The journey by car takes around 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. 

You can also take a guided tour from Lucerne to Interlaken, which will often include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and some sightseeing opportunities along the way.

Lucerne Day Trip to Engelberg and Mount Titlis 

Mount Titlis is one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland . It also boasts the world’s first revolving cable car. It is one of the most popular day trips from Lucerne.

From Lucerne, it is easy to reach the lovely town of Engelberg and get on top of Mt. Titlis.

Ice Cave at Mount Titlis in Switzerland

Mount Titlis is very popular for winter sports , like skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, hiking is the thing to do . You should also see the Titlis Cliff Walk, a suspension bridge that is 500 meters above the ground.

If you take the Ice Flyer chair lift , you will have some breathtaking views. It will take you up to the slopes in winter or over glaciers in summer.

Another great sight is Trübsee , a glacial lake that would be an excellent spot for a picnic. For more adventure and excitement, you can visit Titlis Adventure Park or the Zipline . Or you could spend a few hours mountain biking.

HOW TO GET TO MOUNT TITLIS FROM LUCERNE:

Getting to Mount Titlis from Lucerne is relatively easy.

🚆 Take a train from Lucerne to Engelberg. Trains run regularly throughout the day, and the journey takes around 45 minutes. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Engelberg by car.

🚡 From Engelberg, take the Titlis Xpress cable car to Stand. This is the first leg of the journey and takes around 15 minutes.

🚡 From Stand, take the Titlis Rotair, which is the world’s first revolving cable car, to the summit of Mount Titlis. This second leg of the journey takes around five minutes, and the cable car revolves 360 degrees during the ascent, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Check out ticket prices here.

Day Tour to Lausanne from Lucerne

Lausanne, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, is a beautiful city and an excellent day trip option from Lucerne. It is known for stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, charming historic districts, and vibrant cultural scene. 

Town Hall in Lausanne a must see in 1 day

Here are some of the top attractions and activities to enjoy during a one-day tour of Lausanne:

Lausanne’s historic district , which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit. The charming streets are lined with medieval buildings and offer a glimpse into Lausanne’s rich history and culture.

The Lausanne Cathedra l is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and its Gothic architecture is impressive. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city and the surrounding Alps.

Sports enthusiasts will love the Olympic Museum , which showcases the history of the Olympic Games and the achievements of athletes from around the world. With interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and over 10,000 artifacts, the museum is a fascinating place to visit.

The promenade along Lake Geneva offers some of the most stunning views in Lausanne. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake, take a boat ride, or even go for a swim in crystal-clear waters.

Lausanne is a beautiful and vibrant city, and there are plenty of things to see and do during a one-day tour from Lucerne.

🚆 Take a train from Lucerne to Lausanne. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and the journey takes around 2 hours.

🚘 Driving from Lucerne to Lausanne takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. 

Day Trip to Zurich From Lucerne

One of the easiest day trips from Lucerne is to Zurich . Located in the northeast part of Switzerland, Zurich is one of the country’s main cities. 

Switzerland best areas to stay

I love Zurich because of its proximity to Lake Zurich . This is one of the best places to visit, especially in the spring, summer, and early fall . The water is clean and clear, and it’s perfect for taking a swim.

Or, if you prefer staying dry, take a boat trip  up to the other side, to Rapperswil. It’s lovely along the lake, with cafes great for when you want to take a break and relax. There are often live musical performances on warm summer days.

If you are on a budget, the best thing you can do is sit at the lake, have a drink, listen to some music, and enjoy the weather.

Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, is another place to visit. And you can see the house mountain of the city of Zurich – Uetliberg Mountain – which you can reach within just a few minutes from the city center.

HOW TO GET TO ZURICH FROM LUCERNE:

Getting to Zurich from Lucerne is easy and there are several transportation options available.

🚆 The quickest and most convenient way to get to Zurich from Lucerne is by train. Direct trains run frequently throughout the day, and the journey takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on the type of train. 

🚘 If you prefer to drive, the journey from Lucerne to Zurich takes around 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. 

You can also take a guided tour from Lucerne to Zurich, which will often include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and some sightseeing opportunities along the way.

CHECK OUT:  1 DAY IN ZURICH ITINERARY

Day Trip to Montreux  From Lucerne

switzerland tourist attractions

Montreux is famous for its jazz festival , though, so you will see many musically-themed décors around town, such as music notes and sculptures along the promenade.  

You might also notice the Freddie Mercury statue – the late lead singer of the rock band Queen. There is an exhibition that you can see at the band’s recording studio.

A must-see is the famous Chateau de Chillon , a medieval fortress right on Lake Geneva banks. Inside, you will find a chapel with 14 th -century murals.

While not the biggest town in Switzerland, Montreux is perfect for a day trip. It is just the right size to discover in one day.

  • Here is my Montreux guide.

HOW TO GET TO MONTREUX FROM LUCERNE:

Getting to Montreux from Lucerne is possible by following these steps:

🚆 Take a train from Lucerne to Lausanne . Trains run frequently throughout the day, and the journey takes around 2 hours. From Lausanne, take a train to Montreux. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes.

🚘 Another option is to drive, which takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Lucerne Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus with the Swiss Travel Pass

To get up the mountain, take the cable car or ride up on the cogwheel train, which is an experience in itself.  

Once you ascend Mount Pilatus, there is a lot to do. If you are visiting in the winter, enjoy some of the many winter activities , like skiing and snowboarding. If you are arriving in the warmer months, then you can look into paragliding and hiking .  

Mount Pilatus offers gorgeous views of this central part of Switzerland – if you love the outdoors, this is a day trip you will love.

  • Prices depend on how you get to Mount Pilatus. Choosing to arrive at the station by boat costs more.  In case you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you don’t have to pay for the boat tour (on Lake Lucerne) and get a discount on the cogwheel/cable car.
  • Find out more about prices for day tours.

HOW TO GET TO MOUNT PILATUS FROM LUCERNE:

Getting to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne is easy.

🚆 Take a train or bus from Lucerne to Alpnachstad. Trains and buses run regularly throughout the day, and the journey takes around 20-30 minutes.

🚡 From Alpnachstad, take the cogwheel train to the summit of Mount Pilatus. The cogwheel train is a unique and scenic way to reach the summit, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes.

🚡 Alternatively, take the cable car from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg and then continue the journey to the summit via the aerial cableway. 

I recommend getting up with the cogwheel and using the cable car to get down- or the other way around.

You can also take a guided tour from Lucerne to Mount Pilatus, which will often include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and some sightseeing opportunities along the way.

Lucerne Day Trip to Bern

Bern, the charming capital of Switzerland, is a fantastic day trip option from Lucerne, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. Known for its medieval architecture, picturesque streets, and world-class museums, Bern is easily accessible from Lucerne.

Bern in spring where to go in Switzerland

In just one day in Bern , you can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and beautiful scenery.

One of the must-see sights in Bern is the Old Town , a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 15th century. The charming cobblestone streets, medieval fountains, and historic buildings are sure to transport you back in time. Be sure to stop by the Clock Tower, a landmark that has been keeping time for the city since the 13th century.

If you’re interested in art and history, make a stop at the Bern Museum of Fine Arts or the Einstein Museum , which is dedicated to the famous physicist who lived in Bern for several years.

Walk along the Aare River or a visit to the Rosengarten , a beautiful rose garden with panoramic views of the city.

HOW TO GET TO BERN FROM LUCERNE:

Getting to Bern from Lucerne is straightforward and convenient:

🚆 One of the easiest and fastest ways to travel between the two cities is by train. Trains run regularly throughout the day, with the journey taking just over an hour. 

🚘 The journey by car from Lucerne to Bern takes around an hour, depending on traffic conditions. 

There are also guided tours from Lucerne to Bern, which will often include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and some sightseeing opportunities along the way.

Lucerne Day Tour to Lauterbrunnen & Schilthorn

This mountain village in the Swiss Alps is another excellent day tour from Luzern. It is actually one of the most famous places around for outdoor lovers.

Lauterbrunnen in the summer

And I don’t mean just the run-of-the-mill outdoorsy people – I mean the adrenaline junkies who do crazy things, like paragliding and base jumping. If those are your sports, then Lauterbrunnen is the place for you. But if you are not into that kind of thing – I am surely not into base jumping, Lauterbrunnen will steal your heart.

Waterfalls are also pretty common in Lauterbrunnen – there are 72 of them!! The most famous of these waterfalls is Staubbach Falls , which you can watch descend over Lauterbrunnen Valley’s cliffs. Trummelbach Falls is also a treat, as it is located underground. You have to pay for entry, but it’s extraordinary and worth a visit.

Check out my Lauterbrunnen post for more information.

Another popular attraction above Lauterbrunnen is the Schilthorn summit , featured in the James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service .

Swiss Panorama in Schilthorn

You can take the cable car that goes from the village of Stechelberg to Schilthorn Mountain for views over the Bernese Alps. Here is my detailed guide for a trip to Schilthorn Mountain.

HOW TO GET TO LAUTERBRUNNEN FROM LUCERNE

Getting to Lauterbrunnen from Lucerne is time-consuming. But it is worth it.

🚆 Take a train from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost, the journey takes around 2 hours.  From Interlaken Ost, take a train to Lauterbrunnen. The journey takes an additional 20 minutes.

You can also take a guided tour from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen, which will often include transportation and a knowledgeable guide.

Day Trip to Jungfraujoch  From Lucerne

One of Lucerne’s most popular day tours is to Jungfraujoch – it is the highest train station in Europe at 3,500 meters above sea level.  So you can imagine the views!

View from Eismeer Station on the way to Jungfraujoch

Getting to Jungfraujoch is time-consuming but an experience in itself. You can take the train or the Eiger Express (a gondola), depending on where you are coming from. But once you are up there, you will see what all the fuss is about.  

There is an actual Ice Palace, which is worth seeing. Also, with that elevation, you will be rewarded with an incredible panorama of scenery, including the Aletsch Glacier – which will likely take your breath away.  

If you enjoy winter sports, then you’re in luck because there is always snow in Jungfraujoch. Even in the summer, you can enjoy your favorite winter activities,  since the snow is guaranteed.  

  • This will be a long day, but it is doable as a day trip from Lucerne.
  • Check out my Jungfraujoch guide.

HOW TO GET TO JUNGFRAUJOCH FROM LUCERNE

Getting from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, is a breathtaking experience.

🚆 Take a train from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and the journey takes around 2 hours.

🚆 From Interlaken Ost, take a train to Kleine Scheidegg . The journey takes around 50 minutes and offers stunning views of the Swiss Alps along the way. This is all part of the amazing experience.

🚆 From Kleine Scheidegg, take the Jungfrau Railway to the summit of Jungfraujoch. The railway is a unique and scenic way to reach the summit, with stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The journey takes around 45 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at the station or online.

🚡 Alternatively, you can also get to Interlaken Ost and then to Grindelwald Terminal Station, and from there take the Eiger Express  (aerial cable car) which saves you time to get up to Jungfraujoch and then enjoy the rest of the day at Jungfraujoch. 

You can take a guided tour from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch , which will often include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and some sightseeing opportunities along the way.

Check out guided tours here.

Mount Rigi Kulm Day Trip From Lucerne

Lucerne is surrounded by incredible nature – and Mount Rigi is another beautiful mountain to visit.

Getting up Mount Rigi - a must-do activity in Lucerne

Getting there from Lucerne is very easy. Get on a boat or bus and get to Vitznau – from there, take the cogwheel train or hike up Mt. Rigi. The views are absolutely gorgeous.

If you want to combine a lovely mountain excursion, combine it with some wellness (there is a spa at the top of Mount Rigi). The sunset here is breathtaking (on a clear day) – this alone is worth visiting Mount Rigi on a day trip from Lucerne.

Switzerland in winter, best sunset Mount Rigi

So if you get here, come later in the day so you can watch the sunset. You don’t need a full day if you take the cogwheel train.

  • Good news: if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you can boats, buses, and even the cogwheel train for free . If not, check out prices here  (including entrance to the spa),  and check out the classic Rigi Round Trip from Lucerne here.

HOW TO GET TO MOUNT RIGI FROM LUCERNE:

Getting to Mount Rigi from Lucerne is relatively easy:

🛥️ Get from Lucerne to Vitznau by boat or train/bus. The journey takes around 1 hour, and trains run frequently throughout the day. 

🚡 From Vitznau, take a cogwheel train to the summit of Mount Rigi. The cogwheel train is a unique and scenic way to reach the summit, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The journey takes around 40-50 minutes.

Brienz and Lake Brienz Day Trip From Lucerne

Brienz and Lake Brienz make for an excellent day trip option from Lucerne, offering a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty and quaint charm of the Bernese Oberland.

With its crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages, and towering mountains, Lake Brienz is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Most beautiful street in Europe, Brunnengasse in Brienz

The charming village of Brienz is known for its traditional woodcarving, and you can explore the Woodcarving Museum or even take a woodcarving workshop. 

Take a stroll along the lake promenade and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains.

One of the highlights of a day trip to Brienz is taking a boat cruise on Lake Brienz . Take a leisurely boat ride on the turquoise waters of the lake, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and charming villages.

Best things to do around Lake Brienz, Interlaken Giessbach Waterfalls

The boat cruise includes stops at several picturesque spots, including the Giessbach Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland. Explore the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach and take a walk along the waterfall trail, which offers stunning views of the cascading falls.

Other stops on the boat cruise include the village of Iseltwald . The boat cruise on Lake Brienz is a perfect way to explore the natural beauty and picturesque charm of the Bernese Oberland.

HOW TO GET TO BRIENZ FROM LUCERNE

Getting to Brienz from Lucerne is easy.

🚆 Take a train from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost but get out in Brienz. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and the journey takes around 90 minutes.

Travel Tips for Lucerne

Beautiful Lucerne! Though there are many fun day trips from Lucerne to take, also take your time to look around and explore Lucerne itself. With one day in Lucerne, you can see all the lovely landmarks of this medieval village that sits between mountains, overlooking Lake Lucerne.

There are many attractions, such as the Chapel Bridge , an iconic covered bridge from the 14 th century that winds its way from the Old Town to the Reuss River’s right bank. It is also covered in murals.

Lucerne with the Chapel Bridge, Jesuit Church and Mount Pilatus

The Old Town is another place you should see and the wall from the 14th century borders it. If you like nature, stroll along beautiful Lake Lucerne – one of the prettiest lakes in all of Switzerland. Take a boat tour, where you can relax and take in some incredible sights from the water.

Take the funicular up to Mount Rigi from Vitznau. Enjoy the ride up, and you will see one of the best sunset views on clear days.

There are many great towns around Lucerne, but don’t forget to enjoy the Lucerne´s beauty itself. It has a lot to offer. Here are more travel tips for Lucerne.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Lucerne is an ideal base from which to explore the central region of Switzerland and its neighboring areas. The city offers a range of attractions and activities that cater to all kinds of travelers. From the stunningly beautiful Chapel Bridge to the Swiss Transport Museum, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Lucerne.

However, what really sets Lucerne apart is its convenient location, with easy access to some of the best day trips in Switzerland .

Hopefully, this post has inspired you to visit beautiful places just near Lucerne, and you have found out more about fun day trips from Lucerne. While the city is gorgeous, the above-mentioned Lucerne day tours will help you discover more of Switzerland’s beauty!

  • One day in Lucerne
  • Best places to stay in Lucerne
  • Visit Lucerne in the winter
  • Lucerne itinerary
  • Most beautiful train rides in Switzerland

Safe Travels, Arzo

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Day trips Lucerne - 13 Top Deals and Prices 2024

Compare and book the best Day trips in Lucerne 2024. No booking fee and free cancellation options.

Activities and tickets

Pilatus Goldene Rundfahrt

Mt. Pilatus self-guided Golden Round Trip from Lucerne incl. boat cruise

Visit Lake Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus on a half-day tour by boat, steepest cogwheel railway in the world, aerail cableway "Dragon Ride" and panorama gondola. More details

Silberne Rundfahrt Pilatus

Mt. Pilatus self-guided Silver Round Trip from Lucerne incl. train

Visit Lake Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus on a half-day tour by train, steepest cogwheel railway in the world, aerail cableway "Dragon Ride" and panorama gondola. More details

Rigi königliche Rundreise ab Luzern

Rigi round trip by boat and train from Lucerne

Spend a whole day on the Rigi and on Lake Lucerne. During this unique round trip on Lake Lucerne and Rigi you will experience everything the queen of the mountains has to offer. More details

Jungfraujoch Tagesausflug geführt Luzern

From Lucerne: Day tour Jungfraujoch by bus and cogwheel train

Leave the city of Lucerne and admire the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch. Enjoy an adventure tour and marvel at the breathtaking panorama on the Jungfraujoch. More details

Titlis Ausflug ab Luzern

From Lucerne: Bus tour Titlis and Lucerne half day

Let yourself be drawn into the spell of the dreamlike ice world of the Titlis. Discover the glacier grotto, ride the Rotair cable car and venture on the Cliff Walk. More details

Rigi Tagesausflug ab Luzern

From Lucerne: Rigi round trip incl. boat and train

Sail by boat on the deep blue Lake Lucerne, observe the majestic alpine panorama and float through the Alps by cable car. This guided tour to the Rigi leaves nothing to be desired. More details

Pilatus Ausflug Luzern

From Lucerne: guided tour Pilatus Golden Round Trip incl. mountain railroad and boat trip

Take a half-day guided tour from Lucerne to the Drachenberg. Ride two cable cars up Mount Pilatus and down on the world's steepest cogwheel railroad. A boat trip on Lake Lucerne rounds off the program. More details

Grindelwald Ski Ausflug ab Luzern

From Lucerne: Day trip to Grindelwald with ski course for beginners

Take a ski trip from Lucerne in this day trip. Dare your first skiing attempts with a ski instructor in Grindelwald in front of the unique panorama of the Eiger North Face. More details

Kapellbrücke Luzern

The city of Lucerne is located directly on Lake Lucerne. More water in a city is almost impossible. The Reuss divides Lucerne and beautiful bridges unite the city again. The northwestern arm of Lake Lucerne is literally enclosed by the city area. Typical landmarks of the city of Lucerne are the Culture and Convention Center KKL with its imposing roof, the Glacier Garden with the Lion Monument and of course the medieval Chapel Bridge.

