10 Best Things to Do in Lucerne | Ultimate Travel Guide

Things to Do in Lucerne Switzerland: Complete Travel Guide for Every Season:

Lucerne offers magnificent views of lakes and mountains. It is a great place to view Swiss art and architecture. It is also the base camp to many popular mountains in Switzerland. You can easily make day trips to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi from Lucerne.

Although Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument are extremely popular and worth seeing destination, there are many other tourist attractions in Lucerne which you can visit with your partner. The Old Town of Lucerne has more beautiful architecture and streets. You can hike on mountain or take a boat tour on the lake form other scenic areas. There are many museums and art galleries in the area. If you visit during the winter, there are various popular Christmas markets to visit.

This travel guide has information about all the best things to do in Lucerne. It includes activities to do if you only have one day in Lucerne. There are many affordable things to do in Lucerne. You can see additional information provided for families, people traveling alone, and groups. This guide provides information about activities to do in Lucerne during the summer and winter as well as when it rains.

Best Things to Do in Lucerne Switzerland:

You can see all of Lucerne’s major attractions on foot by book your journey through Kayak. The charming architecture of old Swiss buildings and the crystal clear lake with snow capped mountains give Lucerne amazing views.

You should see the beautiful lake and the buildings in the center of town. Lucerne has many mountains and you can take trains to them if you have time.

1. Chapel Bridge and Water Tower:

Chapel Bridge is a Swiss and Lucernese icon. It is the most famous and oldest wooden bridge in Switzerland. It is also the longest bridge with length of 320m. Many paintings are made of this famous tourist attraction. In summer, the month of August to be important, a number of weekly festivals are held on this bridge.

In the Chapel Bridge is a sculpture of a broken Swiss Guard shield and a lion with its arm resting on the shield.

The roof of the bridge is covered with paintings that depict important figures and events of Lucerne. Taking a walk on the bridge helps one to appreciate the paintings as well as the beautiful lake and the mountains.

Another monument that deserves recognition which is next to the bridge is the Water Tower. It is like the Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower has a long and interesting history. It was used as a defense tower and prison at some point in time.

2. The Lion Monument:

This sculpture honors Swiss Guards who were defending the French Royal family and lost their lives in the French revolution. In this sculpture, a reclining lion represents the Guards, with a broken heart over a fallen French shield. It’s quiet and surrounded by trees, as compared to the city streets.

About the Lion Monument:

It is a significant historic site
It is free to the public
It is close to other sites in the Old Town
It takes very little time to see

Travelers who are searching for things to do in Lucerne which will cost them nothing, the Lion Monument is definitely recommended.

3. Discover the Old Town (Altstadt) of Lucerne:

The Old town of Lucerne is small and you can cover it in a short time. It is beautiful and worth seeing. Few things to do in Old Town of Lucerne are:

Kornmarkt
Weinmarkt
The river
The Jesuit Church
Traditional Swiss Shops

Do not rush when exploring Lucerne. You will stumble upon lots of hidden nice little secrets, like old fountains, and pretty murals.

Best Old Town Experience:

A simple walking route:

Chapel Bridge → Reuss River → Jesuit Church → Weinmarkt → Kornmarkt → Lion Monument

This route covers many important sights within a few hours.

4. Lake Lucerne and the Surrounding Area:

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland is Lake Lucerne, which is located in the city of Lucerne. This lake is surrounded by the Alps and jaw-dropping landscapes, it gives a beautiful view of Swiss highlands.

There are several boat cruises are available here, ranging from short sightseeing cruises to longer cruises that cover different towns like Weggis and Vitznau.

Things to do around Lake Lucerne includes:

Go on a walk along the lake
Take pictures during the gorgeous Swiss sunset
Relax at cozy cafes on the lake
Take a boat cruise
Visit surrounding Swiss villages
There is so much to do during both summer and winter.

5. Go to Musegg Wall and Towers:

If you want a nice and peaceful time in Lucerne then go to Musegg Wall. Here, Lake Lucerne and the Alps, you can see an incredible panoramic view of the city, .

In Lucerne there are also a few medieval towers, and one of them is Zyt Tower. This medieval tower has a 16th century clock. The tower is famous for being the first to strike the hour in Lucerne.

