From majestic mountains to the sparkling lake: the Lucerne region is full of unforgettable moments. Whether adventure, pleasure or culture - top experiences that will enchant you await you here.
Top Experiences
at the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region
Journey to Mount Pilatus
Lucerne's home mountain Pilatus rises impressively above Lake Lucerne. With its 2,128 meters height, it is not only a scenic beauty but also a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Besides breathtaking views, the mountain offers numerous activities from a dragon playground for the little ones, to a rope park for older visitors, to spectacular hikes for sporty guests.
There are different ways to climb Pilatus:
1. By cable car from Kriens
a. Take bus (line 1) to Kriens, Center
b. From there, walk about 10 minutes to the valley station of the Pilatus railway.
c. First with the panorama gondola to Fräkmüntegg
d. Then continue with the spectacular aerial cableway Dragon Ride in just 3 minutes and 39 seconds to the summit
2. With the steepest cogwheel railway in the world from Alpnachstad
a. By train or boat to Alpnachstad
b. With a cogwheel railway and a gradient of 48% directly to Pilatus Kulm
Tickets for transportation (bus and train) can be purchased online in advance. This saves you waiting at the valley station. Here you can access the official ticket shop of Lucerne Tourism.
Author's tip for getting there: Highly recommended is the Golden Round Trip to Pilatus. With just one ticket, you travel by boat to Alpnachstad and from there to Pilatus. Return via cable car to Kriens and from there by bus to Lucerne.
Diverse Activities on One Mountain
Rope Park Fräkmüntegg
For adventure seekers, the rope park at Fräkmüntegg offers an exciting challenge. With various courses ranging from easy to challenging, this high ropes course is ideal for climbing enthusiasts of all ages.
Dragon Glider
Experience the feeling of flying with the Dragon Glider! This spectacular glider experience lets you zoom over the landscape at high speed, an unforgettable adrenaline rush!
Toboggan Run
The summer toboggan run is one of the main attractions at Pilatus. With breathtaking views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne, the track winds rapidly down the mountain.
Flower Path from Pilatus Kulm
From mid-June onwards, the first wild plants sprout on Pilatus Kulm. While exploring the alpine flora and fauna on the flower path, you can simultaneously enjoy the breathtaking view. The numerous plants are labeled with information boards.
Pilu Land
Les familles avec enfants ne devraient pas manquer le Pilu Land. Ici, les petits peuvent découvrir la nature en jouant, tandis que les parents se détendent et profitent des environs.
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Special tip: Use the Guided Hike to Pilatus for a unique nature experience. This offer is for all who want not only to admire Pilatus but also to experience it up close. Typical for Switzerland, this includes not only a hike on the summit but also a barbecue afterward. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll learn fascinating information about the surroundings and exciting stories about the legendary Pilatus massif.
Duration of the excursion: Plan about 5 to 6 hours for the entire excursion to Pilatus.
Suitable for: Families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers.
An Unforgettable Trip to Mount Rigi
Rigi, also known as the "Queen of Mountains", offers impressive panoramic views all year round. With a height of 1,798 meters, it is not only a natural paradise but also a place full of experiences - from historic train rides to hikes to relaxation programs in the spa on the mountain.
There are different ways to get to Rigi - each with its own charm:
With Europe's oldest cogwheel railway from Vitznau
a. By boat from Lucerne to Vitznau
b. Then by cogwheel railway up to the summitWith the cogwheel railway from Arth Goldau
a. By train from Lucerne to Arth-Goldau
b. From there by cogwheel railway up to the summit.
Tickets for transportation can be purchased online in advance. This saves you waiting at the valley station. Tickets are available in the official ticket shop of Lucerne Tourism.
The most beautiful activities on Rigi
Breathtaking view from Rigi Kulm
From Rigi Kulm, the highest point of the mountain, you enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, up to 13 lakes, the Alps, and the Swiss Plateau can be seen.
Hiking on Rigi - For every level
- For connoisseurs: Easy panoramic paths, ideal for relaxed walks with magnificent views.
- For active people: More demanding routes, e.g., the Rock Path
- For adventurers: Challenging hikes from Goldau or Vitznau to the summit. More info on the hikes.
Wellness on Rigi
Those who want to relax after hiking should visit the Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad. Here you can enjoy warm thermal water with a view of the Alps - the perfect way to unwind.
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Author's tip: Rigi can be ideally combined with a boat trip from Lucerne. This way you can experience Lake Lucerne and the wonderful mountain scenery in one day.
Duration of the excursion: Plan about 6-7 hours for a relaxed tour with all highlights.
Suitable for: Families with children, leisure hikers, nature lovers, those seeking relaxation and wellness fans
Discovering Lucerne
Lucerne captivates with its unique blend of historical architecture, vibrant culture, and breathtaking nature. The city is located on Lake Lucerne, surrounded by a spectacular mountain backdrop. The old town offers many different shopping opportunities and attractions, such as the Chapel Bridge or the Lion Monument.
- By train: Lucerne is excellently connected to the Swiss rail network and can be reached from Zurich, Basel, or Bern in about an hour. Lucerne's main station is located directly by the lake and is thus the ideal starting point for an exploration tour.
- By car: If you arrive by car, you can park in one of the numerous parking facilities in the city center or by the lake.
- By boat: A romantic way to arrive is by boat across Lake Lucerne, a perfect combination for an unforgettable day trip.
Tickets for travel by train or boat can be purchased in advance online through the official ticket shop of Lucerne Tourism.