If you book a day trip, you only have to take care of your ticket and arrive on time at the boarding point. Everything else is taken care of by the organizers. Other costs such as mountain railroads, entrance fees or even a small meal, everything that belongs to the excursion, is already paid. You don't have to make any reservations either. Particularly pleasant are day trips to areas that can be reached by public transport only with several changes.

Only in exceptional cases lunch is included in the price. In this case, it will be explicitly mentioned in the description of the day trip. By the way, you can see this at a glance for every single activity we offer. Please have a look at the services section.

Top Destinations

  • Grindelwald
  • Lauterbrunnen
  • Brienzwiler

Top Activities

Top attractions.

  • Harder Kulm
  • First Cliff Walk
  • Jungfraujoch
  • Museum of Transport
  • Mount Titlis
  • Lake Lucerne
  • Schynige Plate
  • Eiger Glacier
  • Lake Geneva
  • Grindelwald First
  • Chillon Castle
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Unique Switzerland Tours

Lucerne day trips from Zurich

Authentic and unforgettable experience  , beyond the ordinary: discover the extraordinary in lucerne.

Our handcrafted Lucerne day trips whisk you away from Zurich, immersing you not just in Lucerne’s charming medieval core, but in the hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes of 3 stunningly beautiful provinces around Lucerne . Rest assured, you shall embark on a mesmerizing journey that transcends conventional routes, guiding you beyond tourist traps to discover hidden, breathtaking scenic wonders often overlooked by seasoned travelers and absent from travel guides, ensuring an unparalleled and truly immersive experience.

It’s more than just sightseeing; it’s once in a lifetime experience.

Imagine strolling through historic squares, capturing stunning vistas with your personal photographer-guide. These aren’t just memories; they’re tangible keepsakes to share with your loved ones – a unique perk exclusive to our tours.

Join countless satisfied customers who rave about our unparalleled experiences

Witness the true beauty of Lucerne and its surroundings like no other tour can offer. Book your escape today and discover why Swiss Private Tour is the answer to your Lucerne adventure dreams!

What to expect?

Unveiling Lucerne’s secrets: Venture beyond the city limits of Lucerne and explore a 115 km radius of awe-inspiring landscapes of Lucerne and beyond, revealing idyllic meadows and picturesque alpine landscapes, seldom witnessed by travelers.

Panoramic perfection: Forget crowded viewpoints! Our tour grants you exclusive access to Lucerne’s most stunning panoramic locations, both completely unknown to typical tourists. Be prepared to have your breath taken away!

Shop & sail at your own pace: Enjoy the flexibility to immerse yourself in Lucerne’s charming boutiques, indulging in retail therapy at your leisure. Later following a relaxing lunch, enjoy by the beautiful lake promenade, go for paddle boat or cruise the serene waters of Lake Lucerne, soaking in the picturesque scenery. It’s your call whether you spend more time shopping, sailing, or exploring hidden villages – we adapt to your desires!

Area coverage

Program overview, lucerne day trips - 7.45 h, hold onto your hats our itinerary promises epic discoveries. we’ve hidden some secret gems and surprise locations along the way, ensuring your adventure is filled with delightful unveiling moments., secret photographer’s route: unveiling lucerne’s scenic gems.

Skip the taxi, ditch the map! Your fascinating journey to Lucerne starts at 9:30 AM sharp, right at your Zurich doorstep. Buckle up for a scenic route frequented by local photo wizards , promising non-stop snaps all the way to our first Lucerne gem by 10:15 AM. Get ready for an unforgettable day!

Step into the enchanting world of Lucerne’s medieval town

Switzerland’s most visited medieval town of Lucerne is a car-free oasis that preserves its picturesque charm. Upon your arrival, your guide will navigate you through hidden shortcuts, unveiling the city’s historical treasures and must-visit sites. Immerse yourself in the allure of Lucerne as you explore iconic landmarks, including the renowned 13th-century wooden bridge, the ‘kapellbrücke,’ the captivating baroque churches, and the majestic Lion Monument. Following the tour, indulge in a leisurely lunch featuring the finest Lucerner Cuisine at one of our highly recommended establishments. Your afternoon is at your discretion – whether it’s a shopping spree or a relaxing boat trip, the choice is yours. As the day unfolds, embark on a fascinating journey to explore the undiscovered beauty surrounding Lucerne, venturing into off-the-beaten-path wonders that promise a truly memorable experience.

Top highlights and photography vantage points in Lucerne old town

Lucerne’s Old Town is a charming and well-preserved medieval gem, packed with historical landmarks, colorful facades, and cobblestone streets. Below are the the top highlights in Lucerne not to be missed for exceptional photo-shoot.

  • Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): This iconic covered bridge, adorned with beautiful paintings from the 17th century, is a must-see for any visitor to Lucerne. Be sure to stop and admire the intricate artwork that depicts scenes from Swiss history and mythology.
  • Water Tower (Wasserturm): Standing tall next to the Chapel Bridge, this octagonal water tower was originally built in the 13th century and served as part of the city’s fortifications. Today, it houses a small museum and offers stunning views of the city and lake.
  • Town Hall (Rathaus): This impressive Renaissance building, dating back to the 16th century, features a beautiful facade with intricate carvings and stained glass windows. Take a guided tour to explore the interior and learn about Lucerne’s history.
  • Church of St. Peter (Peterskirche): This oldest church in Lucerne boasts a Romanesque-Gothic architecture and houses the largest organ in Switzerland. Climb up the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
  • Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche): This magnificent Baroque church, considered one of the finest examples of its style in Switzerland, features stunning frescoes and gilded decorations. Be sure to attend a classical music concert held here for a truly unforgettable experience.
  • Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrücke): Another covered bridge, adorned with macabre paintings depicting the Dance of Death, offers a unique and thought-provoking experience.
  • Lion Monument (Löwensprung): This moving sculpture, carved into a rock face, commemorates the bravery of the Swiss Guards who died defending the French royal family during the French Revolution.
  • Musegg Wall (Museggmauer): Walk along this ancient city wall, originally built in the 14th century, and enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. Climb one of the nine towers for an even more panoramic perspective (moderate physical fitness required).
  • Palace Lucerne (Luzernerrunstschloss): This former palace now houses the Lucerne Art Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of Swiss and international.

Beyond Boundaries: Exquisite Landscapes and Hidden Havens from Lucerne to Zurich

Beyond the enchanting tour of Lucerne’s treasures, brace yourself for an exclusive journey to hidden gems and breathtaking viewpoints inaccessible to most tourists. These restricted locations, off-limits to conventional tour buses, offer panoramic views that will leave you breathless. As the curtain falls on this extraordinary sightseeing adventure, we head back to Zurich on the most spectacular route imaginable. Along the way, indulge in stops at some of the region’s most beautiful villages and awe-inspiring spots – places so stunning that they remain uncharted in any travel guide. Brace for an unparalleled expedition that transcends the ordinary, ensuring your return home with memories of Switzerland that are truly extraordinary.

Tour Duration

Tour starts at 09:30 AM from your hotel in Zurich and estimated to end in Zurich at 16:45 PM. The total duration is around 7 hours and 45 minutes but this would also include an 1.15 hours of relaxing lunch and ample relaxing moments.

See what everyone’s saying about this amazing tour?

Faq: what happens in bad weather.

Even when the weather takes an unexpected turn, we’ve got you covered with a contingency plan that’s always in the works. Typically a day or two before your tour, we’ll unveil a plan B, brimming with alternative options that will make your Swiss adventure even more unforgettable.

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Forget the usual, find the magical! Lucerne’s secrets revealed. Breathtaking day trips from Zurich – limited spots!

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From your hotel in Zurich

7 h 45 mins (includes 1.15 hours lunch break)

Starts at 09:30 AM

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6 people (For large group, please contact us )

2 PAX – CHF 348 per person 3 PAX – CHF 232 per person 4 PAX – CHF 174 per person 5 PAX – CHF 139 per person 6 PAX – CHF 116 per person

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Hotel Pick-up and drop-off, English speaking guide, vehicle & gas, liability insurance, all road taxes, all parking fees.

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Home » Travel Guides » Switzerland » 15 Best Day Trips from Lucerne

15 Best Day Trips from Lucerne

Lucerne is one of the best tourist destinations in Europe. The city is situated on Lake Lucerne and is embedded within an amazing mountainous panorama. The well-preserved town lies on the Northern end of Lake Lucerne where the River Reuss enters the lake.

Thanks to the elegant historic buildings, the genial atmosphere, its souvenir shops, and the beautiful natural lakeside setting, the city is a hub for visitors to Switzerland. Lucerne is the ideal place from which to start your day trips to the nearby places; there is so much for you to explore in this beautiful small city in the heartland of Switzerland.

1. Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus

If you are visiting Lucerne, your trip would be incomplete without a trip to Mt. Pilatus. This mountain that overlooks Lucerne gives picture-book panoramas of the surrounding regions. Mount Pilatus has several peaks, with the highest of them all standing at a height of 2,132 meters. This point is named Tomlishorn. Other significant peaks are Esel, Oberhaupt, and Pilatus-Kulm which measure 2,118m, 2,105m, and 2,070m respectively.

The mountain is accessible by cableways. However, if you’re strong enough, you can hike up the hills. It should take you approximately 4 hours to get to the top.

Compared to other mountains in the area, Pilatus is higher and rockier, giving it more of a mountain feel.

Recommended tour : Mt. Pilatus by Cable Car and Cogwheel Train and Lake Cruise

2. Old Town of Lucerne

Lucerne Old Town

The picturesque Old Town preserves pretty murals of amazing art, decorated buildings, many old burghers’ houses, and little squares with fountains. The town is located on the right bank of River Reuss, between the city hall and Chapel Bridge.

Some of the town’s highlights are the Altes Rathaus that was built between the year 1602 and 1606 and the St. Peter’s Chapel built in 1178.

This small town is a delightful place to stroll as you shop in the tourist shops. Normally, the streets are not open to traffic, so it’s easy to walk around as you enjoy the timber­framed building that are painted in bright colors.

3. Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne

The 38-kilometer­long lake is a scenic beauty and is the 4th largest in Switzerland. Lake Lucerne has a complicated shape with sharp bends and four arms. It’s 702 feet deep, covering an area of 114 km2 at an altitude of 1,424 ft above sea level.

The lake is surrounded by popular mountains and drains its water into the River Reuss through the Luzernersee. The River Reuss enters the lake at Fluelen.

Lake Lucerne offers the greatest scenic variety in the country, making it a popular destination for local and international tourists.

You can either drive around the lake or use a train to circumnavigate.

4. Swiss Transport Museum

Swiss Transport Museum

This transport museum is also referred to as Verkehrshaus der Schweiz. It is one of Europe’s most diverse museums for transport and communication thanks to its large collection of planes, trains, motorcycles, ships, and automobiles.

This large complex was opened in July 1959. Besides the large collection, the museum is also home to the artwork by Hans Erni, a local painter and sculptor. Another attraction inside the museum is the planetarium cinema.

The Swiss Transport Museum is a great place to spend your day on a trip to the outskirts of Lucerne. Visit the Swiss Transport museum to follow the development of transportation from its early days.

5. Glacier Garden

Glacier Garden, Lucerne

The Gletschergarten is located at the heart of Lucerne; it’s a remarkable relic of the Ice Age. Glacier Garden is a natural monument that is an oasis of peace from the city’s busy life. It includes glacier­polished rock, 32 potholes that are found at the bottom of the waterfall, and erratic blocks.

There is a marquee roof that has been erected to protect the monument from the damaging effects of air pollution.

When you visit the Glacier Garden, you get to enjoy a magnificent view of Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus as you learn about the history that takes you back 300 million years into the geological past.

At the Glacier Garden, there is a park, a museum, and a mirror maze. The mirror maze, created in 1896, has 90 mirrors that play tricks on people’s minds.

6. Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch is located 80 km away from the heart of Lucerne. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the highest railroad in Europe; it’s known as “the top of Europe.”

While at the summit of the glacier saddle, you’ll get to soak up the stunning Alpine scenery. There is a railway that was built in 1912 to help tourists get to the top with ease.

The Sphinx Observatory, at a height of 3,572 meters, provides an excellent viewing platform. The Sphinx is one of the highest astronomical observatories across the globe and it houses one of the Global Atmosphere Watch’s research stations.

Suggested tour : Full-Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – the Top of Europe

7. Old City Wall

Musegg Wall

Part of the Musegg Wall was built in the year 1386, yet it’s still intact. Of the nine towers, four are open to the public. These include the Schirmer, Zytturm, Wacht, and Mannli. These towers form part of the historic fortifications that were built around the city in the 13th century.

The city clock was built in 1535 by Hans Luter. The clock has the “First Strike Rights” and chimes one minute before the top of the hour, ahead of all the other city clocks.

All of the towers that are accessible to the public offer a beautiful view of the city as well as that of the surrounding mountains and the lake.

8. Mount Rigi

Mount Rigi, Switzerland

For a signature experience, you need to visit Mt. Rigi, which is an easy and beautiful day trip from Lucerne. The mountain is also referred to as the “Queen of the Mountains.” From the mountain’s majestic peninsula, you are able to see over 13 lakes and the spectacular snow-capped Swiss Alps.

Views from the top of the mountain stretch all the way to Germany’s Black Forest. The summit is named Rigi Kulm and is at a height of 1,798 meters above sea level.

You can either get to Rigi by train or by boat. The whole massif is almost completely encircled by the waters from Lake Lucerne, Lake Laurez, and Lake Zug.

Mount Rigi is a favorite mountain destination for tourists and can be visited on any day of the year.

Recommended tour : Classic Rigi Round Trip from Lucerne

9. Bourbaki Panorama

Bourbaki Panorama

One of Lucerne’s most unusual attractions is the Bourbaki Panorama. This enormous panoramic painting is by Edouard Castre, an artist who traveled with the army as a Red Cross volunteer. It depicts the fleeing of 87,000 members of the French army to Switzerland. This happened after their defeat during the Franco­Prussian War in the harsh winter of 1871.

This large-scale painting measures 112m in length and is 10m high. The painting was completed in 1881 and has, for the last 130 years, ranked as one of the country’s most famous tourist attraction sites.

As you stand in the middle of this remarkable circular painting, the figures and objects turn it into a 3­D scene that tells a story in an impressive way.

10. Lion Monument

Lion Monument, Lucerne

The famous Lowendenkmal (Lion Monument) is located north of Lowenplats. The sculpture was designed in 1820 by Bertel Thorwaldsen and hewn in 1821 by Lukas Ahorn.

The Lion of Lucerne is a commemoration of the 26 officers and more than 700 troops of the Swiss Guard who were massacred during the French revolution in 1792. The mercenary soldiers were killed as they tried to protect King Louis XVI during the revolutionaries’ attack on the Tuileries Palace.

The huge figure of a dying lion is a really touching sight and is one of the oldest preserved figurative monuments in Switzerland. The statue is carved into a former sandstone quarry wall.

11. Hofkirche

Hofkirche, Lucerne

The twin­towered Roman Catholic Church of St. Leodegar was rebuilt in 1634 to preserve the towers of the previous church, built in 1525, that was largely destroyed in a fire in 1633. The church is also referred to as Hofkirche St. Leodegar in German.

This eighth-century church is one of the most Renaissance churches in the country. It has a Gothic sculpture on the northern tower that depicts the Agony in the Garden. The church’s interior is furnished with gilt statuary and alters.

In the arcades surrounding the church, there are the tombs of members of the Lucerne families. In the sanctuary, the southern half contains ornate wooden pews while the northern contains simpler seats. In the earlier days, the wealthy and the poor parishioners worshiped apart.

12. The Chapel Bridge

Chapel Bridge, Lucerne

This landmark is said to be the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. The Chapel Bridge was built in the 14th century as a protection for the city. Unfortunately, the bridge burned down in the 18th century but was rebuilt and restored to its original design in 1993. The bridge was named after St. Peter’s Chapel.

This picturesque centerpiece of Lucerne runs diagonally across the River Reuss. It was built for the purpose of connecting the old part of town to the new part of town. The bridge is among the most photographed scenes in the country.

Make a day trip from Lucerne to the Chapel Bridge to learn some history as you walk over the bridge, which has about a hundred pictures from the 17th century hanging from the roof rafters.

13. Mount Titlis

Mount Titlis

This snow paradise is located 35 km to the south of Lucerne and can be reached within an hour and a half by road. The mountains towers over everything, at a height of 3,020m.