You should check out the Musegg Wall for these reasons:

It’s free.
Gets you some of the best views in Lucerne.
Less crowded than other attractions.
Great for taking pictures.
One of the best free activities in Lucerne.

If you want the best views and photos, try to go either really early in the morning or in the evening.

If you want an excellent view of the Alps then go to Pilatus Mountain. Many of the tours that depart from Lucerne always include Pilatus Mountain.

There are lots of fun things to do in the summer and winter. We recommend hiking, photography and enjoying the views in the summer, and taking snow hikes, enjoying the winter views and cafes in the winter.

One of the best ways to see the Alps and Lucerne is to take the cogwheel train to Pilatus Mountain. The cost is cheaper in the winter and you get to see the Alps covered in snow.

It is recommended that you must take a mountain weather forecast, so you can see the view from the top of the mountain.

6. Mount Rigi: Queen of the Mountains:

Mount Rigi is another magnificent mountains near Lucerne. It is fittingly called the “Queen of the Mountains.” It is home to beautiful walking paths, and offers views of a collection of Swiss lakes and picturesque scenery.

It is sometimes said that Mount Rigi has a more relaxed environment and less of an adventure feel compared to other mountains, making it perfect for taking scenic walks.

One of the perks of going to Mount Rigi is taking a variety of unique and different forms of transportation. You can take a boat on Lake Lucerne, ride a mountain train, and take a variety of other mountain railways and lifts to get different views of the Alps.

Mount Rigi has a very beautiful easy hiking trails for travelers. It is perfect for families and people of all ages. It is especially great place for elderly people and couples because the viewpoints are all located at the top. During the winter it offers great views of the Swiss Alps which is fully covered in snow.

7. Swiss Museum of Transport:

It is one of the biggest transport museums in the world, the Swiss Museum of Transport, is just on the outskirts of Lucerne and is an excellent destination for all rainy day activity for the family.

However, beacuse of its many interactive exhibits, children and adults can easily spend the day learning about how different means of transport have developed and improved through the years.

What’s more?

Old, classic, and special interest cars.
Aviation and space exhibitions.
Old and historic trains.
New and Future transport exhibits.
Other Science, Technology, and Innovation displays.
And lots of electronic games and simulations.

When planning family friendly activities in and around Lucerne, especially on rainy days, this place is a must see destination.

9. Glacial Gardens of Lucerne:

This location is not far from Lucerne is a small garden displaying glaciers that once covered the region during the ice ages. The rocks and soil layered reveal thousands of years of geological history.

These gardens display ancient glaciers and rocks, and contain fossils. The site provides information about the Alpine glaciers and how they shaped the Swiss landscape.

What also draws visitors to Glacier Garden is the mirror maze and other exhibits.

Is It Worth Visiting Glacier Garden?

It provides an enjoyable activity during bad weather.
It is very close to the Lion Monument.
It is great for children.
It combines 2 of children’s (and adult’s) favorite things, history and nature.

You can also see the Lion Monument because they are close to each other.

The Jesuit Church:

The Jesuit Church in Lucerne, was the first large church in Switzerland to be constructed in the Baroque style. Which was completed in the 17th century, it is located on the banks of the River Reuss.

Tourists can see:

Baroque stucco ceilings
Opulent interiors
Wonderful river views

Things to Do in Lucerne in One Day:

Lucerne is an ideal destination for a short trip as lots of attractions are relatively close to each other. You can get a taste of what this area has to offer in just a day’s time.

Take a look at this itinerary for a day in Lucerne.

Morning

8:30 Chapel Bridge

Chapel Bridge is one of the most beautiful covered bridges, and a great example of Lucerne’s beautiful architecture. For the best viewing, come early in the day to see it before the crowds and reflections develop on the water.

Spend some time to:

Walk the length of the bridge
Capture the lovely scenes of River Reuss

9:15 Old Town

Take a stroll through the historic center of Lucerne and enjoy the sites of:

Weinmarkt Square
Kornmarkt Square
Jesuit Church

10:30 Lion Monument

Spend around 30 minutes taking in this famous monument dedicated to the fallen during the French Revolution.

Afternoon

12:00 Lunch

Take time for lunch and try some local Swiss dishes

Cheese Fondue
Rosti
Local Pastries

1:30 Lake Cruise

No visit to Lucerne is complete without a beautiful ferry ride on Lake Lucerne.