The most beautiful sights in Lucerne
Chapel Bridge
The Chapel Bridge is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe and one of Switzerland's most famous photo motifs. Particularly impressive are the historical paintings in the roof truss, depicting scenes from the city's history.
Old Town Lucerne
The old town of Lucerne enchants with its winding alleys, colorful facades, and historic squares. From exclusive watch boutiques to the local market that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday morning, there are numerous shopping opportunities. Cozy cafes invite you to linger, while attractions such as the Wine Market, the Spreuer Bridge, and the Town Hall bring the city's history to life.
The Lion Monument
The Lion Monument is an impressive rock relief showing a dying lion - a homage to the Swiss Guards who fell in Paris in 1792. The monument was initiated by a guardsman himself and carved directly into the rock by a Danish artist. It is considered one of the most moving monuments in Europe.
The Lake Promenade
Lucerne's lake promenade offers a breathtaking view of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. With every meter, the perspective of the landscape changes, which can be enjoyed on one of the numerous benches along the lakeshore. A walk at sunset is particularly romantic.
Here's the overview of all attractions in Lucerne.
Activities in the City
Guided City Tour
A guided city tour is the best way to get to know Lucerne and its hidden treasures. Learn why Lucerne was once a water city, what secrets lie behind the artistically painted facades of the old town, and which famous personalities visited the city. A tour lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and is especially worthwhile for first-time visitors. Public city tours in German or English take place several times a week
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Author's tip: For groups, we recommend one of the versatile themed tours, e.g., on medieval history or Lucerne's art scene. These are conducted in German.
The Swiss Museum of Transport
The Swiss Museum of Transport is an absolute must for technology and history enthusiasts! It offers a unique and interactive journey of discovery through Switzerland's transport history. The museum showcases an impressive collection of nostalgic trains, aircraft, and ships from different eras and brings the development of transport and technologies to life. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there are always changing themes, which make a second or even third visit worthwhile. Particularly impressive is the planetarium, which fascinates with exciting shows about the universe. Or the newest permanent exhibition on the topic of energy.
Tickets and more information in the official ticket shop of Lucerne Tourism.
Culinary Highlights
Top-Restaurants:
- Restaurant Des Balances: Gourmet cuisine with a view of the Reuss
- Wirtshaus Taube: Traditional Swiss dishes
- Old Swiss House: Famous for its Wiener Schnitzel
Top-Cafés:
- Alpineum: Delicious coffee specialities and homemade patisserie
- Melissa's Kitchen: Ideal for brunch in Lucerne
- Mill'Feuille: Breakfast at the Reuss
An overview of the best restaurants in Lucerne can be found here.
Author's tip: Enjoy a coffee in an old town café and observe the hustle and bustle of the city!
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Author's tip: The Lucerne Museum Pass gives you access to nine different museums on two consecutive days. This includes the Swiss Museum of Transport and other exciting art, culture and history museums in the city. The pass is ideal for anyone who wants to make the most of Lucerne's diverse museum landscape. You can find more information at the official ticket shop of Lucerne Tourism.
Discovering Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne is surrounded by impressive mountains and charming localities. Its fjord-like corners are best explored during a romantic steamboat ride, a hike along the shores, or while strolling through the picturesque villages. No matter which way you choose, Lake Lucerne offers the perfect experience for everyone.
Start of the Journey
The journey begins opposite the main train station in Lucerne at Pier 1. From here, most SGV ships depart, taking you on a journey into the blue. We have linked the exact timetable here.
The best Experiences on Lake Lucerne
Steamboat Cruise
A trip on a historic paddle steamer is as much a part of visiting Lucerne as taking a photo of the Chapel Bridge. While the ship leisurely cruises over the lake, you can take a look at the steam engine or watch the picturesque scenery pass by from the deck. You can find the timetable here.
Note that no steam ships operate during the winter months.
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Author's tip: The Grand Lake Tour is ideal for everyone who wants to experience Lake Lucerne in its full splendor. It goes once around the entire lake and offers an unforgettable experience with spectacular views.
Hiking with Lake Views
Seelisberg: An easy hike for families with play, fun, and fantastic views of Lake Lucerne. The starting point is Lucerne, from where you take the boat to Treib. In Treib, the funicular takes you up to Seelisberg. From there, the approximately 3 km long path (about 1 hour walking time) runs along the road with a beautiful view of Lake Lucerne to the children's playground at Tannwald.
Klewenalp: Accessible by cable car from Beckenried, Klewenalp is an ideal starting point for hikes with spectacular views of Lake Lucerne. Whether leisurely high-altitude trails, challenging summit tours, or the popular route to Emmetten, there is something for everyone.
Swiss Path: The Swiss Path leads along Lake Lucerne through historic sites such as the Rütli meadow and the Tell Chapel. The route offers spectacular views and idyllic rest areas. The hike is divided into four stages, making it perfect to combine with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne. Those who prefer to combine nature and history are well-served by one of the four hikes.
More info on the timetable can be found on the official ticket shop of Lucerne Tourism.
Duration of the Excursion
Plan at least half a day to a full day to enjoy the lake and its surroundings in a relaxed way.
Suitable for: Families with children, hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking relaxation
Discovering Charming Localities around the Lake
Brunnen: A picturesque lake promenade, perfect cafés, and even a mini-golf course directly by the water can be perfectly combined with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne.
Weggis: Mediterranean flair with a mild climate and views of Rigi. Ideal for a leisurely stroll with a break in one of the many restaurants directly on the lake.
Flüelen: Ideal starting point for hikes and water sports.
Book tickets online easily through the official ticket shop of Lucerne Tourism.