
Things to do in Lucerne
Welcome to Lucerne
Pretty Lucerne attracts visitors from across the globe with its medieval architecture, covered bridges, and colorful homes lining the Reuss River. Take advantage of a private or small-group tour to find the best paragliding and rafting in summer months, and excellent skiing and snowboarding in winter. Within Lucerne, take a walking tour through the Old Town, where you’ll explore the Water Tower, St. Peter’s Chapel next to Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke), and Kapellplatz (town square), while your guide brings Lucerne’s history to life. Capture shots of the city on a photography tour; relax on a Lake Lucerne sightseeing boat cruise; or sample Switzerland’s famous flavors on a chocolate and cheese tasting tour. Using Lucerne as a base, take a guided day trip to explore soaring peaks in the Swiss Alps, such as Jungfraujoch, Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, or Mt. Titlis; and discover famous landmarks such as the Gotthard Massif, Grimsel Pass, the Rhone Glacier, and Schöllenen Gorge. Or travel with your guide to Bern, Grindelwald, and Interlaken, and ride the traditional cogwheel train up the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass. You’ll get a great view of the Eiger North Face. Take to the slopes, relax in Alpine meadows, or tackle powerful currents on river-rafting tours.
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A local’s pocket guide to Lucerne

Mark lived and worked in Lucerne for 5+ years, making the most of everything Switzerland had to offer, from fondue and skiing to quick lunchtime dips in the lake.
check out the Kapellbrücke, Europe's oldest covered bridge and a true symbol of the city. You’ll quickly see why it’s the most photographed landmark in Lucerne.
includes brunch close to Kapellbrücke, a stroll beside the lake, and a visit to the old town’s chocolate shops and bakeries. Don’t miss the Löwendenkmal, an impressive lion sculpture carved into the rock.
the view from Mount Pilatus, a truly stunning and unmissable alpine vista. Take a short train ride or tour from the city and then ride the cable car to the top.
visit in late February or March when the city turns into one big festival site for a unique local carnival known as Fastnacht.
walk or take the short funicular ride to Château Gütsch, which sits high above the city, for an amazing view of the city, the lake, and the mountains.
is thinking Lucerne’s all just cheese and chocolate, when it’s actually a small but cosmopolitan university city with lots of great restaurants and bars.
People Also Ask
Lucerne is best known for its lake, mountain, and medieval Old Town, which can be seen on one tour. The Old Town standout feature is Chapel Bridge, a picturesque wooden walkway over the Reuss that is the city symbol. Other highlights include the Culture and Congress Centre and Swiss Museum of Transport.
...MoreYes. You can do Lucerne in a day. Start early on an Old Town walking tour, then set sail across the lake toward the house mountain. Take the world's steepest cogwheel train to Pilatus Kulm, and head back down via aerial cableway. Back in town, have fondue at a lakeside restaurant.
...MoreYes. English is widely spoken in Lucerne, particularly in places frequented by tourists. You'll have no trouble buying tickets or ordering food in English. But, if you're after a more immersive local experience, it's worth looking up a few Swiss German phrases before you arrive.
...MoreA walk over the iconic Chapel Bridge is a Lucerne must. From there, take a stroll along the quayside, or get lost among the Old Town's medieval facades, cobblestone streets, colorful fountains, and modern shops. Head north to the Museggmauer city wall to ascend ancient towers for an aerial city view.
...MoreYes, Lucerne is worth visiting, and those on limited time can see a mountain, lake, and Old Town in one day. The Culture and Congress Centre and the Swiss Museum of Transport are great spots for kid-friendly culture. Whether it's your first time or fifteenth, you'll find something to do.
...MoreYes. Expense-wise Lucerne is in line with the rest of Switzerland—a bit heavy on the pocket. To get more bang for your buck, get a city pass, which offers free public transport, covered entrance fees, and discounted experiences. There's also a Lucerne Visitor Card, which offers local discounts.
...MoreLucerne information
Number of Attractions | 20 |
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Number of Tours | 167 |
Number of Reviews | 4,120 |
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