Lucerne cityscape

Lucerne: Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument & Alpine Views

Plan your Lucerne trip — lake cruises to Pilatus, Old Town walks, and Swiss dining worth the detour.

Your Guide to Lucerne

Tours, hotels, travel guides and local interests — everything you need for your trip.

railway tracks winding up green slopes of Mount Rigi with lake and distant hills under clear blue sky
Editor's Pick
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

Depart for a full-day trip with a lovely coach ride along the shores of beautiful Lake Lucerne to Weggis, a charming summer resort on the Lucerne Riviera. Board the aerial cableway to Rigi Kaltbad and enjoy a breathtaking vista of pristine Lake Lucerne. Change for Europe's first-ever mountain railway to Rigi-Kulm at 1,797 m a.s.l. The unsurpassed views from the summit over the Swiss Midlands with its deep blue lakes and the snow-capped mountain range of the Alps will overwhelm you! Stop for a moment and take in the views at Rigi, also known as Queen of Mountains, before you descend to Vitznau by cogwheel train. Dock at the Lucerne pier and stroll through the medieval streets of the Old Town.

From
€164.27
per person
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mount pilatus towering over green fields and a lakeside village under a clear blue sky
Editor's Pick
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

From Zurich, take a coach ride through the countryside to Lucerne. On arrival, join a short drive past landmarks like the Chapel Bridge, Town Hall, Jesuit Church, and the Culture and Convention Centre (KKL). Then, enjoy free time to eat, shop, or explore the Old Town. Continue to Kriens and take a gondola to Fräkmüntegg. From there, ride the Dragon Ride cable car to the top of Mt. Pilatus (2,132 meters). At the summit, you can visit Dragon World, walk the Dragon Trail, or hike to the peak if weather allows. Have lunch at a mountain restaurant and enjoy the views. Then, take the steep cogwheel railway down to Alpnachstad. End the day with a 1-hour boat ride on Lake Lucerne. You can finish the tour in Lucerne or return to Zurich by coach.

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€201.51
per person
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Audience seated in dark theater watching a large screen with a woman in a red dress holding a cello
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

With a single ticket, you gain access to the museum, the movie theater, the planetarium, and the Swiss Chocolate Adventure at the Swiss Museum of Transport.

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€67.90
per person
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Yellow and blue train traveling through a green valley with yellow wildflowers and mountains in the background
Editor's Pick
Headout
(4 reviews)

The Berner Oberland Pass grants travelers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout the Bernese Oberland region for a consecutive period of 3, 4, 6, 8, or 10 days. Starting from Lucerne, visitors can take scenic train journeys over mountain passes and through valleys, accessing well-known destinations such as Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Thun. The pass also includes boat cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, providing a varied mode of travel that showcases the region's diverse landscapes. The itinerary is flexible, allowing travelers to tailor each day based on their interests and pace, moving seamlessly between alpine villages and lakeside towns without additional ticket purchases. Key stops along the routes include Interlaken, a town stretching between Lakes Thun and Brienz, offering views of the Jungfrau massif. Grindelwald lies at the foot of the Eiger North Face, where visitors can witness rugged cliffs and alpine meadows. Lauterbrunnen valley features 72 waterfalls, such as the Staubbach Falls, cascading down sheer cliffs. Boat rides across Lake Brienz reveal turquoise waters framed by pine forests and towering mountains, while Lake Thun presents panoramic vistas of castles and pleasant villages. Each location invites visitors to absorb the crisp mountain air, hear the rush of waterfalls or the gentle lapping of lake waves, and observe the traditional Swiss chalets dotting the landscape. The pass is designed for independent travel rather than guided tours, offering flexibility in timing and route choice. Transport consists of punctual and efficient Swiss trains, local buses winding through mountain roads, and comfortable passenger boats operated by regional companies. Group size varies naturally as travelers use public transport, but staff at stations and on boats provide helpful information when needed. The pass reduces the hassle of buying multiple tickets, allowing spontaneous day trips and easy access to hiking trails, cultural sites, and local markets. This travel option suits people who enjoy self-directed journeys with a focus on natural scenery and regional culture. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and those interested in authentic mountain towns, the pass provides a comprehensive means to experience the Bernese Oberland without fixed itineraries. It also benefits frequent visitors who want to revisit favorite spots or venture off the main tourist paths over several days.

From
€303.00
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Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne accommodation image
Lucerne
4 Star Rating
€172.75
per night
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Holiday Inn Express - Luzern - Kriens by IHG accommodation image
Lucerne
ibis Luzern Kriens accommodation image
Lucerne
3 Star Rating
€106.25
per night
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ibis Styles Luzern accommodation image
Lucerne
3 Star Rating
€116.99
per night
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Where to Eat in Lucerne: Restaurant Guide 2026 article image

Savor culinary delights in Lucerne with top picks like Restaurant Rebstock, where a three-course meal starts at CHF 45, available from January 2026.

Complete Guide to Things to Do in Lucerne article image

Lucerne's three essential stops are Chapel Bridge (1333, free), the Lion Monument (free), and the Swiss Transport Museum (CHF 34). Add a lake cruise (from CHF 25) and the Mount Pilatus round trip (CHF 72) for a complete first visit. The compact Old Town covers just 1 km and is fully walkable.

Best Day Trips from Lucerne: Mountains, Lakes & Villages article image

Mount Pilatus, 2,132 meters high, is accessible via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad for CHF 72 round-trip in 2024. Lake Lucerne covers 114 square kilometers, with ferry rides costing CHF 25 for a two-hour cruise to the village of Weggis, 35 km from Lucerne city center.

Lucerne Neighborhoods Guide: Areas to Know article image

The Lucerne Old Town, dating back to the 14th century, lies just 600 meters from the lakefront, featuring cobblestone streets and frescoed buildings. Hotel prices average CHF 150 per night, while boat tours on Lake Lucerne start at CHF 25 for a 1-hour trip.

What Travelers Say About Lucerne

4.9 avg rating|719+ reviews

Rosa was a fantastic guide. We got to see Lucerne through a local’s perspective and learn about its unique culture & history. We would highly recommend it!

B
bettylL1474UB
Lucerne Small-Group Walking Tour: History, Culture & Hidden Gems

This was a great addition to my visit to Lucerne. I love hiking, so exploring the area on top of Pilatus was perfect. Marion Tobler was an excellent guide - congenial, helpful, and very knowledgeable.

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Pam
Mt. Pilatus Day Trip with Guided Hike and Swiss BBQ from Lucerne

Our guide Lou was amazing. She took the time to customize a day trip to hike Mt Rigi. for my husband and I. I referred to us as the rabbit and hare in our abilities.

I
Inspire10944092971
Private Guided Day Trip to Pilatus

Guide to Lucerne Neighborhoods