3:00 Mount Pilatus

Take the train to Mount Pilatus for epic Alpine scenic views.

Take the train to Mount Rigi for more relaxing scenic views.

Both require about 3-4 hours round trip from Lucerne

Evening

Enjoy the sunset along Lake Lucerne in Old Town.

Things to Do in Lucerne for Free:

While some consider Lucerne one of the cheap cities to visit in Europe, there are many fun and interesting things to do for free.

Free Activities:

1. Stroll Across Chapel Bridge

The icon of Lucerne’s skyline is completely free to enjoy.

2. Find the Lion

See one of Lucerne’s most prominent sites for free.

3. Stroll Old Town

There’s beautiful, historic architecture at your leisure.

4. Lake Lucerne

There’s a picturesque promenade where you can take in views of:

Boats
Mountains
and Historic Structures.

5. Musegg Wall

Take in the view and the sites of Lucerne for free.

6. River Reuss

Get that postcard picture of Chapel Bridge for free.

7. Church Hop

Both are impressive and awe-inspiring, without charge.

Things to Do in Lucerne With Kids:

Lucerne has plenty of activities for families. It’s a family-friendly destination from boating and museums, to hiking and historic sites. It is convenient for families of all configurations to explore because of its safety and walkability. It is also a good location for a family’s first Swiss vacation. The Museum of Transport is great for families because it has plenty of old modes of transportation for families to see and interact with it. Kids can get a lesson from this musuem as well as lot of fun.

The museum offers

Many interactive displays
Interesting exhibits
Stimulating activities
Informative demonstrations
Rain, snow, or unseasonably cold weather also provides an opportunity to visit the museum.

1. Take a Boat Tour on Lake Lucerne:

Boat tours on Lake Lucerne provide some of the best scenic views while providing fun and relaxing transportation for guests of all ages.

View boat trips offer:

Scenery
Refreshment
Comfort
Less walking

2. Take a Mountain Railway

Trips on mountain railway provide:

Amazing views
Adventure
Relaxation

There are several choices for cable cars, providing trips for all age groups.

3. Take a Lake Steamer:

During the summer, steamer rides are a fun and easy outing for the family.

Views
Fresh air

5. See the Glacier Garden:

The garden has a maze, and other exhibits that provide information about ancient glaciers and fossils.

I suggest:

Taking walks by the lake
Spending time at river locations
Using playgrounds and other green spaces

There are lots of things to keep the kids occupied while parents keep on enjoying the many sites around Lucerne.

Things to Do in Lucerne Switzerland Summer:

During the summer months the capital city of Lucerne is a beautiful place to visit. Many hiking trails and other outdoor activities become available with the opening of mountain trails. Boating and other water activities on Lake Lucerne are very popular with guests.

Long days and nights during the summer mean there is lots of time to enjoy all the out door activities in and around Lucerne and then have fun in the nightlife of Lucerne.

1. Take Advantage of Lake Lucerne:

Many hikers walk the circuit of Lake Lucerne, which enables them to enjoy the views and stop for swims, boat tours and excursions. Many people also enjoy taking pictures because of the beautiful landscape.

2. Hiking in the Region of Lucerne:

Lucerne is known as the gateway to central Switzerland. However, the popular destination such as Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi offers many steep and challenging hikes. Different options are available for beginners and for the more daring people.

Trails for Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi offer:

Varied and picturesque Alpine scenes
Views of lakes and other scenic vistas

Trails to the top of Mount Rigi are not the best for families or children because they are pretty difficult and not very gentle. There are plenty of activities for nature-lovers in and around Lucerne.

Alpine sport tourism is developed, with many activities on offer (water sports, sailing, swimming, boat tours, etc.), and many restaurants and Biergartens along the lakes and rivers.

Swiss food and mountain views are very beautiful, and you get to enjoy them while you take direct sunlight from the summer sun and cheer along as other tourists enjoy many water activities on offer.

Short excursions to surrounding villages are leisurely and give breathtaking views.

Things to Do in Lucerne in Winter:

Lucerne may not be the cheapest city to visit in Europe but there are plenty of things to see and can do for free during your visit.