A day trip to Mt. Titlis lets you enjoy the beautiful Alpine Scenery. If you stay in the metro cities across the world and need a visual treat as well as a breath of fresh air, then this destination should be on your list of the day trips to make from Lucerne.

Suggested tour : From Lucerne: Titlis Full-Day Tour – Eternal Snow & Glacier

14. BurgenStock

BurgenStock, Switzerland

BurgenStock is a small mountain that juts out along Lake Lucerne at an altitude of 1,115m above sea level. This mountain is almost completely engulfed by Lake Lucerne.

On this mountain is a resort that is located 874m above sea level. You can get here by road or using a boat.

On a day trip from the hassle of the city, come to relax at this place in Switzerland, associated with the James Bond films.

15. Rosengart Collection

Rosengart Collection

The Sammlung Rosengart has over 300 photographs from more than 23 popular artists including Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Cezanne, and Pissarro. The collection was creatively curated by a Swiss art dealer, Siegfried Rosengart and his daughter Angela.

If you’re interested in Post­Impressionist art, this art museum that puts an emphasis on Classical Modernism is worth a trip from Lucerne.

15 Best Day Trips from Lucerne:

  • Mount Pilatus
  • Old Town of Lucerne
  • Lake Lucerne
  • Swiss Transport Museum
  • Glacier Garden
  • Jungfraujoch
  • Old City Wall
  • Bourbaki Panorama
  • Lion Monument
  • The Chapel Bridge
  • Mount Titlis
  • BurgenStock
  • Rosengart Collection

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Latest reviews

It was really fun, We had to run a bit because of time, but other than that everything went pretty well

  • Private Tour of Lucerne 10.00 06/09/2023 Anonymous The United States I travelled with teenagers
  • Grindelwald & Interlaken Day Trip 8.00 10/31/2022 Magnolia Suazo Strasbourg , France I travelled by myself

12 excursions and activities in Lucerne

Mount Titlis Half-Day Tour

Mount Titlis Half-Day Tour

Grindelwald & Interlaken Day Trip

Grindelwald & Interlaken Day Trip

Civitatis Travel Insurance

Civitatis Travel Insurance

Lucerne Boat Trip

Lucerne Boat Trip

Lake Lucerne Boat Tour

Lake Lucerne Boat Tour

Swiss Museum of Transport Ticket

Swiss Museum of Transport Ticket

At the Swiss Museum of Transport , the most visited museum in the country, you'll discover how land, air and sea transport have evolved throughout history.

Jungfraujoch Day Trip

Jungfraujoch Day Trip

Swiss Chocolate Adventure Ticket

Swiss Chocolate Adventure Ticket

Calling all chocolate lovers! Book your ticket to the Swiss Chocolate Adventure in Lucerne today to discover one of the most famous Swiss products

Private Tour of Lucerne

Private Tour of Lucerne

Iconic historic monuments await on this private tour of Lucerne ! Discover the charms of one of the most fascinating cities in central Switzerland.

Lucerne Electric Cargo Bike Tour

Lucerne Electric Cargo Bike Tour

Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip

Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip

Bern Day Trip

Bern Day Trip

2 activities near in lucerne.

Mount Pilatus Cable Car Ticket

Mount Pilatus Cable Car Ticket

Mt. Pilatus Cogwheel Train

Mt. Pilatus Cogwheel Train

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Walking Tour In Old Town Lucerne (Half Day Itinerary)

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As a wanderer, the historic centers or old towns of European cities are among the places I enjoy the most. Almost always, it is where I can find the things I look for most of the time: impressive landmarks , beautiful attractions , or unique experiences . After exploring Lucerne , I simply can’t emphasize enough how true this is.

Wandering in Old Town Lucerne is a delight , and I love its overall charming atmosphere . Imagine a place that blends cobblestone bridges, calming lake views, colorful murals, nostalgic buildings, cute fountains, and historical monuments. It seems there’s a picture-perfect scene at every turn in Lucerne Old Town. If you are going to explore Lucerne’s Old Town on foot , you should really be excited! Whether you’re staying in Lucerne for 1 day , 2 days , or 3 days and longer , this activity is what I suggest you have on top priority.

And if you’re only visiting Lucerne for a few hours, say half a day , the walking tour (be it DIY or guided tour ) is what you must do. A walking tour in Old Town Lucerne is worth it, especially since most of the places you’re about to visit are free. Let me share with you how you can have a walking tour of Lucerne in only half a day. 🙂

Summary of Half a Day Walking Tour of Old Town Lucerne

For me, there are seven specific places in Lucerne’s old town that wanderers should see. They are:

  • The Chapel Bridge — the most iconic landmark in Lucerne and Switzerland
  • The Jesuit Church — an awe-inspiring architectural marvel
  • Spreuer Bridge — a landmark with special artwork on its gable
  • Musegg Wall — one of the best preserved intact medieval fortifications in all of Switzerland 
  • Lion Monument — a meaningful artwork and landmark, described by Mark Twain as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.”
  • Hofkirche or the Church of Saint Leodegar — an eye-catching landmark, best to go for a selfie or a photo souvenir in Lucerne.
  • Square(s) in the old town — the place(s) where you can find the beautiful little things in Lucerne.

Based on my estimates, you can see the top attractions in the old town of Lucerne in about 4 hours . About 3 hours will be spent visiting the actual sights, and the remaining time can be used for traveling between them within the old town.

Honestly, there’s no specific length of time required to spend in Lucerne’s Old Town . However, I recommend allocating at least half a day to see its most iconic landmarks and unmissable tourist attractions . If you familiarize yourself well enough with the location and the places of interest in Lucerne, along with the roads, you can be more efficient during your walking tour, allowing extra time to explore other attractions in Lucerne.

If you need help in exploring Old Town Lucerne and want a more insightful experience, consider a private guided tour . You’ll be accompanied by a local who can also share tips on interesting current events, the best restaurants, and more . I don’t usually hire a private guide because I rely on my GPS and various travel apps to explore. However, for those who aren’t as tech-savvy, there’s a lot of value to be gained from having a guide.

Below is the gallery showing the exact location of the must-see places in Old Town Lucerne during a walking tour. Walking route included.

9

Destinations Half Day Lucerne Walking Tour

During the walking tour of Old Town Lucerne, it’s not only the Chapel Bridge, Jesuit Church, Spreuer Bridge, Musegg Wall, Lion Monument, and Hofkirche which you’ll find along the way. You’ll also be able to see (if you like, visit) Rathaus, Historisches Museum Lucerne & Natur-Museum Luzern, Glacier Garder, and Bourbaki Panorama . These four are also worth checking out if you think you could finish the walking tour faster than what you have anticipated.

Now, let me share additional insights about the places I mentioned in the walking tour summary. You’ll discover what each location is all about and why it’s worth your time. We’ll also discuss the must-see experiences and attractions at each destination. Additionally, I’ve included links to the official websites of other attractions in Old Town Lucerne in the resources section of this post .

  • Rathaus — is the town hall of Lucerne, a landmark with notable architecture and a clock tower. You can find it between the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church .
  • Historisches Museum Luzern & Natur-Museum Luzern — A nice place to visit if you want to learn more about the local history and flora & fauna in the region. They are just beside the Spreuer Bridge and are a nice alternative destination when there is bad weather.
  • Glacier Garden — is a geological and botanical park that features a series of exposed rock formations and plant specimens from various geological periods. The rock formations were created during the Ice Age when glaciers covered the area and left behind a series of grooves and ridges in the rock. You can find it just beside the Lion Monument .
  • The Bourbaki Panorama — is a circular painting located in a circular building, and it depicts the retreat of the French army during the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. The painting is over 100 meters in length and nearly 10 meters in height. You can find the panorama between the Lion Monument and Hofkirche .

Destination 1: Chapel Bridge

If you travel to see bucket list destinations (or the world’s greatest places), arriving in Lucerne by train means you can check one off your list right away. That’s because of the  Chapel Bridge , the most iconic landmark of Lucerne . You can literally see this bridge from the square in front of the train station, particularly in front of Torbogen (Archway) Luzern—the archway and the remaining part of Lucerne’s old train station. Here’s everything that you must know about the Chapel Bridge .

The Chapel Bridge is the long wooden bridge that diagonally crosses the Reuss River. I mentioned that the Chapel Bridge is a bucket list tourist attraction because it is the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge and Europe’s oldest wooden covered bridge .

You should visit the Chapel Bridge because it’s indeed a unique and beautiful landmark, especially with the Water Tower that stands beside it. The Chapel Bridge also has special triangular gable paintings that depict the history of Lucerne. Surely, a visit to the Chapel Bridge will be an experience like no other!

If you like taking photos, the Chapel Bridge is the most compelling place to fill up your camera’s storage. That is especially true during warmer months when the Chapel Bridge is decorated with beautiful colorful flowers. And oh, watch out for the lovely swans that linger below the bridge!

Destination 2: Jesuit Church

The  Jesuit Church  is one of the landmarks in Lucerne that makes the view of the old town along the Reuss River so lovely and picture-perfect. Dominating the skyline with its twin onion-top towers, you should be able to see the Jesuit Church from anywhere along the Reuss River. You gotta see what’s inside the Jesuit Church — it is breathtaking!

The Jesuit Church, like the Chapel Bridge, is a notable landmark in Lucerne because it is the first large baroque church constructed north of the Alps . It dates back to the 17th century, which is also the time when the Protestant church spread in Europe.

It was built with a baroque style, chosen to emphasize the traditions of Catholicism , particularly through its visual culture and the veneration of saints. Although it was primarily baroque, the most eye-catching features are its rococo embellishments in the interiors. That is the reason why I think you should visit the Jesuit Church. The Jesuit Church is an architectural gem, and it’s worth visiting for the grandiosity you’ll behold.

For Catholics like me , the Jesuit Church has small chapels on the side where you can find artworks and relics of saints. I believe they can help you meditate and pray.

Destination 3: Spreuer Bridge

Aside from the Chapel Bridge, the Spreuer Bridge is another covered wooden bridge you can find in Lucerne. It is the shorter version of the Chapel Bridge and has triangular gable paintings with a different theme.

Let’s say you are currently in Jesuitenplatz, the square in front of the Jesuit Church. From there, you can already spot the Spreuer Bridge. It is the second bridge next to Reussbrücke (the closest bridge) to the west.

I think you should visit the Spreuerbrücke because of the triangular paintings adorning its gables. These paintings are said to be part of one of the largest cycles depicting the Danse Macabre . They’re scary yet interesting artworks, as they remind us of the truth that death can come at any point in our lives or to anyone, regardless of status and wealth.

A visit to Spreuerbrücke usually lasts only for a very few minutes . What may make it a little longer is the small chapel in the middle of the bridge. You may want to check its stained glass window and different figurines depicting biblical characters.

Destination 4: Musegg Wall

As its name suggests,  Musegg Wall  is a medieval fortification of the old town of Lucerne, located in Musegg in the northern portion of the city. Back in the day, it was part of a two-layer fortificationthat safeguarded the old city since the 14th century. Today,  Musegg Wall is a historical site worth visiting for many things you can discover .

You should come and see Musegg Wall up close because it is an excellent example of medieval military architecture in Switzerland . Each of its  nine towers  has its own unique style! Most importantly, Musegg Wall is the  most preserved medieval wall in the country that still stands in one piece .

Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss a unique experience from Musegg Wall: climbing the towers and walking on the ramparts —a magical, time-transporting experience!

If you’re also a fan of movies or series set in the medieval ages like me, perhaps  Musegg Wall  will also be your favorite destination in Lucerne. It’s where your fantasies come to life, your imagination stimulated: scenes of soldiers marching, arrows flying, dragons breathing fire!

There are four towers open to the public. Among the four, you should at least try climbing  Männliturm  (the only tower with an open roof deck) and  Zytturm  (a mural-decorated clock tower with clockwork exhibits inside). 

Note : The towers of Musegg Wall are open only during non-winter months. However, you can still explore the wall through the hiking trails beside it.

Destination 5: Lion Monument

On the hilly east side of the old city, we can find the Lion Monument, another famous tourist attraction in Lucerne . Of the places that you’ll visit (following this itinerary), the Lion Monument is the newest that you will find. The monument was built in the early 19th century. It serves as a memorial for the Swiss soldiers who perished while defending the last French Monarch during the French Revolution . It’s a very meaningful place.

The Lion Monument is a very meaningful sculpture of a lion, full of emotion. You can see it on its face, which depicts excruciating pain —symbolic of the experience that the Swiss soldiers and their family members had.

I think the Lion Monument is unmissable for several reasons. Aside from being a meaningful landmark, it is also a beautiful work of art . It may not be so apparent in the photos, but the Lion Monument is gigantic! Believe it or not, the Lion Monument is 10 meters long and 6 meters tall. If you also love introspecting while you travel , the Lion Monument can be a fantastic place you can visit within the city.

The Main Lion Monument is above a calming pond inside a park covered with trees. You can sit by the benches and reflect on the message that the monument implicitly represents: loyalty and bravery .

Destination 6: Hofkirche

Hofkirche, or the Church of Saint Leodegar , is the most noticeable landmark in the old city when sightseeing from the shores of Lake Lucerne . Its pointed twin spires are an eye-catcher across the skyline of Lucerne. You must see the facade of the Church of Saint Leodegar up close, as its interiors are home to beautiful artworks .

Hofkirche is more than a landmark in Lucerne. It is a religious structure that has both historical and architectural significance . Although its original appearance is no more, it’s mind-blowing to think that this church has already been there for over a thousand years.

For architecture enthusiasts like me, Hofkirche’s most notable attribute is its mix of German Renaissance and Gothic styles . It’s a unique find, which I think is a reason why you must visit it.

You can already see its eclectic style before entering the church—right on its facade and main portal. Gorgeous reliefs, intricate murals, and beautiful wood crafts await you there. Those and the pointed spires make Hofkirche one of the best places in Lucerne to take selfies and capture photo souvenirs.

Aside from marveling at Hofkirche’s gorgeous facade, you may also come inside the church to see impressive altarpieces and wrought iron gates.

Destination 7: Old City (Lunch or Dinner)

After hours exploring the bridges, walls, monuments, and churches of Lucerne’s old city, I’m sure you’ll be hungry. That’s why it’s only after you visit them that you must come to the central area of Lucerne’s old town . It’s where you can find the best restaurants with alfresco seating, offering beautiful views of Lake Lucerne or the Reuss River . Not only will your tummies be satisfied, but also your eyes! Aside from the calming and scenic views of the lake and river, it’s here in the central part of the old city that you can find the most beautiful houses and fountains in Lucerne .

These beautiful artworks that you can find on the facades of the houses in the old town of Lucerne are called Lüftlmalerei . As far as I know, they are cultural art originating from Bavaria and Austria. The same applies to the fountains in the city. Lüftlmalerei usually depicts the favorite saints and the occupation of the house owners. Sometimes, they simply serve as decorative ornamentation.

Regardless of what these Lüftlmalerei depict, they are among the beautiful things you can find in Lucerne that will fascinate you as you explore the city . You don’t have to worry about where these houses and beautiful fountains are in Lucerne’s old town. They are located in the old town’s squares, such as Hirschenplatz , Sternenplatz , Weinmarkt , and Kornmarkt . Here is the map to guide you to find them:

What To Do Before Or After The Half Day Walking Tour?

So, that’s it! That’s how you can efficiently explore  Lucerne’s Old Town on foot in a few hours or half a day . Since the walking tour can be completed within a few hours, you may still have a lot of spare time in Lucerne if you plan to stay in the city for a day or two. If you need ideas on where to go or what to do to fill that time, I have five suggestions for you:

If you need more relaxation after l strolling in the Lucerne old town for a few hours, perhaps it might be the boat you need. For a special experience, try not the ordinary boat tour but the 1-Hour Cruise on a Panoramic Yacht instead.

During the 1-Hour Cruise on the Panoramic Yacht in Lake Lucerne, you’ll marvel at the picturesque landscapes and famous attractions this region has to offer. You’ll experience the beauty of the lake from a unique perspective as you sit on the water terrace suspended above the surface. Relax on the upper deck with an adjustable roof, where you can take in the fresh air and sunshine while enjoying a multi-sensory experience in nature.

As you cruise along the lake, you’ll have a personal audio guide to give you insights into Lake Lucerne and its rich history. It’s a unique way to discover new things as you’ll be, at the same time, taking in the stunning mountain views and charming towns and villages that line the shores. With the peaceful surroundings, you’ll surely be transported to a world of relaxation and tranquility.

You can learn more about the 1-Hour Cruise on the Panoramic Yacht in Lake Lucerne here.

In the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, you can unravel the fascinating history behind all forms of travel. From road, rail, and water up to the air, this museum covers it all.

Step inside and discover an array of exhibits and interactive displays that explore the evolution of transportation over the years. Learn about the advancements and innovations that have shaped how we move from place to place, and see a wide range of vehicles and artifacts up close.

For a sweet and memorable experience, take a ride on the Swiss Chocolate Adventure, where you can catch glimpses of the chocolate-making process and get sweet treats from master chocolatiers. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also has a Film Theatre and a Planetarium, where you can catch daily screenings of numerous educational films.

Make the most of your visit with a day pass , which allows you to immerse yourself in a fully interactive experience at the Swiss Museum of Transport.

