Editor’s picks

Things to Do in Lucerne
Marcus CentCurated by
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Lucerne draws visitors for its combination of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The best of Bernese Oberlands from Luzern tour ranks highest with 109 reviews, providing a comprehensive alpine day trip. Paragliding Tandemflight Lucerne - Engelberg, with 64 reviews, has a adventurous aerial perspective. The Lake Luzern pick and mix Tour, popular with 56 reviews, lets travelers tailor a scenic itinerary around the lake’s highlights. These tours showcase why Lucerne remains a favored base for mountain and lake activities.

Top things to do in Lucerne

ActivityWhy goFrom*
Best of Bernese Oberlands from LuzernComprehensive alpine day tripfrom €823
Paragliding Tandemflight Lucerne - EngelbergThrilling aerial adventurefrom €217
Lake Luzern pick and mix Tour - Burgenstock, Rigi Seebodenalp and LuzernCustomizable lake sightseeingfrom €855
Heart of the Alps Private Hiking Tour from LucernePersonalized mountain hikingfrom €491
Lake Lucerne Peninsula e-Bike TourScenic e-bike lake routefrom €290
Private Lucerne Old Town Tour - Local Guide & PhotographerGuided historical photo walkfrom €43

*Per-person "from" price; ranked by traveller-review volume across the experiences we list. Live prices and availability update at booking. For the full rundown — what's worth booking, what to skip and how far ahead to plan — see our guide to things to do in Lucerne.

Every experience here is bookable with live pricing and verified reviews. Filter the full list below by category, price and duration.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do in Lucerne?

Top activities include mountain tours such as the Best of Bernese Oberlands from Luzern, paragliding flights, and lake tours that cover Burgenstock and Rigi. Walking tours of Lucerne’s Old Town also provide insight into its history and architecture.

What can I do in Lucerne if I have only one day?

A popular one-day option is the Best of Bernese Oberlands tour, which covers key alpine highlights efficiently. Alternatively, combining a lake tour with a short Old Town walk has a balanced view of nature and culture.

Are skip-the-line tickets worth it in Lucerne?

Skip-the-line tickets can save time, especially during peak seasons for popular tours and attractions. While not always necessary, they are recommended for mountain tours and guided experiences to avoid waiting.

Are there free or low-cost things to do in Lucerne?

Lucerne’s Old Town is free to wander, with historic landmarks visible from public spaces. Walking along the lakefront and visiting public parks also cost nothing, offering pleasant low-cost options.

What are the best activities for families in Lucerne?

Families often enjoy lake tours and gentle mountain excursions, like the Lake Luzern pick and mix tour. Paragliding is less common for children but older teens may participate with guidance.

How far ahead should I book tours in Lucerne?

Booking 1 to 2 weeks in advance is generally sufficient, but popular mountain and paragliding tours may require earlier reservations, especially in high season.

Do I need a guided tour to enjoy Lucerne?

Guided tours enhance understanding of Lucerne’s history and natural surroundings but are not mandatory. Self-guided walks and independent lake visits are practical alternatives.

Editor's picks

The Best of Bernese Oberlands from Luzern stands out with over 100 reviews, offering a comprehensive day trip to some of the most well-known alpine locations. For thrill-seekers, the Paragliding Tandemflight Lucerne - Engelberg delivers a distinctive perspective from the air, supported by strong review numbers. On the water, the Lake Luzern pick and mix Tour provides customizable routes covering Burgenstock, Rigi, and Seebodenalp, appealing to those wanting flexibility. For a more intimate pace, the Heart of the Alps Private Hiking Tour has a tailored mountain visit, while the Private Lucerne Old Town Tour combines local insights with photography for a memorable cultural outing. Each of these tours highlights different facets of what makes Lucerne a versatile destination.