Strolling Across Chapel Bridge:

Chapel Bridge is one of Lucerne’s most famous sites and is completely free to the public.

Seeing the Lion:

Another of Lucerne’s most recognized sites is also free to the public.

Walking Old Town:

Take a leisurely stroll through Old Town and see some of Lucerne’s sites.

Picturesque Lake Promenade:

It is located along Lake Lucerne, see boats, mountains and historical structures all from one long accessible pathway.

Musegg Wall:

Take in the sites and get some of the best views of Lucerne all for free.

Chapel Bridge and Lucerne’s Church’s:

Both are magnificent and will not disappoint.

There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Lucerne. It is very walkable destination making it great for families of all kinds to get arount town. The Museum of Transport is great for families. There are old trains and other forms of transportation for kids to see. There are also family discounts. Older children may enjoy the many hands on exhibits that teach various scientific principles. It is fun for people of all ages. It is very huge area so you may want to plan to spend the majority of a rainy, or very cold, day there.

Boat Tour on Lake Lucerne:

The enjoyable and scenic boat tours on Lake Lucerne are a fruitful views for the eyes and provide quick transit to various destinations.

1. Boat trips provide scenic views.

2. They offer refreshments.

3. Their tours provide comfort.

4. Their trips reduce the amount of walking that tourists normally do.

Mountain Railways

Trips made via mountain railways also provide scenic and beautiful views, and can be considered an adventurous outing.

Like cable cars, they also help provide relaxation.
There are trips for people of all ages.
Lake Steamer
Steamer rides are an enjoyable and scenic trip especially for families.
They offer fresh and pure Alpine air.

5. Glacial Gardens

The Gardens provide information about ancient glaciers and provide educational exhibits.

In addition, visitors can enjoy the following for free:

Picnics
Walks by the lake
Hikes
Playgrounds
Other parks
Other green areas

Mount Rigi has a lot to offer in winter:

Hiking trails
Cozy mountain restaurants
Magnificent views

Families prefer Mount Rigi because many parts of it are easily accessible.

Walk Through Winter Old Town

Winter transforms Lucerne’s Old Town with beautiful walks, warm cafes, and shops.

Visit Museums and Indoor Attractions

In winter, when outdoor activities are limited, visit one of Lucerne’s museums.

Some of them are:

Swiss Transport Museum
Rosengart Collection
Glacier Garden
Richard Wagner Museum

Things to Do in Lucerne Switzerland in December:

December is one of the best months to visit Lucerne. At this time, Lucerne combines different Christmas traditions with winter activities and decorations.

Visitors can find a host of activities to celebrate Christmas in Lucerne, Switzerland during December.

Visit Lucerne Christmas Markets:

Different Christmas markets are set up all around the old town of Lucerne. Here you can find all kinds of Christmas decorations and other gifts.

Other things to buy are:

Mucs
Kas
Hot chocolate and Mulled wine

The most exciting thing to do is to take a walk through the Christmas lights.

See Christmas Decorations around Old Town:

All Lucerne’s bridges, historic buildings, and public squares are illuminated during the month of December.

Best places for a winter walk:

Weinmarkt
Kornmarkt
Lake Lucerne
Chapel Bridge

Enjoy Winter Mountain Trips

Things to Do in Lucerne at Night:

Lucerne’s nightlife does not compare to Zurich’s, but the tranquility of the old town is sight-seeing for everyone. There are plenty of cultural opportunities as well as romance.

1. Walk Across Chapel Bridge

While daytime pictures of Chapel Bridge turn out wonderfully, nighttime pictures of the bridge are truly impressive. This is because the bridge is almost always fully packed with daytime tourists. During the summer, I went at night specifically to take pictures of the bridge because I didn’t want to deal with the massive crowds. During the nighttime hours, the bridge is deserted which gives you an opportunity to take amazing pictures.

If you take a walk along Lake Lucerne during the night, you will have the opportunity to participate in the many recreational activities available along the lake. Many of these restaurants are lovely to take a picture. Many of them are worth looking at if you don’t mind taking a picture of the exterior. If you prefer arts and entertainment, there are plenty of shows and performances in Lucerne including music concerts and shows, and theater performances. There are lots of opportunities to see live music in Lucerne.