Did you know that the Chapel Bridge isn’t the only bucket list destination around Lake Lucerne? Another is the Hammetschwand elevator—the highest exterior elevator in Europe. 

Hammetschwand Elevator is located on the Bürgenstock plateau, directly opposite the city of Lucerne across Lake Lucerne. On the top of the elevator, visitors are rewarded with stunning views of Lake Lucerne, Lucerne, and the Central Plateau.

This elevator is often visited on a day trip to Bürgenstock resort, where you can find scenic hiking trails, ride funicular trains, and dine in fancy restaurants having a wide selection of international cuisine. Going to Bürgenstock resort involves a round-trip boat ride across lake Lucerne, as well.

If you are interested in visiting Hammetschwand Elevator and Bürgenstock resort? Check out this tour package to Mount Bürgenstock by Ferry and Funicular . 

Like most lakes in the Alps, Lake Lucerne also has castles and beautiful villas. If you want to see a magical scene of the Swiss countryside before/after the half-day tour, these castles are the place to be.

Imagine a place where you can see a castle, lake, and mountains combined together—it’s a scene straight out of a fairy tale, isn’t it? Let’s say you’re already in Lucerne, and you just finished the walking tour. Wherever you are in the old city, you are now less than an hour from Meggenhorn Castle.

It’s one of the castles on the shores of Lake Lucerne. And as described, it’s a magical place—we can consider it a hidden gem in Lucerne. A hidden gem because only a few tourists know Meggenhorn Castle. (You can learn more about the Meggenhorn Castle and the route to this castle from the links in the sources section of this post )

But in a nutshell, Meggenhorn Castle is a 19th-century castle perched on a peninsula overlooking views of Lake Lucerne and has a panorama that includes Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus, and the city of Lucerne. It’s an ultimately picturesque place, and I think you’d not regret coming there, particularly if you come during warmer, sunny months. 

You can get to Meggenhorn Castle with a single bus ride (bus #24) from Lucerne train station and hike for 15 minutes.

But if you want, you can join a tour of Meggenhorn Castle. It’s a 4-hour trip, perfect before and after the half-day old town Lucerne tour. It includes visiting a 14th-century settlement in Lucerne, seeing old chalets, and more. Learn more about Lucerne Lakeside and Villa Private Walking Tour here .

Mount Pilatus is another destination in Switzerland that “ may” match your schedule with the half-day walking tour in Lucerne’s old town. However, to fully enjoy it, you must visit it on a laid-back day trip. This is why I don’t fully recommend it.

Learn more about Mount Pilatus and the 5 reasons why it’s a nice day trip from Lucerne .

Walking Tour In Lucerne Resources

For additional planning, the information provided in the links below will be very helpful! You’ll also find the exact locations of the attractions mentioned in this walking tour. Have a fantastic trip!

  • Historisches Museum Luzern
  • Natur-Museum Luzern
  • Glacier Garden
  • Bourbaki Panorama
  • Meggenhorn Castle
  • Route to Meggenhorn Castle
  • Chapel Bridge (Google Maps)
  • Jesuit Church (Google Maps)
  • Spreuer Bridge (Google Maps)
  • Musegg Wall (Google Maps)
  • Lion Monument (Google Maps)
  • Hofkirche (Google Maps)

Alright! Are you visiting Lucerne for a few days and explore its Old Town on foot? If you haven’t secured a place to stay for your trip yet, kindly check out my partner’s hotel and booking platform . It offers the best hotel deals , complete with free cancellations and other perks, which I believe you’ll find quite handy . Please note that the link provided is an affiliate link. If you choose to book through it, I may receive a commission without any extra cost to you . Consider it your kind donation to support me in creating more helpful guides like this. Your support is greatly appreciated ❤️

If you enjoy wandering in beautiful cities, there’s another gem in Switzerland that I’d like you to know about. It’s Bern , the capital of this amazing country. Bern boasts an Old Town that you’ll love to explore, especially for its picturesque views , imposing landmarks , and charming fountains . Isn’t that a great idea? Perhaps you’d like to visit both Bern and Lucerne during a 4-day extended weekend getaway in Switzerland . Alternatively, my 6-day Switzerland itinerary could be helpful if you decide to explore the country on a week-long trip.

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Enjoy a day trip to Mt. Pilatus from Lucerne

14 Best Day Trips from Lucerne

If you’ll be based in Lucerne for a couple of nights or more, then you may be wondering which are the best day trips from Lucerne in Switzerland? This guide to 14 of the best day trips from Lucerne will help!

Should you visit a lofty mountain peak, or take one of the from-Lucerne day tours by public transport that’s covered by your Swiss Travel Pass?

Alternatively you might like to consider other Lucerne excursions. Options include a Swiss skiing, canyoning or rafting experience, a journey to the Top of Europe, discovering the Swiss countryside or a bespoke day trip from Lucerne that visits some off-the-beaten-path places.

The first three of the Lucerne day trips suggested here involve choosing between Mount Titlis, Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi – unless you have time to visit all of them. Each has their own highlights. If you’re having trouble deciding, then this post might help.

There really is something to appeal to everyone so read on so you can book the day trip from Lucerne that suits you best.

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

What's in this Article

Quick Summary of the Lucerne Day Trips Covered in This Article

14 of the best day trips from lucerne, mt. pilatus.

Dragon Ride cable car at Mt. Pilatus, Switzerland

Taking a trip from Lucerne to Mount Pilatus is one of the most popular day tours from Lucerne. The peak of this mountain massif is 2,128 metres above sea level and it lies among the Emmental Alps.

The best way to reach the summit is to take the cogwheel railway, and as the steepest in the world, it’s a thrilling ride. It’s also an incredibly scenic route. You cannot access Mt. Pilatus without taking a cable car, gondola or the cogwheel railway.

Once you reach the top, activities to take part in include hiking a toboggan run, a rope park and zip line, and numerous restaurants with spectacular views.

If you want to, you can even stay overnight at  Mt. Pilatus in one of the two hotels on the summit. Taking a day trip is also simple, thanks in part to the Golden and Silver Round Trip tickets that are available.

Organised day tours from Lucerne to Mt. Pilatus

The preferred way of getting to Mt. Pilatus from Lucerne is to purchase an inclusive Golden or Silver Round trip ticket, as follows.

Mt. Pilatus Golden Round Trip

Buying a Mt. Pilatus Golden trip ticket allows you to experience four modes of transport – bus, cable car, cogwheel train and boat. It’s thus a very popular way to travel. The journey takes you from Lucerne to Kriens by bus, then from there to Mt. Pilatus by cable car.

For the return leg, you travel by cogwheel train down the mountain to Alpnachstad. From there you take a boat across Lake Lucerne to reach the city once more. The Golden Round Trip can also be done in reverse.

> Click here to book your Golden Round Trip tour to Mt. Pilatus

Mt. Pilatus Silver Round Trip

The Mt. Pilatus Silver Round Trip is the same as the Golden version, apart from the fact that the boat sector is replaced by a train trip between Alpnachstad and Lucerne, or vice versa.

> Click here to book your Silver Round Trip tour to Mt. Pilatus

Interior of Mt Pilatus cogwheel train

How to travel from Lucerne to Mt. Pilatus

One option for getting to Mt. Pilatus independently is to travel by train or boat via Alpnachstad. You’ll need to journey by train on Zentralbahn’s Brünigbahn line, or take a ride across Lake Lucerne on a steamer boat.  Travel by train and boat are fully covered if you have a Swiss Travel Pass .

The cogwheel railway then departs from Alpnachstad between May and November – weather conditions permitting.

You can also reach the summit by travelling from Lucerne via Kriens as this is where the cable car to the summit departs from.

This option begins with catching bus number 1 from Lucerne to Kriens (again, fully covered with the Swiss Travel Pass ). The ‘dragon ride’ cable car bound for Fräkmüntegg leaves from here.

Next you’ll take a second cable car trip from Fräkmüntegg to Pilatus Kulm to reach your destination. If you want, you can skip this step and spend your time on the mountain in Fräkmüntegg.

🇨🇭 Read more about visiting Mt. Pilatus in this article

Titlis Rotair cable car

An alternative to visiting Mt. Pilatus is to travel from Lucerne to Mount Titlis. Choosing to visit this peak on your day trip from Lucerne means ascending to nearly 3,250 metres above sea level – and gives you the chance to experience the world’s first revolving cable car, Titlis Rotair.

You can also walk along the Titlis Cliff Walk which is the highest suspension bridge in Europe. Another highlight is the magical Glacier Cave, which can be reached via an illuminated tunnel carved from glittering ice. 

A ride on the Ice Flyer also give you views of the region’s only glacier and you can try snow tubing and sledding at the Glacier Park.

For hikers, there are various trails which can be accessed from Trübsee cable car station. In winter, sports such as skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing are available.

Other things to do at Mt. Titlis include dining at one of the restaurants, riding the Trübsee Flyer zip line, spending time at the Trubsee snow park or exploring the area by mountain bike.

Organised day tour from Lucerne to Mt. Titlis

The simplest way to visit Mount Titlis is to take an organised tour which includes a scenic coach trip to Engelberg plus rides on the local cable cars.

This trip includes a guide, transport, cable car rides, the Cliff Walk and a visit to the Glacier Cave. Weather permitting, a snow tubing experience is also included.

> Click here to book your day trip to Mt. Titlis from Lucerne

Titlis Cliff Walk

How to travel from Lucerne to Mt. Titlis via Engelberg

Getting to Mt. Titlis via Engelberg is one option for those who prefer to travel independently. You can drive or take a train to Engelberg before catching the Titlis Express gondola to Stand via Trübsee.

The revolving Titlis Rotair cable car will then transport you to the summit. Each cable car sector takes about 15 minutes.

Travelling by train from Lucerne to Engelberg takes about 45 minutes, and from the station a shuttle bus will take you to the cable car station. Otherwise it’s about a ten minute walk between the two stations. 

(Train travel between Lucerne and Engelberg is fully covered with the Swiss Travel Pass .)

If you choose to drive, there is parking at the cable car station in Engelberg. You need to take exit 33 at Stans-Sud from the E35/A2 when driving from Lucerne and follow the signs to Titlis Valley cable car station.

🇨🇭 Read more about visiting Mt. Titlis in this article

Rigibahn at the summit of Mt. Rigi

Another popular mountain day trip involves going from Lucerne to Mount Rigi . Often referred to as ‘Queen of the Mountains’, Rigi is great to visit during summer or winter.

Getting there can also mean taking a trip on Europe’s oldest mountain railway, the Rigi Bahn.

The views from Mt. Rigi make this place something special: you can see Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz from the summit. At a distance of around 22 kilometres (or 14 miles) from Lucerne, it’s also pretty easy to reach.

Where you’ll arrive on Mt. Rigi depends on your mode of transport. The cable car deposits you in Rigi Kaltbad, and those travelling by cogwheel train will arrive in Rigi Kulm.

In car-free Rigi Kaltbad there is a charming central village square, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a natural mineral spa, and you can also walk from there to Rigi Kulm.

At the latter you can enjoy winter sports in season or visit the 200-year-old hotel.

Swiss Travel Pass holders can travel all the way to Rigi Kulm for free.

Organised day tour from Lucerne to Mt. Rigi

Taking a fully guided tour from Lucerne to Mt. Rigi is the easiest and most time-efficient option. A key bonus of booking this trip is the fact that you get to travel by boat, cable car and cogwheel railway.

This tour includes free time in Rigi Kaltbad to spend as you wish.

> Click here to book your day trip to Mt. Rigi

View of Lake Zug from Rigi Kulm

How to travel from Lucerne to Mt. Rigi via Weggis

You can also travel to Weggis by car, boat or train, and the journey times are around 20, 40 or 50 minutes respectively.

A cable car then takes you to Rigi Kaltbad from Weggis. This trip takes only ten minutes and offers mountain and lake panoramas along the way.

How to travel from Lucerne to Mt. Rigi via Vitznau

To reach Mt. Rigi via Vitznau’s old cogwheel railway you’ll need to get there from Lucerne. This is possible by boat, train or car.

By road the trip takes about half an hour, or the ferry takes slightly less than an hour. By train the journey takes just over one hour.

If you want to take a trip on the historic Rigi Bahn, then travelling from Lucerne via Vitznau is the best option for arranging independent travel. This scenic trip takes about 30 minutes by car or 1 hour by train, and passes by the shores of Lake Lucerne.

At Vitznau you join the Rigi cogwheel train for the ascent to Mt. Rigi.

How to travel from Lucerne to Mt. Rigi via Arth Goldau

The drive from Lucerne to Arth Goldau takes about 25 minutes, or you can reach the destination by train in around half an hour.

There is also a cogwheel train service from Arth Goldau to Rigi Kulm, and you will also travel in vintage carriages. This journey takes about 40 minutes.

En route you can expect to see waterfalls, meadows and woodland, with occasional glimpses of the mountains or Lake Zug.

🇨🇭 Read more about visiting Mt. Rigi in this article

Stanserhorn

Stanserhorn cable car, Switzerland

The peak of Stanserhorn is almost 1,900 metres above sea level, and is one of the mountains clustered around Lake Lucerne. As travel to Stanserhorn is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass ,  this destination is particularly appealing to holders of this ticket.

Stanserhorn is lesser known than Rigi, Pilatus and Titlis, but is no less attractive. Taking a trip here also means you can travel between Stans and Kaelti on the funicular railway, which was the longest of its kind when it opened in the late 19th century.

By contrast, the brand new CabriO cable car is a double decker with an open deck, allowing those who take a ride to soak up those stunning mountain vistas from the rooftop balcony.

A bonus of visiting Stanserhorn is the local rangers who roam the mountain. They can point you in the right direction of the local wildlife, the revolving restaurant, an animal enclosure or flower-strewn Swiss meadows.

> Click here to buy your tickets for the Stanserhorn excursion

How to travel from Lucerne to Stanserhorn

Between April and mid-November you can reach Stanserhorn by taking a train trip, a short walk, a funicular railway ride and the cable car.

The first leg is the train from Lucerne to Stans, then from the train station a five minute walk takes you to the funicular station in the valley.

You’ll then board the funicular bound for Kälti, before switching to the CabriO for the final journey by double decker cable car up to Stanserhorn.

As mentioned above, travel on this route is completely covered by the Swiss Travel Pass .

Stoos funicular in Switzerland

Travel to Stoos is also fully covered by your Swiss Travel Pass . Stoos is a small Swiss village located at about 1,300 metres above sea level on a sun-drenched plateau.

The car-free village can be accessed via the Stoosbahn funicular railway, and there is also a cable car service to Fronalpstock.

From the summit here you can see multiple Alpine peaks and ten different Swiss lakes, so it’s ideal for those seeking a day trip from Lucerne to the Swiss Alps.

Active types might also enjoy hiking the Stoos ridge trail between Klingenstock and Fronalpstock.

In winter, Stoos is known as a ski resort, and this is centred on the Klingenstock and Fronalpstock mountains. There are also winter snowshoe and hiking trails, plus a downhill air boarding and sledging run.

During spring and summer visitors can see native Alpine flora blooming in the meadows – as well as looking out for local fauna. The area also boasts a trio of Nordic Walking Trails. 

How to travel from Lucerne to Stoos

You can either take the cable car from Morschach or the ultra-steep funicular railway from Schwyz-Schlattli to Stoos after taking a train from Lucerne to either destination. Find out more here .

All travel is included by your Swiss Travel Pass .

Planning a trip to Switzerland? At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers. Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide. 🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭

Grindelwald and Interlaken day trip

Aerial view of Grindelwald, Switzerland

This one is certainly a contender for best day trip from Lucerne as it takes in two iconic Swiss locations. The guided full-day tour includes a visit to the mountain resort of Grindelwald – aka the Glacier or Eiger village – and a trip to Interlaken between Lakes Thun and Brienz.

The day begins with a scenic drive to the Bernese Oberland via the Brünig Pass, and includes a stop at a viewpoint to marvel at the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

You can then take an energetic hike or more leisurely stroll through Grindelwald.

A train ride past pretty Alpine meadows then transports you to Interlaken, where the attractions include designer boutiques and a realm of outdoor sports.

You then board your coach for the scenic journey back to Lucerne.

> Click here to book your Grindelwald and Interlaken day trip from Lucerne

Grindelwald main street

How to travel from Lucerne to Grindelwald

If you want to visit Grindelwald independently, the train from Lucerne (via Interlaken) takes around two hours and 45 minutes, or you can drive the route in about an hour and a quarter

How to travel from Grindelwald to Interlaken

Car trips and train journeys between Grindelwald and Interlaken both take approximately half an hour.

How to travel from Lucerne to Interlaken

The train journey between Lucerne and Interlaken Ost takes about two hours, or around an hour and 15 minutes by road.

Grindelwald First Adventure Tour

Grindelwald First Cliff Walk

Another day trip from Lucerne that takes you into the famous Swiss mountains is a tour to Grindelwald First .

The day includes rides on the cable car, and the chance to enjoy a trip on the thrilling First Flyer zipline, or mountain cart and Trotti bike rides (at additional cost). A visit to the panoramic Cliff Walk is also included.

Your guide will lead the way as you travel through the Bernese Oberland, via Interlaken where you’ll take a stop en route. The next part of this memorable trip is the cable car ride up to the summit of First.

Once you’re there, the excitement continues. Enjoy breathtaking views from the View Platform or Cliff Walk, hike to Bachalpsee, or try out the adventure activities.

