Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne

A wooden covered bridge and old town on a lake ringed by mountains.

  • All year
  • 1 night
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Nearby hidden places
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Things to do

2 days in Lucerne

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk across the wooden Chapel Bridge and through the old town's painted squares.
  2. AfternoonTake the boat across the lake and the cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, the world's steepest.
  3. EveningWalk along the lakefront promenade and see the Lion Monument lit at night.

Day 2

Ride up Mount Rigi, or visit the Swiss Museum of Transport.

What to eat

Luzerner Chügelipastete, a puff pastry pie with meat in cream sauce.

Local tips

Make the most of Lucerne

Beat the crowds

The Chapel Bridge is busiest midday. Walk it early in the morning.

Best photo spot

The Chapel Bridge and the water tower from the riverbanks, and the old town from the city walls.

Getting there

Trains connect with Zurich in under an hour. Lake boats leave from in front of the station.

Don't miss nearby

Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, both with cable cars or cog railways.

Good to know

The city walls are free to walk in summer. A lake cruise is a relaxing way to see the area.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Lucerne

Our most hidden places around Lucerne: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Lucerne to take with you.

13 km away
73 km away
76 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Lucerne

Getting there

  • Zürich Airport (ZRH)50 km away
  • Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL)85 km away
  • Bern65 km away
  • Basel80 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Nature
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountrySwitzerland

Questions

Lucerne: good to know

Is Lucerne worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and nature. A wooden covered bridge and old town on a lake ringed by mountains.

How many days do you need in Lucerne?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Lucerne?

You can visit all year. The Chapel Bridge is busiest midday. Walk it early in the morning.

How do you get to Lucerne?

The nearest airport is Zürich Airport (ZRH), about 50 km away. Trains connect with Zurich in under an hour. Lake boats leave from in front of the station.

What is there to see near Lucerne?

Nearby hidden places include Lake Brienz (Iseltwald) (46 km), Grindelwald (52 km) and Lauterbrunnen (59 km).

Day trips from Lucerne: 18 hidden places nearby
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