> Click here to book your Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure Tour

If you plan to travel to Grindelwald independently, please refer to the travel options and journey times in the Grindelwald day trip info above.

🇨🇭 Read more about visiting Grindelwald First here

Jungfraujoch

Sphinx Observatory and Aletsch Glacier at Jungfraujoch Top of Europe

Known as the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is unmissable for many visitors to Switzerland and fortunately it is easy to access from the Lucerne area.

To take the hassle out of a day trip to Jungfraujoch from Lucerne, we recommend this day tour .

Delights that await on this Jungfraujoch excursion include the highest train station in Europe, Aletsch Glacier panoramas and rides on the Eiger Express cable car and the Jungfrau cogwheel train.

Aletsch Glacier is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Alps’ longest glacier. While taking your cable car ride, you’ll also travel beneath the famous North Face of the Eiger to Eiger Glacier.

After a trip through the rocky tunnels of the cogwheel train route you’ll reach the summit. Here you can soak up the views from the Sphinx Observation Terrace, take an Alpine Sensation discovery tour and wander down the Ice Palace tunnels – which are actually inside the glacier itself.

Those after a Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen day trip will be pleased to visit this pretty village, famous for its waterfalls, on the way back to the city.

> Click here to book your day trip to Jungfraujoch from Lucerne

🇨🇭 Prefer to make your own way to Jungfraujoch? Read our guide to buying the best tickets for your trip here .

Bern and Swiss countryside

Aerial view of Bern

Though other Swiss cities are often credited with the role, Bern is actually the country’s capital. 

Of course you can visit the city independently but taking a tour will give you the added bonus of being accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

Taking this small group tour with a maximum of just 15 other passengers is a simple way to explore the small city as well as beautiful rural Switzerland.

It’s also a great tour for foodies, as you’ll visit the valleys of Entlebuch and Emmental, sampling Swiss cheese and biscuits at the Emmentaler show dairy and the Kambly Experience.

Entlebuch is actually a UNESCO-listed biosphere, and the day includes a stop at a typical Swiss country farmhouse and to see cows grazing on the land.

Your guide will also lead you on a walk around Bern’s Old Town.

> Click here to book your day trip to Bern from Lucerne

Those wishing to visit Bern independently from Lucerne can reach the city by train in around 1 hour and 40 minutes, or by car in 90 minutes.

Rafting in Interlaken

Rafting in Interlaken

If an adrenaline-fuelled day appeals to you, why not travel from Lucerne to Interlaken for a day of white-water rafting? This way you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Bernese Oberland whilst enjoying a heart-pumping experience.

In addition to paddling down the Lütschine river, your day also includes a visit to Interlaken.

This popular resort is often seen as the outdoors sports capital of Europe, and is located between two sparkling Swiss lakes.

The rafting adventure ends at Lake Brienz, where you can take a refreshing tip before showering back at the rafting base.

During the day you’ll also have time to spend at your leisure in Interlaken .

> Click here to book your rafting adventure in Interlaken

Canyoning in Interlaken

Canyoning in Interlaken

Another adventurous option that takes place in Interlaken is a canyoning trip. Under expert guidance, you can slide down sheer rock faces, leap into crystal clear waterfalls and discover secluded, rocky gorges.

This day tour from Lucerne includes comfortable coach travel to the Jungfrau region while enjoying picture postcard views, admiring the craggy formations of the peaceful gorges, exploring Interlaken and of course jumping down rock faces and into tumbling waterfalls.

> Click here to book your canyoning adventure in Interlaken

Swiss ski experience

Skiing in Switzerland

Getting to grips with basic skiing techniques while in Switzerland is essential on many visitor itineraries and, as one of the most popular ski regions in the country, the Jungfrau Region is the perfect place to do this.

Booking a guided tour makes this a hassle-free experience as all ski gear and equipment is included. This full-day trip from Lucerne also includes tuition from an experienced, certified instructor and allows you to marvel at one of Switzerland’s prettiest Alpine areas at the same time.

The ski course lasts for two-and-a-half hours and takes place in the beginner area of the bodmiARENA. During the tour you can also visit Grindelwald, see the majestic Eiger North Face and discover Interlaken.

En route to your destination you’ll also travel over the Brünig Pass in the Bernese Oberland and have free time in Grindelwald.

This tour is tailor made for beginners and, as mentioned above, all equipment and clothing is supplied. The tour operates from December through to March.

> Click here to book your Swiss ski experience

Bespoke private day tour from Lucerne

Wooden hut and Swiss flag in a meadow with mountain backdrop

For the ultimate day tour from Lucerne, why not book a private tour and go off the beaten track to discover some of Switzerland’s hidden gems?  Or you could have a bespoke tour of the region’s popular attractions created just for you.

With your own private tour guide, you can enjoy a personalised experience that has been tailor made to suit your interests. 

Whether you want to visit one of the mountains near Lucerne, spend the day savouring the taste of Swiss cheese and chocolate, or take in magnificent views of waterfalls and lakes, a private tour can cater to your every wish.

If more adventurous pursuits are your thing, a guided hike with a gourmet picnic lunch may be the perfect way for you to spend your day.

Private tours have many advantages including the flexibility to be spontaneous on the day of travel and to take you to places that aren’t affected by mass tourism.

> Click here to book your private day trip from Lucerne

(After booking, your tour guide will contact you to discuss your preferred itinerary).

Which are the best day trips from Lucerne for you?

Enjoy a Jungfraujoch day trip from Lucerne

There’s lots of choice when it comes to escaping the city of Lucerne in favour of the ski slopes, mountain summits or Swiss countryside – and much more.

Whether you prefer a relaxing or active holiday, the day trips from Lucerne we’ve mentioned above allow you to visit many different places and take part in various pursuits during your time in the country.

Which of these popular Lucerne day trips will you choose?

🇨🇭 Need a place to stay in Lucerne? Read our guide to the best hotels in Lucerne here . You can also read more about Lucerne in our Lucerne Travel Guide , find the best things to do in Lucerne and see our suggested two days in Lucerne itinerary .

Top image (c) PILATUS-BAHNEN AG

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Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

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1 Day in Lucerne – A Self-Guided Walking Tour Itinerary

A one-day visit to Lucerne is perfect to explore the sites and medieval architecture of this central Switzerland city beside beautiful Lake Lucerne.  The nearby snow-capped mountains are great day trips from Lucerne.  

Table of Contents

One Day in Lucerne Itinerary

This itinerary makes a great 1-day visit to Lucerne.

  • Enjoy a self-guided Lucerne Walking Tour of both New and Old Town.
  • Cross the famous Chapel Bridge .
  • Explore the towers of the Musegg Wall ; OR Visit one of Lucerne’s museums .
  • Enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne .

On a 2 nd day in Lucerne, visit anything missed on the first day OR take a day trip to the local peaks near Lucerne.

Lucerne Map – The Best Things To See in Lucerne

Lucerne map walking routes starred attractions

Lucerne Walking Tour

The best way to see the architecture of Lucerne’s colourful Altstadt (old town) is on foot.  This 2-kilometre walking route travels through both Neustadt (new town) and Altstadt.  It takes about an hour to walk, depending on the time spent at each spot.

Begin at the Bahnhofplatz , the huge transit hub with a parking garage beneath.  The Zentralstrasse, Lucerne’s main train station, is to the south and the main dock for Lake Lucerne cruises is to the north.  For help with tourist passes to Lucerne attractions or tourist information, visit the Lucerne Tourist Information centre in the train station.  There is a large shopping mall beneath the station and a sizable food court for grab-and-go food.

The original train station was destroyed by fire in early 1971.  Its grand main entrance was saved and stands in the middle of the Bahnhofplatz, like a gateway to the city.

Tall building side with triple arch walkway through

To the east of the plaza is a huge building, one of the few modern-looking buildings in this part of the city.

Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre

Opened in 2000, the Kultur und Kongresszentrum Lucerne (or KKL Lucerne) has three parts: an 1840-seat concert hall, multi-function Lucerne Hall and the convention centre.  There are a number of restaurants and cafes which are convenient to the dock on the lake.

The striking, glass-and-steel building’s design has won international praise for the concert hall’s amazing acoustics.  Its unique ceiling, special sound-absorbing doorways and an inaudible ventilation system create complete silence enriching performance sound.

Modern building roof covers walkway water

The architect designed the building to be in the middle of the lake but the city didn’t agree.  To achieve the appearance of being surrounded by water, lake water flows in channels through the middle of the building.

The Lucerne Arts Museum is in the building’s convention centre.

Detour: Visit Inseli Park, just to the south of the KKL. This is a local summer hangout.  Enjoy the lakeside grassy area or play ping pong at outdoor tables.  Locals and tourists alike frequent two summer patio bars.

Walk back to the Bahnhofplatz and continue west along the river to the 14 th -century Kapellbrücke , one of Lucerne’s most recognized landmarks.

Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)

The winding, wooden, covered bridge is over 200 metres long. It was built across the Reuss River as part of the city’s defensive system. Partway along the bridge, the 8-sided, stone Water Tower is original and older than the bridge. Over the centuries, the tower was used as the city treasury, dungeon prison and archive.

Covered bridge across river stone tower

A 1993 fire began in a boat moored to the bridge.  The fire spread to the bridge destroying a large portion of it.  Both ends of the bridge survived as did the stone tower.  The tower’s gabbled roof was destroyed.

Walk across a portion of the bridge to see the triangular roof panels.  The original panels were painted in the 17 th -century, recording the development of Lucerne and Switzerland up to that point.  The 1993 fire burned 81 of the 111 panels.  The panels found in the centre are originals which were in storage during the fire.

Triangular painting hung in roof angle

The paintings were sponsored by wealthy families. To recognize their charity, the family coats of arms were added to the paintings.

The Rosengart Collection is in the gallery at the corner of Pilatusstrasse and Theaterstrasse.  This is a must-do for Picasso fans.  Either detour to the gallery, walking 3 blocks south along Theatrestrasse, or visit later in the day.

Follow the river west to the Jesuitenkirche.

2 Onion domes atop building bridge river front

Jesuit Church

The large, 17 th -century church was the first Baroque church in Switzerland.  Its two, onion-domed towers were added in 1893.  It is dedicated to Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuit order.  While the exterior is Baroque, the interior was redone in the mid-18 th century in Rococo style.  The interior is beautiful.  The ceiling murals celebrate Xavier’s life and afterlife.  The church’s large organ is used by Lucerne’s music school.  Enjoy the music if they happen to be practising.

Gilded altar at front of sanctuary

Walk west on Bahnhofstrasse to the next intersection.  To the left, at the end of the street is the Franziskanerkirche.

Franciscan Church

The beautiful, 13 th -century, Gothic-style church has a large pipe organ and stunning paintings.  Over the centuries the interior has undergone extensive renovation but has kept its 17 th -century choir stalls and the wooden pulpit.

Return to Bahnhofstrasse and continue west.  Turn right onto Pfistergasse.  Walk to almost the next major cross street.  Turn right and walk through an arched entrance along a covered walkway. This leads to the next covered bridge.

The Historisches Museum and the Natur-Museum Luzern are on either side of the walkway, on the south side of the river.

Water dam weir channel river under covered bridge

Spreuer Bridge

This 15 th -century, covered, pedestrian bridge is original.  It is smaller Chapel Bridge and has avoided fire for more than 6 centuries.  Its roof panels are a series of paintings, called Dance of Death by Kaspar Meglinger, created to remind the townspeople, who crossed the bridge daily, that death cannot be escaped regardless of social class.

The far end of the bridge was designed for wagons delivering supplies to three mills nearby.  Since the middle ages, there have been mills in this area harnessing the power of the river.  A fire in 1875 destroyed all but one.  It was removed in 1890 making way for the city’s first hydroelectric power plant.  Those turbines generated power for 90 years.  They were replaced by the current power plant in 1996.

Channelled river water over dam

Look toward the lake.  It receives its water from snow melt.  A movable dam was designed in the mid-19 th century to control lake levels and protect lakeside towns from flooding.  In the spring, the dam is opened by removing wooden pickets, allowing the river to flow.  As the lake’s water level drops, the wooden pickets are put back in place extending the dam across the river and slowing the flow.  We visited in late May and the dam was partway across the river channel.  By winter, the dam is entirely in place, cutting the flow to almost nothing across the main river channel.  This keeps the lake level high enough for some boats.

From the bridge, walk to the right into the pedestrian square called the Muhlenplatz . This is the start of the old town . At the top of the square, turn right and walk a block to Weinmarktgasse.

Walk a block to the pretty city square, the Weinmarkt .  This was a marketplace for wine.  The 15 th -century fountain has carvings of soldiers. They were to remind citizens that the town was tough and strong.  Enjoy the beautiful paintings on building fronts in the square.

Man standing by fountain city square painted building behind

Continue up the street to the Hirschenplatz . This square got its name from the Hirschen Hotel which is long gone. Its sign still hangs in the square.

Turn right, walk a block then turn left onto Kornmarkt.  Walk to the square outside the Rathaus Stradt beside the Town Hall clock.

Lucern Old Town Hall (Rathaus Stadt)

The first town council meeting was held in this late Renaissance-style town hall in 1606. The building continues to be used for council meetings.

Buildings patios along river clock tower background

Walk Furrengass to St. Peter’s Chapel .  The bridge was called Kapellbrücke due to its proximity to church.

The Fritschibrunnen is in the plaza to the north of the church.  Locals gather at this fountain early in the morning on the first Thursday seven weeks before Easter to start the Fasnacht festival.  This is Lucerne’s annual Mardi Gras and one of their biggest parties of the year.  There are parades, dancing, singing and drinking through the entire seven-day festival.  Locals often take time off and visitors are encouraged to join in.

Man washing hands colourful statue

This is the end of the town walking tour.  There are several options for the rest of the day.

  • Return to the Bahnhofplatz. Enjoy lunch along the lakeshore or on a Lake Lucerne Cruise , or
  • Explore one of the great Lucerne museums , or
  • Continue walking and explore several more Lucerne attractions.

Self-Walking Tour of Lowenplatz and the City Walls

Lucerne’s oldest tourist attractions, from the early 17 th -century, are in Lowenplatz to the northeast of Old Town and the old city walls.

Begin from Bahnhofplatz or continue from St. Peter’s Chapel at the end of the Lucerne Walking Tour.  

From Bahnhofplatz, walk north across the Seebrucke, the bridge over the mouth of the Reuss River.  From St. Peter’s Chapel, walk east along the river to Lake Lucerne.

Walk the sidewalk north and east following the lakeshore.  The main street, Löwenstrasse/Route 4, turns left.  Follow it, turning immediately right onto St. Leodegarstrasse.  Walk to the church with the beautiful bell towers.

Hofkirche St. Leodegar

The beautiful, 17 th -century late-Renaissance church has twin, Gothic, bell towers. The church was part of a monastery founded in 750.  A 1633 fire destroyed all but the bell towers.  Inside, see the beautiful, white stonework and the vaulted ceiling.  The 17 th -century organ is one of Switzerland’s finest.

Walk back out to the main street, Löwenstrasse, and walk north about 4 blocks to the Lowenplatz and the Bourbaki Panorama.

2 steeples behind building by lake

Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne

The 10-metre-tall Bourbaki Panorama was painted in 1881 by Edouard Castres.  It portrays, in a very lifelike, 360-degree view, the surrender of French troops to the neutral Swiss.  At the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, the French troops refused to surrender to the winning Germans. 

The panorama was touched up in the year 2000.  Many panoramic theatres were built in the 19 th century in Europe and the United States. 

Walk to one of Lucerne’s more well-known tourist attractions, the Lowendenkmal, about a block north, on Denkmalstasse.

Lion Monument

The sculpture of a dying lion was carved into the stone, cliff-face in the 1820s.  It is 10 metres long and 6 metres tall.  It memorializes the Swiss soldiers who died defending King Louis 16th in the 1792 Paris attack during the French Revolution. This beautiful park was a sandstone quarry when the lion was carved.

Adjoining the park to the north is the Gletschergarten.

Glacier Garden of Lucerne

Sixteen potholes, called kettles, were revealed when glaciers melted in the area 20,000 years ago.  In 1873, the Amrein family built the Glacier Garden around the kettles.  Enjoy walking the paths through the rocks and plants.

The Amreins collected all manner of items which are displayed in the museum ’s eclectic collection.  A mirror maze recreating Granada Spain’s Alhambra was created for the 1896 Geneva National Exhibition. It was moved to the garden in 1899.

Walk back down Denkmalstrasse to Lowenplatz.  From the square, continue 2 blocks south to Hofstrasse.  Turn right onto Museggstrasse.  This street runs parallel to the watchtowers and old walls of the city constructed around 1400.  Veer right onto Schirmertorweg and climb up to the Museggmauer.

Medieval wall tower city buildings below

Musegg Wall Lucerne

Walk the path on top of the old city ramparts, for stunning views of the city and Lake Lucerne.  There are 9 stone towers, some open to the public.  The wall and the towers (including the Schirmerturm, Männliturm, Wachtturm, Zytturm) date back to late 14th century.

Covered bridge buildings city wall tower high on hill

Lucerne Museums

These are several of Lucerne’s interesting museums.

Sammlung Rosengart

The Rosengart Collection is the personal art collection of Siegfried and Angela Rosengart.  The father and daughter were art dealers and personal friends of Pablo Picasso and many other artists. 

The collection includes works by major 19 th and 20 th -century artists. See works by Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Paul Klee and a large number by Picasso .  In addition to these works, see photographs by American David Douglas Duncan.  He documented the last 17 years of Picasso’s life with his family. For lovers of Picasso, this is a must-see collection. 

Swiss Museum of Transport

The Verkehrshaus , a favourite with young and old, is Switzerland’s most popular museum.  The transportation museum has interactive exhibits and shows.  The complex is massive and covers most modes of transport, everything from stagecoaches to space capsules.  Walk the 1:20000 scale map of Switzerland.  It’s easy to spend an entire day at this museum.

The Transport Museum shares the site with three other attractions: the Swiss Chocolate Adventure, a planetarium and the Filmtheatre.  Each is an additional cost.

The museum is 10 minutes from the city centre by car, bus or boat to the Verkehrshaus-Lido stop.  Walk to the museum along the lake in about 30 minutes.

Depot History Museum

Explore the history of Lucerne and the region in one of Lucerne’s oldest surviving buildings dating from the 16 th century.  The collection of artifacts is huge.  Shelves have barcodes to scan for the history of the artifact.

Four storey building blue doors shutters

Lucerne Natural History Museum

The kids will enjoy this interactive natural history museum.  Exhibits include all the regional flora and fauna.

Lucerne Arts Museum

The Kunstmuseum Luzern presents Swiss art from the Renaissance to the present, focusing on 19 th -century works.  It attracts impressive temporary exhibits to enhance its permanent collection.

Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Enjoy a cruise on Lake Lucerne for an afternoon or an evening, seeing beautiful scenery and lakeside towns.  Many cruises offer culinary delights to add to the experience.  Take a cruise on a paddle steamer from the beginning of the 20 th century or one of the many other options. 

There are three charter companies licensed to operate on Lake Lucerne.  For more information visit their websites ( Charles Bucher , St. Niklausen Schiffsgesellschaft (SNG) , and Lake Lucerne Navigation Company ).  Often tickets can be purchased at the dock beside Bahnhofplatz.

Lake Lucerne is an irregular-shaped lake with sharp bends and 4 “arms”.  At its maximum, it is over 200 metres deep but the average depth is about 100 metres.  It is possible to circle the lake by both train and road.  For hundreds of years, communities on the lake could only be reached by water. The lake does not freeze allowing lake transportation companies to operate year-round.

Strong river flow through partial dam bridge tower background

Day Trips from Lucerne

Several central Switzerland mountain peaks are perfect day trips from Lucerne.

Almost due east of Lucerne across the lake, Mount Rigi is a long ridge, 1795 metres high.  On a clear day, this is a great vantage point to see Central Switzerland, Germany and France.  At the summit, Rigi Kulm, there is an information office and a snack shop.  The Rigi Kulm Hotel serves full meals.  There are more than 60 miles of hiking trails for all levels.  For more information, check the Mount Rigi website .

To get to the Rigi Kulm summit, enjoy a scenic boat ride from Lucerne to either Weggis or Vitznau at the base of the mountain.  From the Weggis dock, walk 15 minutes up to the cable car station, the Luftseilbahn, and ride the cable car to Rigi Kaltbad.  Catch the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm.  From Vitznau, catch the cogwheel train and ride all the way to Rigi Kulm. 

For maximum enjoyment, travel to Vitznau on the boat, take the cogwheel train to the summit and return via cable car to Weggis catching the boat back to Lucerne. Allow at least 6 hours for the trip to and from Lucerne (excluding time at the summit).

Mount Pilatus

At the top of the almost 2130-metre summit, southwest of Lucerne, see the 19 th -century hotel and stunning views into the valley below.  The visitor centre has information, souvenirs and several restaurants.  There are hiking trails at the top.  In the winter, sledging through the snowy woodlands is an option. Detailed information is available at the Mount Pilatus website .

From Lucerne travel to either:

  • Kriens by bus.   Ride a gondola to Frakmuntegg at 4600 feet and then cable car to the summit station, Pilatus Klum.  The energetic can hike from Frakmuntegg up a steep, partially roped 2.8 kilometre scramble to the summit; or
  • Alpnachstad by ferry or train.  Board one of the steepest cogwheel trains in Switzerland (48% gradient in places) and ascend through 4 tunnels up the mountain’s east side to Pilatus Klum.

For maximum enjoyment, travel one way up and the other way down.  Allow at least 4 hours for the trip to and from Lucerne (excluding time at the summit).

Mount Titlis

This is the highest mountain in Central Switzerland, over 3,000 metres high.  At the top, explore the ice cave lit by neon lights.  From the top, the view is filled with glacier-topped peaks.  The Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau are all visible. Walk the Cliff Walk , a 100-metre-long, cable-supported walkway.  It was Europe’s highest suspension bridge when it opened in 2012.  Hikers can climb to the summit at 3240 metres (sturdy shoes are needed).  The Glacier Park has snow tubes, scooters and sledges all year long.

For more information check the Mount Titlis website .

From Lucerne, either drive or ride the Engelberg Express Train to Engelberg.  Take the gondola to Trubsee (staying on at the Gerschnialp stop).  Ride another gondola to Stand.  At Stand, board the revolving Rotair , the world’s first revolving cable car, and ride over the Titlis Glacier to the summit.

Allow at least 3 hours for the trip to and from Lucerne (excluding time at the summit).

While in Engelberg visit the 12 th -century, Benedictine monastery.  It was rebuilt after a fire in 1729.  The grounds are open to the public daily and include a dairy.

Couple Chapel Bridge Water Tower behind

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Valerie Vanr

Valerie is the Co-founder of AvrexTravel.com. Val enjoys travel photography and writing informative City Walking tours.

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One Day in Lucerne Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Lucerne, Switzerland

Surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys, Lucerne looks like an old postcard brought to life. This magical town is filled with preserved medieval towers, small balconies under charming rooftops, old wooden bridges, and gorgeous terraces and walkaways lining Lake Lucerne, with elegant swans and cute ducks gliding across the tranquil waters. Throughout its history, Lucerne was a popular destination for European aristocracy and elite, inspiring the likes of Wagner, Goethe, and Queen Victoria in the 19th century. Today, the city still enchants with its historic sights and magnificent landscapes, although there are a couple of surprises thrown into the mix, with modern museums and festivals, a couple of futuristic, high-tech landmarks, and exquisite boutique shops only adding to the city’s already legendary allure and charm.

One day in Lucerne Itinerary

Plan your trip to Lucerne

1. WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LUCERNE? 2. A FEW FACTS ABOUT LUCERNE 3. ONE DAY IN LUCERNE ITINERARY 3.1. Start Your Day on the Shores of Lake Lucerne 3.2. Board an Old Steamer and Take a Boat Tour 3.3. Choose a Museum to Visit – Option One: Wagner 3.4. Choose a Museum to Visit – Option Two: Sammlung Rosengart Museum 3.5. Walk to Chapel Bridge 3.6. Cross the Bridge and Explore the Old Town 3.7. Pick a Nice Spot for Lunch 3.8. Hurry up and Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport 3.9. Check out Hofkirche St. Leodegar 3.10. Take a Short Walk to Löwendenkmal (Dying Lion Monument) 3.11. Visit the Ancient City Walls and Towers 3.12. Treat Yourself to a Real Swiss Dinner 4. WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE? 5. DAY TRIPS FROM LUCERNE 6. EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING LUCERNE

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LUCERNE?

With plenty of things to do in Lucerne year-round, the city is not really a typical tourist destination in the sense that it depends on just one or two seasons. Every time of year has something to offer . While it’s never particularly hot in Lucerne (the Alps are very close), the summers are pleasant and balmy, with the comfortable temperatures continuing into the autumn months. The majority of visitors come to Lucerne between June and September. The temperatures hover between 12°C and 24°C even in July and August, making this the best time to visit Lucerne if you are interested in hiking and exploring the outdoors.

If you want to save a bit on accommodation , skip July and August, two of the busiest and most expensive months to visit Lucerne. October is the perfect middle ground for great travel deals. The skiing season starts already in November and lasts until mid-April. The weather is very cold even in springtime (March-May), although there are numerous exciting things to do in Lucerne during the carnival festival in February/March.

Lucerne

A FEW FACTS ABOUT LUCERNE

In spite of the popular legend linking Lucerne and the Latin word “lucerna”, many historians believe that the city derives its name from “Luciaria”, meaning weir-basket. This theory implies that Lucerne was initially a small fishing village , with later generations trying to distance themselves from the city’s humble origins.

According to a popular legend, the name “Lucerne” originates from the Latin word “lucerna”, meaning “lamp”. As the story goes, an angel with a beam of light flowing from his fingertips illuminated a spot, signalling to a group of eighth-century Benedictine monks where to build the city’s first chapel. Eventually, the city that developed around the chapel became known as Lucerne or “Leuchtenstadt” in German, meaning, “The City of Light”.

The oldest monastery in Lucerne was built in 750 not far from the original village of Lucerne and consecrated to St. Leodegar. The city’s religious history is an exciting historical topic. During the Protestant Reformation, Lucerne was the only major city in Switzerland to side with the pope and stay on the side of the Roman Catholic Church , even during the four civil wars caused by the dispute between 1529 and 1712.

In addition to chapels and monasteries, Lucerne is also famous for its many bridges. One of the notable bridges in the city is the Chapel Bridge , the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe . The official language in Lucerne is German, although you may have a hard time understanding the locals even if you are fluent in Standard German. The Swiss variety of Standard German and especially Alemannic Swiss German (which is mainly spoken in Lucerne) are a very special dialect that takes time getting used to.

Watch Tower, Lucerne

ONE DAY IN LUCERNE ITINERARY

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do on your one day in Lucerne.

GO ON A TOUR: Take a walking tour to discover the “City of Lights” or if you prefer cruising, definitely consider Cruise on panoramic yacht .

Start Your Day on the Shores of Lake Lucerne

You will notice that a lot of Lucerne’s museums and galleries don’t open before 10 AM . That means that you will only have enough time to squeeze in two or maybe three (depending on your preferences) between 10 and 5. Luckily, there are many other things to do in Lucerne apart from hopping from one museum to the next. In fact, you should try to spend as much time as possible outdoors, enjoying the city’s beautiful architecture and breathtaking scenery.

Early in the morning, nothing beats the sight of Lake Lucerne , especially the area between the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre and the sailing club (Segelclub Tribschenhorn). Park Ufschötti is a popular green space on the waterfront with a nice beach and great views of the old buildings and church towers across the water. Here you can go for a long stroll along the shore, take your time and enjoy the gorgeous scenic views of the fourth largest l¯ake in Switzerland.

Lake Lucerne

Board an Old Steamer and Take a Boat Tour

Less than 500 meters from the University of Lucerne, right next to the beautiful Inseli Park , you will notice a couple of larger ships, including several beautiful old steamboats , elongated, yet with a broad center, with ornately decorated prows and a single large black chimney in the middle. The steamboats belong to the Navigation Company of Lake Lucerne (SGV) AG (Schifffahrtsgesellschaft des Vierwaldstättersees (SGV) AG in German).

They are historic paddleboat steamers that take visitors on sightseeing boat trips on the lake and also connect Lucerne with the small towns and villages on the other side of the shore. The trips are available year-round and start as early as 6:15 AM. If you can, treat yourself to a nice hourlong cruise aboard one of the old steamers and revel in the gorgeous exterior and interior of these pieces of history, with stunning carved wooden details, gorgeously decorated salons, and the kind of classic, timeless beauty that is only surpassed by the pristine landscape along the lake shore.

Old Steamer

Choose a Museum to Visit – Option One: Wagner

Once you’re back on solid ground, it will likely be around 10 AM, meaning you should be able to visit one of Lucerne’s many museums. There are several museums close to the docks, including Kunstmuseum Luzern, Richard Wagner Museum Lucerne, and Sammlung Rosengart. You will probably only have time for one of the three, however, so pick the museum that sounds the most interesting to you.

If you love opera, especially Richard Wagner, then you absolutely must see the Richard Wagner Museum Lucerne (opened from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday), housed inside a 15th-century country villa that was once the famous composer’s home. Students of music and passionate fans of classical music typically spend around 2 hours at the museum exploring the place and studying the sheet music and letters.

For others, one hour should be enough to tour the three buildings that make up the museum and get a good understanding of the life and works of Richard Wagner. His letters, clothing books, paintings, musical instruments, and other artifacts are all there on display and represent a compelling slice of history even if you are not familiar with Wagner’s life.

Choose a Museum to Visit – Option Two: Sammlung Rosengart Museum

Of course, there’s a chance that you can make it and visit both of these museums, but if you like art more than classical music, skip Wagner and head straight to Sammlung Rosengart Museum , located at 10 Pilatusstrasse. The museum houses a large collection of priceless 19 th and 20 th century art, with a particular focus on Pablo Picasso .

You can tour the museum on your own or sign up for a guided tour and learn everything about the period between Impressionism and Classic Modernism, when Picasso, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, Fernand Leger, George Braque, Joan Miró, and Marc Chagall marked an entire epoch and irrevocably changed the world of art. With seminal paintings by these artists, in addition to Monet, Kandinsky, Cezanne, Modigliani, and many others, Sammlung Rosengart Museum houses one of the most incredible and eclectic collections of art in Switzerland.

Walk to Chapel Bridge

Once you’re done touring the museums, take a short walk to Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), one of the most fascinating places to visit in Lucerne. More specifically, it takes about 30 minutes to get there from the Richard Wagner Museum Lucerne along the shore. From Sammlung Rosengart Museum, it takes three minutes or less since it’s only 200 m from the museum down Theaterstrasse.

A recognizable landmark of Lucerne, Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden pedestrian bridge across the Reuss River, connecting the Old Town north of the river with the new town to the south. In fact, this is the oldest truss bridge in the world and the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Because of that Chapel Bridge is an important historical landmark, constructed in 1333 as part of the city’s fortifications. The bridge is also notable for the paintings that were added in the 17 th century , mostly depicting important events and scenes from Swiss history.

Chapel Bridge

Cross the Bridge and Explore the Old Town

Take your time crossing the diagonal Chapel Bridge and feel free to stop and enjoy the view or take a closer look at the paintings. Once you’re on the other side, you’ll find yourself in Lucerne’s Altstadt , one of the most beautiful Old Towns in all of Europe. Explore the quaint pedestrian-only streets lined with historic half-timber houses and old ornate façades. For the best possible experience, walk to St. Peter’s Chapel (Peterskapelle) as soon as you cross the bridge. St. Peter’s Chapel is where Chapel Bridge got its name from.

After that, walk west on Kapellgasse behind the chapel, a vibrant street lined with charming shops, cafés, and restaurants. Soon you will reach Kornmarkt Square with the painted Pfistern guildhall, the Lucerne Town Hall, and the gorgeous old clock tower. Weinmarkt is another Old Town square, just 100 meters west of Kornmarkt. It is a beautiful square with colorful paintings adorning the surrounding buildings, notable for being the square where the Canton of Lucerne swore a federal oath in 1332 and united with the cantons Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden.

Old Town, Lucerne

Pick a Nice Spot for Lunch

Apart from sightseeing, you can peruse some of the nearby shops (including exclusive watch stores, jewelry shops, cosmetics stores, and so on), or you can pick a nice spot and enjoy a good hearty meal to regain your energy. The Old Town has some great restaurants to offer, such as Brasserie Bodu , a charming French brasserie with a beautiful little terrace by the river. The place serves primarily French classics such as magret de canard (duck), a number of seafood options (excellent seabass with vegetables), delicious bouillabaisse (a fish stew), and tasty sirloin steaks. Of course, the desserts are just as mouthwatering as the main dishes. The Crème brûlée and mousse au chocolate are to die for.

Alternatively, consider Soul Chicken . This cozy little spot that serves all kinds of chicken dishes in a unique setting that feels remarkably homey. It is great place for a quick bite, although you may want to spend some time there to enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Hurry up and Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport

The Swiss Museum of Transport is the next attraction, an extremely popular place with more than 5,000 reviews on Google Maps. The Museum, called Verkehrshaus der Schweiz (“Transportation House of Switzerland”) opened in 1959 and has since become the most popular museum in the country. Since the museum closes at 5 PM , and there are other things to do in Lucerne after that time, you should hurry and visit the museum as soon as you finish lunch.

The museum is located 2.5 km east of Kornmarkt Square along the shore of Lake Lucerne. You can get there on foot in 30 minutes or you can grab a cab and be there in 7. You can also hop aboard bus line 8 or 24 from Schwanenplatz to Verkehrshaus/Lido (5 stops total). The bus takes under 10 minutes. The museum exhibits every form of transport and also includes a planetarium , an extensive collection of works by Hans Enri, and a massive 1:20,000 scale aerial photograph of Switzerland.

The museum’s Filmtheatre is actually the largest cinema in Switzerland. Its interactive attractions include a large construction area where children can play with excavators, a small steam train, and other exhibits.

Swiss Museum of Transport

Check out Hofkirche St. Leodegar

Hofkirche St. Leodegar is a historical church in Lucerne whose two slim Gothic towers can be seen from basically anywhere in the city, especially from the lake shore. If you took the bus to get to the Swiss Museum of Transport, you can take the same route back, only this time get off at Luzernerhof Station near the big intersection.

Hofkirche St. Leodegar is right around the corner, surrounded by gorgeous old buildings and wooden houses. It is the most important church in Lucerne, occupying the same spot where the 8 th century abbey was originally built . The original Gothic-style church stood there until 1633, when it was destroyed in a fire that left only the towers intact. The new church was constructed in 1645, incorporating the old towers. The interior of the church is truly remarkable, with gilded statues, ornate alters, and white stone lining the walls. Indeed, Hofkirche St. Leodegar is a gorgeous example of the German Renaissance style.

Hofkirche St. Leodegar

Take a Short Walk to Löwendenkmal (Dying Lion Monument)

Approximately 500 meters north of the church, there is a small park with tall trees and a cliff hanging over a miniature pond. In addition, there are three museums surrounding the park: Alpineum Museum (with paintings and miniatures of the Alps), Spiegelmuseum Luzern (the Museum of Mirrors), and Gletschergarten Luzern (history museum focusing on the Ice Age and glaciers).

The Dying Lion of Lucerne is the oldest figurative monument in Switzerland and a beloved landmark among locals and visitors alike. It was designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved by Lukas Ahorn in 1821 to commemorate the regiment of the Swiss Guard that was massacred by French revolutionaries in 1792 while defending King Louis XVI. A total of 760 soldiers died. The inscription under the sculpture reads “To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss.”

Dying Lion

Visit the Ancient City Walls and Towers

The old medieval ramparts of Lucerne are among the few surviving ancient city walls of its type still standing in Switzerland. A large section of the wall is perfectly preserved, as well as 9 towers that are open to the public between Easter and October 31. The walls are among the best places for a walk in Lucerne. The climb there can be challenging, but you are awarded with amazing sweeping views of the city, extending far into the distance in all directions over the rooftops.

Museggmauer, as the ramparts are called, closes around 7 PM, which means you should just about make it if you head straight there after the Dying Lion Monument. West to east, Dächliturm is the first tower, only 500 meters from the monument. Of the nine watchtowers along the 870-metre wall, four can be accessed: Heuturm (Watch Tower), Schirmerturm, Zytturm (Time Tower), and Mannliturm.

Museggmauer

Treat Yourself to a Real Swiss Dinner

There are several great restaurants with authentic Swiss cuisine under the ramparts. Visiting one of these places is high on the list of things to do in Lucerne if you are looking for a complete experience. However, choosing the right place depends on a number of factors, for example, whether you prefer something large and boisterous or small and private. Reussbad, for example, located in a solitary building right next to the Nölliturm watchtower, perfectly fits the latter description. Its understated, tasteful and comfortable interior provides the setting for quality French-inspired dishes complimented by an impressive selection of great to exceptional wines. The restaurant is very popular among the locals and the few tourists who know how to recognize a good dining experience.

Another other option is Stadtkeller , located in the Old Town, slightly to the north of the Chapel Bridge. This restaurant is a must if you like amazing shows, partying, and delicious food. Its entertaining show is a major draw – with a band performing on stage, yodeling and playing different Swiss instruments such as alpine horns and cow bells. After a few drinks, you may find yourself joining the band and the other guests, singing, dancing, and having fun.

If you want to keep partying, check out ROK Klub across the river, with a great mood and good music.

Lucerne Old Town

WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE?

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

SchSchweizerhofquai 3a, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern is the best Luzern has to offer, whether you look at the hotel’s premier lakefront location in the heart of Old Town or the tasteful, comfortable rooms, each individually designed in line with a specific personality of an actor, writer, or musician who has stayed in the hotel. The hotel’s exquisite spa facilities include a bio sauna and a Finnish sauna, with sweeping views of Lake Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus in the distance.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Château Gütsch

Château Gütsch

Kanonenstrasse, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland

Château Gütsch is not a hotel, it is a fairytale castle whose unparalleled beauty and spectacular hilltop location put the best of Disney to shame. The interior of the 19th-century castle was designed and completely renovated by Martyn Lawrence Bullard , one of the best interior designers in the world. No less impressive in wintertime, with snow-covered hilltops, the hotel shines as a welcoming retreat with large, comfortable rooms, hot tubs, massages, great food and desserts, and creative drinks at the bar.

Hotel Anker Luzern

Hotel Anker Luzern

Pilatusstrasse 36, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland 

A new property that opened in 2016, Hotel Anker Luzern boasts a first-class location in a historical building in the city center, overlooking Pilatusplatz square. The great location and the amazing design of this lovely hotel is matched by the friendly, welcoming service, helpful personnel, and delicious breakfast offering plenty of variety.

Backpackers Luzern

Backpackers Luzern

Alpenquai 42, 6005 Luzern, Switzerland

Friendly and attractively decorated, Backpackers Luzern stands out as a great choice for travelers looking to see as much of Lucerne as possible. The free city pass offered at the front desk certainly helps in that department, as does the hostel’s convenient location near the bus station and the central train station. Lake Lucerne is literally meters away, providing unlimited opportunities for sightseeing, tours, and recreational activities. Various little details make a big difference, such as the elevator, the two shared kitchens, the complimentary soap and paper towels, the comfortable rooms, the clean, large washrooms, and the helpful, accommodating staff.

DAY TRIPS FROM LUCERNE

While certainly beautiful, Lucerne is not a particularly large city. What makes Lucerne special is not its size, but the extreme wealth of historical, cultural, and natural wonders within the city, as well as in the surrounding area. With that in mind, you will never hit a wall and ask yourself what to do in Lucerne.

You can always opt for one of the many exciting day trips from Lucerne, such as the magical Lucerne Chocolate Making and Tasting in a Family Owned Factory or the private Lucerne Day Trip to nearby castles and villages , where you can step into a magical fairy-tale world of castles, palaces, and ancient monasteries nestled between towering black cliffs or sitting atop high forested ridges. For the adventurous types, you can always go hiking in the Grindelwald – Jungfrau – Eiger Region , the very heart of the Swiss Alps. If you would like to know more about these opportunities, check out this overview of the best Lucerne day trips.

EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING LUCERNE

-Lucerne, just like Switzerland in general, is very safe and welcoming. You should still keep an eye on your valuables just in case, but no need to be paranoid.

-Switzerland is among the most expensive countries in Europe. That said, when eating out, service is usually included, so you are not expected to tip. You can add 5-10% if your water or waitress was particularly outstanding.

-Switzerland is a country where people love to do things by the rules. Certain behaviors are frowned upon at best – jaywalking would be a good example, not to mention littering.

-Euros are not accepted, so make sure to get Swiss francs.

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Lucerne Itinerary, feel free to share them in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

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Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Anca One Day Itinerary

Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

Hi, As a local guy from switzerland, I can tell you that lucerne is the most beautiful place in the world. One day stay there is really not enough! Go there for the lake, for the mountains, for shopping and specialy for all types of outdoor sports..at least u need 1 week..regards, chris from interlaken

Hi Chris, thanks for your input. This guide is for those who don’t have more than one day 🙂

Thanku one day itinerary for providing such a grate information regarding such a beautifil city of switzerland , lucerne. I think one day is not sufficient to explore lucerne buety , a tourist must have two days to explore lucerne, but very very thanks to you for giving such a wonderful and important tips/ plan ….thank you .

We are glad you liked it! 🙂

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day tours in lucerne

What Not to Miss on a Day Trip to Lucerne Switzerland

W hile you could easily spend multiple days in Lucerne, Switzerland, it’s also a great city to enjoy as a day trip. This scenic town features lots of easy-to-see attractions that are all within walking distance of each other. 

During your Swiss vacation, be sure to plan a day trip to Lucerne, and include these top adventures on your itinerary (you’ll be glad you did!)

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

How to Get to Lucerne

You’ll likely use Switzerland’s train system to reach Lucerne. The railway station is located in the city center near Old Town. There are train arrivals from various cities every hour.

Once here, the best way to see Lucerne is on foot. We’ve included the best things to do in Lucerne below. If you prefer, you can book a guided tour for a personalized experience. 

You can also rent a bike or use the public bus system to reach most of the main attractions in Lucerne. Public transportation is a breeze. 

City Tours to Book on a Lucerne Day Trip

  • Lucerne Walking & Boat Tour with Viator
  • Private Walking Tour with a Local via Get Your Guide
  • Private Culinary Tour with a Guide via Tours by Locals

What to Do on a Day Trip to Lucerne

1. lion monument.

One of the top attractions in Lucerne is the Lion Monument. This carving of a dying lion sits above a tranquil pond. It honors the Swiss guards who gave their lives serving Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Mark Twain called it “the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.”

We were surprised by how large the monument looks in person – it’s worth the short walk to reach it. Make this one of the first things you do once you arrive in Lucerne. It’s a great place to start your day. 

Located just outside of Old Town, The Lion Monument is free to visit. You’ll likely spend under 30 minutes reading the information boards, enjoying the tranquil setting, and admiring the work of art. 

It’s about a half mile uphill from the train station. 

2. Old Town

Old Town is Lucerne’s most popular and distinct area. You’ll want to spend much of your day here. Marked by its scenic waterfront setting and swoon-worthy architecture, this area has excellent shopping and dining for all kinds of visitors. 

Your main destination will be Old Town Boulevard. The street stretches between the town hall and Chapel Bridge. It’s the perfect place to walk along the water and immerse yourself in Lucerne’s beauty. 

Plan to spend 1 to 3 hours in the Old Town of Lucerne, which is within walking distance of the train station. It’s where you can start your adventure, enjoy a nice meal, and relax before you leave the city. If you’re lucky enough to spend the night in Lucerne, we recommend getting a hotel right in Old Town. This allows you to be steps away from some of the best experiences. 

3. Chapel Bridge

Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is one of Lucerne’s most picturesque landmarks and is a must-visit during a day trip here. The covered bridge connects the northern and southern banks of River Reuss. Honestly though, it’s more than just a way to get from one place to the next. 

This is the oldest covered wooden bridge in the world, and it’s super photo-worthy. Take your time here since you’ll be looking at the great vantage of the city AND the artwork painted on the panels. 

The bridge stretches about 0.12 miles, but you’ll want to spend at least a half hour crossing it and taking in its sights. If you can fit it into your itinerary for a day trip to Lucerne, visit it in the daylight and after dark for two distinct experiences. 

4. Spreuer Bridge

Chapel Bridge may get all the glory, but it’s not Lucerne’s only historic timber bridge. Many visitors favor the smaller, more quaint Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrücke). 

Like Chapel Bridge, the Spreuer Bridge features artwork in the panels under the roof. Allow for time to see both the interior and scenery surrounding the landmark. 

It’ll take less than a half hour to fully enjoy Spreuer Bridge. We recommend including both Chapel and Spreuer bridges in your day trip to Lucerne.

They run somewhat parallel over the River Reuss and are about a third of a mile apart. You can cross from Old Town on one bridge and return on the other. This makes for a great loop through this beautiful part of the city. 

5. Jesuit Church

Lucerne’s Jesuit Church sits on the south bank of River Reuss, halfway between Chapel and Spreuer bridges, so it’s easy to include in your one-day in Lucerne itinerary. But this beautiful church is worth going out of your way for too. 

This 17th-century Jesuit Catholic church is a marvel from the outside, but you’ll want to go inside to admire its Baroque design and incredible artistry.

It’s open to the public (though you’ll want to respect holidays and events), and you’ll likely spend less than 30 minutes here unless you settle in to fully take in the gorgeous artwork and details inside. 

6. Visit Lucerne’s Best Christmas Markets (Winter Activity)

It’s easy to get into the Christmas spirit in Lucerne. After all, the weather and architecture here are rich with holiday warmth. If you visit during the winter months, don’t miss Lucerne’s Christmas markets, which are located right in the town center. 

Franziskanerplatz

The top Christmas market to visit in Lucerne is the one by Franziskanerplatz (The Franciscan Church), located in Old Town. It’s got all the classic Christmas vibes: gingerbread, handmade crafts and gifts, and a festive carousel. What really puts this market over the top is the stalls. They are artfully designed to look like colorful wooden houses. 

Rudolfs Weihnacht

Want even more Christmas fun during your winter trip to Lucerne? Rudolfs Weihnacht is the largest Christmas market in the city, and it’s famous for its mulled wine and cheese fondue. Visit after dark for the best experience here. It’s located near the train station and the KKL concert hall and sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne.

Note: Most of Lucerne’s Christmas markets and events begin in December, but Rudolfs starts in mid-November, making this a great way to get into the spirit during an earlier visit. 

Luzerner Handwerksmarkt

Located in Old Town’s historic wine market, the Luzerner Handwerksmarkt only allows handmade crafts and is open on the weekend. It runs throughout spring, summer, and fall, but it feels extra festive in December when workers present pieces that are perfect for gift-giving. 

This is a great market to visit during daylight hours to enjoy the architecture and beauty of this scenic square. 

7. Go for a Cruise on Lake Lucerne (Summer Activity)  

If you’re visiting Lucerne during the summer months, you’ll want to hop aboard a catamaran to see even more of the city comfortably and easily. Cruises through Lake Lucerne leave from Old Town and feature some of the best views of architecture, Mt. Pilatus, and glistening water. 

We recommend choosing a boat trip that lasts between one and two hours to make this a part of your Lucerne day trip. 

Pro Tip: These short cruises are a great way to see the city and force busy travelers to slow down. If you’re worried you’ll feel pressed for time to see everything in Lucerne, you may need to take it down a notch, book a boat ride, and enjoy the sights at a slower pace. 

8. Musegg Wall and Towers

Musegg Wall and Towers offers historical and cultural insight in one place. This wall and nine towers were once part of the city’s fortification systems, and walking along its well-kept remnants is like stepping through time. 

This is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of Lucerne and the classic scenery of central Switzerland. The wall also serves as a sanctuary for endangered plants and animals, so nature lovers will enjoy visiting this popular destination. 

Hinter Musegg

While visiting Musegg Wall, be sure to check out Hinter Musegg, an urban farm that features fruit trees, mini pigs, alpacas, and cows. Their onsite restaurant serves homemade beer and baked goods in a unique setting. 

You’ll likely spend a little over 2 hours in the area if you visit the Musegg Wall, the gift shop, and the urban farm. They are located just north of Old Town, about a third of a mile from Chapel Bridge. 

9. Lucerne Lakeside Promenade 

If you love taking peaceful strolls, you must walk along the Lake Lucerne Promenade. This pathway stretches for miles along the water’s edge, but you don’t have to commit to a multi-hour stroll. It begins where the Reuss River meets Lake Lucerne. Find a shady spot to watch the boats sail in and out, or grab a bite to eat in a waterside cafe. 

There are even spots for swimming along the Promenade, plus a concert pavilion and spectacular views of Mount Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, and the Swiss Alps.

If you do find yourself wandering far along the Promenade, you can always catch a bus to make the return to Old Town quick and comfortable. 

10. Swiss Museum of Transport

Visitors of all ages will love the interactive exhibits at the Swiss Museum of Transport . This is the largest transportation museum in Europe, and it highlights the history and future of planes, trains, cars, and boats. 

In addition to its many mobility exhibits, there is also a planetarium, a Swiss Chocolate Adventure, a play area, and a theater. 

You’ll likely spend a little under two hours enjoying this fun spot. The Swiss Transport Museum is about a mile east of Old Town along the lakeside Promenade. 

Enjoy Lucerne’s Great Dining Scene

Of course, you’ll want to enjoy Lucerne’s many restaurants while in town for a full day. And since you’ll likely be here from morning through night, you can enjoy three great meals (and endless snacks) while you sightsee. 

Breakfast/Brunch: Restaurant Galerie

The Restaurant Galerie at Hotel Schweizerhof uses locally sourced ingredients to present elegant meals all day. It’s located halfway between the train station and the Lion Monument, so it can easily be your first stop during your day tour. 

Lunch: Restaurant Balances

Restaurant Balances features excellent food on a scenic terrace that overlooks the river. It’s located in Old Town, making it a great place to stop in for a delicious lunch while exploring the city. 

Dinner: Old Swiss House

The Old Swiss House restaurant features an expansive wine list, incredible food, and great service all in a beautiful historic building. We love its strong sense of place and convenient location in the Lucerne City Center. 

The post What Not to Miss on a Day Trip to Lucerne Switzerland appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

While you could easily spend multiple days in Lucerne, Switzerland, it’s also a great city to enjoy as a day trip. This scenic town features lots of easy-to-see attractions that are all within walking distance of each other.

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Hello Advisors,

1) Mt. Titlis and Hammetschwand Elevator

2) Mt. Pilatus and Stanserhorn

Or should we club Mt. Rigi and Stanserhorn in one day?

In other words, we intend to cover Mt. Titlis, Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, Hammetschwand Elevator, and Stanserhorn in three full days. Requesting suggestions, feedback, and ideas regarding the most optimum ways to do this.

We are stationed right beside the Lucerne train station on all these days.

Can someone please suggest the best way to do two activities in one day?

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Lucerne Hotels and Places to Stay

  • 0: New homepage 2018 www.luzern.com/en
  • 1.1a: What to do at the city of Lucerne (part one)
  • 1.1b: What to do at the city of Lucerne (part two)
  • 1.2 Lucerne: Activities during Christmas season
  • 3: The Main Churches in the larger Lucerne area
  • 4.1: What to do at the Lucerne area
  • 4.2 What to do at the Lucerne area
  • 5: Are there great boat/rail trips from Lucerne
  • 6: mountain excursions from Lucerne
  • 6.1. Operation dates of Mountain transportation 2019
  • 7: Lake Lucerne
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Basel & Lucerne in 3 Days: A Swiss Adventure Awaits

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April 22, 2024 · 2 min read

Basel Lucerne 3 Days Itinerary

Embark on a captivating 3-day journey through the heart of Switzerland, exploring the cultural richness of Basel and the picturesque charm of Lucerne. Begin your adventure in Lucerne, where the Jesuit Church's stunning architecture sets the tone for a day steeped in history. Wander through the Old Town's cobblestone streets, soaking in the ancient ambiance before heading to Chapel Plaza and the iconic Chapel Bridge, a testament to Lucerne's military heritage. A serene hour by Lake Lucerne offers a moment of tranquility amidst your explorations. On day two, ascend to new heights with a visit to Rigi and Mount Pilatus, where breathtaking panoramic views and alpine adventures await. Your final day brings you to Basel, starting with the Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing cutting-edge works in a dynamic setting. The Basel Minster's Gothic grandeur beckons, followed by a whimsical visit to the Toy Worlds Museum Basel. Conclude your cultural immersion at Basler Rathaus, a masterpiece of civic architecture, and Dreiländereck, a monument marking the meeting point of three countries. This itinerary promises a blend of urban discovery and natural wonders, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Day 1: Lucerne's Historical Heartbeat

Jesuit Church, Lucerne

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Kickstart your Lucerne adventure at the Jesuit Church, a stunning example of Baroque architecture that sets the tone for a day steeped in history. Spend an hour marveling at the church's ornate interior, which serves as a serene oasis amidst the buzz of the city. Located at Bahnhofstrasse 11a, this church is not just a place of worship but a testament to Lucerne's rich cultural tapestry.

Attraction Info

  • Bahnhofstrasse 11a, Lucerne 6003, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open from 6:30am-6:30pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Burgerstube im Hotel Wilden Mann

Next, meander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where the past comes alive. Allot two hours to explore this ancient town, which is broadly encapsulated by the iconic Perl bridge. Here, history whispers through the alleyways, and every corner offers a snapshot of Lucerne's storied past. It's a place where time slows down, inviting you to savor its timeless charm.

  • Perl bridge can be regarded as the old city of Lucerne in a broad sense
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour

Chapel Plaza

A brief 15-minute stop at Chapel Plaza offers a moment to soak in the bustling atmosphere of this central square. It's a crossroads of culture and community, a space where locals and travelers alike converge against a backdrop of historical buildings and the daily rhythm of city life.

  • Kapellpl., Luzern, Schweiz
  • Suggested tour duration: 15-30 minutes

Chapel Bridge

Just a stone's throw from the plaza, the Chapel Bridge awaits. This 15-minute visit to the emblematic military bridge is a journey through Lucerne's medieval military history. The Kapellbrücke, with its distinctive water tower, isn't just a crossing over water; it's a bridge across time, connecting visitors to the tales of yesteryears.

  • Kapellbrücke, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland

Lake Lucerne

Conclude your day with an hour by the tranquil shores of Lake Lucerne. Embrace the serenity of Switzerland's waters, a perfect reflective end to a day rich in exploration and discovery. The lake's expanse mirrors the sky, offering a peaceful respite and a chance to ponder the day's journey through Lucerne's heritage.

  • Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour

Focus

Where to Stay Tonight

Romantik hotel beau rivage weggis - beau rivage collection, hotel central am see - beau rivage collection.

  • Day 2: Majestic Mountain Peaks and Panoramic Vistas

Starting off the second day with an ascent to the skies, Rigi, also known as the 'Queen of the Mountains', awaits your arrival. Nestled at 6410 Arth, Switzerland, Rigi offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view that spans from the Swiss Plateau to the snowy Alps. Allocate around 3 hours to fully immerse in the serene beauty and the crisp mountain air. Hiking trails and a cogwheel railway offer various ways to explore this natural wonder, ensuring that every moment at Rigi is filled with awe and tranquility.

  • 6410 Arth, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Restaurant Bahnhöfli

Mount Pilatus

After descending from the heights of Rigi, your journey continues to Mount Pilatus, a mythical mountain that promises adventure and legends. Located at 6010 Alpnach, Switzerland, Mount Pilatus is a must-visit for its dramatic cliffs and stunning vistas. Spend 2 hours exploring the area, where activities range from panoramic gondola rides to trekking along its scenic paths. The mountain's unique dragon mythology adds a layer of mystique to your visit, making it an unforgettable part of your Swiss adventure.

  • Mount Pilatus, 6010 Alpnach, Switzerland

Alpgschwand Restaurant

Hotel Bellevue Kriens

Hotel pilatus-kulm.

  • Day 3: Basel's Artistic Finale

Museum of Contemporary Art

Begin your final day in Basel with an inspiring visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art, nestled at St. Alban-Rheinweg. As the first stop of the day, immerse yourself in the world of modern creativity for a couple of hours. This art gallery is a haven for contemporary art enthusiasts, showcasing a diverse range of thought-provoking exhibitions and collections that capture the essence of modern artistic expression.

  • St. Alban-Rheinweg 60, Basel, BS 4052 Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open on Tue-Sun,11:00am-6:00pm

Restaurant Seegarten

Basel Minster

Next, step into the serene ambiance of the Basel Minster, a historical church that stands as a testament to Basel's rich cultural heritage. Located at Münsterpl. 9, this architectural marvel invites you for an hour of tranquility and reflection amidst its Gothic and Romanesque splendor, offering a peaceful interlude to your day's exploration.

  • Münsterpl. 9, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open from 1/1-12/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 1/1-12/31,10:00am-4:00pm;Open from 1/1-12/31,11:30am-5:00pm;Open from 1/1-12/31,11:00am-4:00pm;Open from 1/1-12/31,11:30am-4:00pm,The Cathedral will be closed on the following dates: January 1, Good Friday, December 24 and 25; The specific business status during special periods such as holidays and exhibitions shall be subject to the opening conditions on that day

Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Continue your cultural journey at the Toy Worlds Museum Basel, a magical place that promises to rekindle the joys of childhood. Spend two delightful hours at Steinenvorstadt 1, where an enchanting collection of toys awaits to transport you through time and spark wonder in visitors of all ages.

  • Steinenvorstadt 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
  • Open on Tue-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm

Basler Rathaus

As the afternoon unfolds, make your way to the Basler Rathaus, the iconic town hall that dominates the Marktplatz. This master building, with its vibrant red facade and exquisite frescoes, provides a picturesque backdrop for your visit. Spend an hour marveling at the square's lively atmosphere and the Rathaus's architectural grandeur.

  • Marktpl. 9, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
  • Open on Mon-Fri,8:00am-5:00pm;Closed on Sat-Sun

Dreiländereck

Conclude your Basel adventure at Dreiländereck, where borders dissolve and cultures converge. This unique sculpture statue and monument at Westquaistrasse 75 marks the meeting point of three nations. A brief half-hour visit here symbolizes the end of your journey, leaving you with a sense of connection to the broader European tapestry.

  • Westquaistrasse 75, 4057 Basel
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour

St. Alban-Stübli

B&B HOTEL Weil am Rhein/Basel

Maximilian hotel & apartments weil am rhein / basel.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

day tours in lucerne

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IMAGES

  1. 1 Day in Lucerne: The Perfect Lucerne Itinerary

    day tours in lucerne

  2. 15 Best Lucerne Tours

    day tours in lucerne

  3. What to do in Lucerne

    day tours in lucerne

  4. 1 Day in Lucerne: The Perfect Lucerne Itinerary

    day tours in lucerne

  5. Top Things to Do in Lucerne in 2019

    day tours in lucerne

  6. The BEST Lucerne Tours and Things to Do in 2022

    day tours in lucerne

VIDEO

  1. a perfect day trip to Lucerne #switzerland #lucerne #pilatus

  2. A day in Lucerne, Switzerland

  3. Switzerland. Lucerne

  4. Day Trip to Lucerne

  5. Beautifully day in Luzern Switzerland

COMMENTS

  1. THE TOP 10 Lucerne Day Trips (w/Prices)

    Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Day Trip from Lucerne. 693. Travel to Jungfraujoch — Europe's highest railway station at a dizzying height of 11,333 feet (3,454 meters) — on this full day trip from Lucerne. A scenic coach drive via the Bernese Oberland delivers you to Lauterbrunnen for a cogwheel train ride.

  2. 10+ BEST Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland (& How to Visit)

    Stein am Rhein & Rhein Falls ( Europe's biggest waterfall) - take a train from Lucerne to Zurich, followed by this popular 5hr tour to the falls. You can easily combine a visit to the falls with that of Zurich city itself. Basel - 1hr journey by train from Lucerne. Oeschinen Lake.

  3. 8 stunning day trips from Lucerne, Switzerland

    Ride the funicular and summit Stanserhorn. Flinging up to the south of Lucerne, Stanserhorn is one of the easiest and quickest ways to get high above the lake. From the 1898m summit, an intricate tapestry of mountains, lakes, fields and forests unfurls. Getting there is half the fun, involving a quaintly old-fashioned ride in an 1893 funicular ...

  4. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Lucerne (UPDATED 2024)

    10. Day Trip to Swiss Villages from Lucerne - Small Group tour by Car. Join us on this enthralling journey through the picturesque Swiss countryside of Bernese Oberland region unveiling charming…. 11. Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip in one Day Private Tour from Luzern.

  5. THE 10 BEST Lucerne Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    from. $236. per adult. 3. Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich. 332. Full-day Tours. 6+ hours. Mt. Titlis lives up to its hype as one of Switzerland's top destinations, and a guided day trip is the easiest way to see….

  6. 21 Fun Day Trips from Lucerne (2023)

    Suggested tour: From Lucerne: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch. From Lucerne: 1h20 mins by car, 2h30 by train to Grindelwald. Cost: round trip from Lucerne - about CHF 249 / discount with Swiss travel passes. Open: year round. Website: www.jungfrau.ch. Lakes & Waterfalls 8. Lake Lucerne boat cruise

  7. THE TOP 10 Lucerne Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    The best tours in Lucerne according to Viator travelers are: Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise. Mt Pilatus Peak and Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group from Lucerne. Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Day Trip from Lucerne. Lucerne Walking & Boat Tour: The Best Swiss Experience.

  8. 12 BEST LUCERNE DAY TRIP, SWITZERLAND

    Getting to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne is easy. 🚆 Take a train or bus from Lucerne to Alpnachstad. Trains and buses run regularly throughout the day, and the journey takes around 20-30 minutes. 🚡 From Alpnachstad, take the cogwheel train to the summit of Mount Pilatus.

  9. 12 Lovely Day Trips from Lucerne (+ Day Tour Options!)

    10. Stanserhorn. Distance from Lucerne: 24.4 km (29 minutes) Enjoying the wind in one's face and the perfect view: first on the open funicular - rumbling and bumping just as it did 120 years ago - and then on the rooftop deck of the futuristic CabriO aerial cableway, is a great way to spend the day.

  10. The BEST Lucerne Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    The best tours in Lucerne are: From Zurich: Mount Titlis Day Tour; Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat; Lucerne: 1-Hour Cruise on Panoramic Yacht; Lucerne: Round-Trip Catamaran Cruise on Lake Lucerne; Lucerne: Mt. Pilatus Cable Car, Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise

  11. Day trips Lucerne

    From Lucerne: Day tour Jungfraujoch by bus and cogwheel train. Leave the city of Lucerne and admire the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch. Enjoy an adventure tour and marvel at the breathtaking panorama on the Jungfraujoch. More details. 5.0 (2) 10 hours. From CHF 269.

  12. Craft Your Lucerne day trips

    Lucerne Day Trips. Forget the usual, find the magical! Lucerne's secrets revealed. Breathtaking day trips from Zurich - limited spots! Pickup location. From your hotel in Zurich. Duration. 7 h 45 mins (includes 1.15 hours lunch break) Start time. Starts at 09:30 AM. Maximum guests. 6 people (For large group, please contact us) Price. 2 PAX ...

  13. 15 Best Day Trips from Lucerne

    A day trip to Mt. Titlis lets you enjoy the beautiful Alpine Scenery. If you stay in the metro cities across the world and need a visual treat as well as a breath of fresh air, then this destination should be on your list of the day trips to make from Lucerne. Suggested tour: From Lucerne: Titlis Full-Day Tour - Eternal Snow & Glacier. 14 ...

  14. 12 Best Day Trips From Lucerne, Switzerland

    2. Bern (from USD 267.0) One of the best day trips from Lucerne is to Bern, the world-famous capital of Switzerland. A drive of 1 hour and 19 minutes covering 113 kilometers (70.2 miles) leads you to Bern.

  15. 2 Day Lucerne Itinerary: Best of the Old Town & Mt Pilatus

    Some day trips from Lucerne you may wish to consider are: Zurich - 45mins by rail (read my full Zurich itinerary) Mt Titlus - 45mins by car, 1hr 15mins by train; Mt Rigi - 45mins by car, 1hr 30mins by rail; Basel - 1hr 15 by car, 1hr by rail; Interlaken - 1hr 20mins by car, 1hr 50mins by rail;

  16. 7 Best Day Trips from Lucerne Switzerland (all year round)

    2.6 6. Klewenalp - Discover the Goldi Safari Tour. 2.7 7. Visit Mount Titlis - Engelberg. 3 Things to do in Lucerne City. 4 Where to stay in Lucerne. 5 Other Great Tours from Lucerne. If you still need a place to sleep you may like to check this out - Where to find the BEST hotels in Lucerne and Lake Lucerne Region.

  17. Activities, Guided Tours and Day Trips in Lucerne

    What are the best things to do in Lucerne? Book activities, guided tours and day trips in Lucerne in English. Fill your trip with Civitatis. Icono ayuda Help. search. Top destinations. Rome Italy; New ... Mount Titlis Half-Day Tour. 9.20 / 10 90 reviews. 1,367 travellers 1K travellers. Free cancellation.

  18. Walking Tour In Old Town Lucerne (Half Day Itinerary)

    Destination 5: Lion Monument. On the hilly east side of the old city, we can find the Lion Monument, another famous tourist attraction in Lucerne. Of the places that you'll visit (following this itinerary), the Lion Monument is the newest that you will find. The monument was built in the early 19th century.

  19. 14 Best Day Trips from Lucerne

    Mt. Pilatus. It's a breathtaking trip on the Dragon Ride gondola to Mt. Pilatus. Taking a trip from Lucerne to Mount Pilatus is one of the most popular day tours from Lucerne. The peak of this mountain massif is 2,128 metres above sea level and it lies among the Emmental Alps.

  20. 1 Day in Lucerne

    This itinerary makes a great 1-day visit to Lucerne. Enjoy a self-guided Lucerne Walking Tour of both New and Old Town. Cross the famous Chapel Bridge. Explore the towers of the Musegg Wall; OR Visit one of Lucerne's museums. Enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne.

  21. 1 Day in Lucerne: The Perfect Lucerne Itinerary

    Created in 1821, this gorgeous memorial features a carved relief of a dying lion above a still pond, honoring the Swiss Guard soldiers who were killed during the French Revolution in 1792. It's a touching tribute to the fallen soldiers and one sight not to miss in Lucerne. VLADJ55 / shutterstock.com.

  22. Lucerne Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    Here is a selection of the best guided tours in Lucerne: 1) Lucerne - City Walk - Private Tour. 2) Mount Pilatus - Private Tour. 3) Chocolate Heaven, Hustle and Bustle, Swiss Nature and History all in a full-day private tour. 4) Alpine Dream Roads. 5) Lake Luzern Highlights Full Day Pick and Mix Private Driving Tour.

  23. One Day in Lucerne, Switzerland

    The museum is located 2.5 km east of Kornmarkt Square along the shore of Lake Lucerne. You can get there on foot in 30 minutes or you can grab a cab and be there in 7. You can also hop aboard bus line 8 or 24 from Schwanenplatz to Verkehrshaus/Lido (5 stops total). The bus takes under 10 minutes.

  24. What Not to Miss on a Day Trip to Lucerne Switzerland

    City Tours to Book on a Lucerne Day Trip. Lucerne Walking & Boat Tour with Viator; Private Walking Tour with a Local via Get Your Guide; Private Culinary Tour with a Guide via Tours by Locals;

  25. Two activities in one day

    1.2 Lucerne: Activities during Christmas season; 3: The Main Churches in the larger Lucerne area; 4.1: What to do at the Lucerne area; 4.2 What to do at the Lucerne area; 5: Are there great boat/rail trips from Lucerne; 6: mountain excursions from Lucerne; 6.1. Operation dates of Mountain transportation 2019; 7: Lake Lucerne

  26. Basel & Lucerne in 3 Days: A Swiss Adventure Awaits

    Perl bridge can be regarded as the old city of Lucerne in a broad sense; Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour ... The lake's expanse mirrors the sky, offering a peaceful respite and a chance to ponder the day's journey through Lucerne's heritage. Attraction Info. Switzerland; Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour; Recommended Nearby Restaurants. Focus ...

  27. Rainbow tourism group, Grand metropolitan hotels launch hospitality

    Swiss Hotel School Lucerne, well-known for its world-class hospitality education, will contribute its expertise in curriculum development and training methodologies. ... Apollo, European tour company, launches trips to Gambia . Travel Germany opens doors to skilled workers with "opportunity card" starts June . Business Day, established in 2001 ...