Many photographers believe that Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities to photograph and worth the trip just to see for yourself. Many agree that photographing the city at night can be just as beautiful as doing so in the day. Old Town and Lake Promenade are beautiful at night.

Things to Do in Lucerne Switzerland on a Rainy Day:

Lucerne offers numerous indoor attractions which includes museums and shopping. Which also covered walkways connect many of the attractions.

Although it rains there at times, Lucerne is a great destination through out the year.

The Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne is the largest museum of its kind in the world. It is divided into several sections. One of them is devoted to road transportation and another to rail transportation. Still another is devoted to air and water transportation. There is also a large section devoted to communication. The museum has something of interest to people of all ages.

Picasso and Klee are just two of the many famous artists that have works in the Rosengart collection.

The Glacier Garden offers several indoor exhibits and a mirror maze. It also includes a display showing different types of erosion and glacial formations. There is no shortage of churches in Lucerne. The church organ in one of them is especially notable.

Pastries and a variety of hot beverives are served at many cafes in Lucerne.

Good choices include:

Jesuit Church
Hofkirche
Old Town buildings

Hidden Gems in Lucerne Most Tourists Miss:

Many tourists take the short mountain trips to see Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. Try visiting some of these places to get a feel for Lucerne that is impressive.

1. Spreuer Bridge:

Although many tourists cross Chapel Bridge, very few cross Spreuer Bridge. It is a lovely bridge with better scenes of the town and river.

2. Hofkirche St. Leodegar:

Another great place to see impressive architecture is Hofkirche. The surroundings are peaceful.

3. Musegg Wall:

While all tourists see the short Wall, Musegg, very few see the great views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps that are available from the Wall.

4. Bruch Quarter:

In the Bruch Quarter, tourists can see the beautiful scenes that Lucerne is famous for, but away from the crowds. Here they can see small shops and cafes.

5. Richard Wagner Museum:

The museum is located in a great location near Lake Lucerne. The museum gives a great account of the famous composer.

With beautiful, historic architecture, views of the lake and gardens, what more could you want? It is a must for culture and music lovers.

Best Places to Eat in Lucerne:

Switzerland is known for many delicious dishes and Lucerne is a great place to try them.

Dishes to Try in Lucerne:

Cheese Fondue
Dip bread in a savory cheese dip.
Rösti
Potato pancakes.
Raclette
Melted cheese and other items.
Swiss Chocolate
Tours to Sweets Shops are a must.

Where to Eat in Lucerne:

Old Town
First time visitors and history buffs love the traditional food here.
Lake Front
Enjoy food and the view here at night.
Near Chapel Bridge
Conveniently located between many attractions and shopping.
Lucerne Travel Tips

How Long to Stay in Lucerne:

You can easily see all there is to do and see in Lucerne in a day.

Duration | Suggested Plan

Few Hours | Chapel Bridge, Old Town, Lion Monument

1 Day | Lake Cruise and 1 mountain trip
2 Days | No additional sites
3 Days | No additional sites

Best Time to Visit Lucerne

Summer (June-September) Hiking and lake activities
Winter (December-February) Christmas and snow
Spring and Fall Sight seeing, and less people

Best Way to Get around Lucerne

Walking is best way to see central Lucerne. Other options include

Bus
Boat
Train
Mountain Railways

Using a Swiss Travel Pass can be helpful to see a lot of the lakes and take a lot of trains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Lucerne Switzerland
It rains occasionally in Lucerne but it is a destination place year round.

The Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne is the biggest and the best transport museum in the world. It has different means of transport and communication in different periods of time. It also has a large section of toys. A visit to this museum is interesting and informative for persons of all ages.

The Rosengart collection in Lucerne has many precious paintings by famous artists like Picasso and Klee, among others.

The Glacier Garden has many exhibits and a confusing mirror maze. It also has exhibits illustrating various forms of glacial erosion.

There are many churches in Lucerne. One has an interesting and valuable organ.

There are many cafes in Lucerne. Most serve hot beverages and pastries.

Other places of interest include:

The old town of Lucerne
The Jesuit Church
Hofkirche
Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi

2. Is it worth visiting Lucerne just for one day?

Yes, because Lucerne’s attractions are fairly centralized, it is a good option for a one day visit from Switzerland.

One day itineraries can consist of:

Chapel Bridge
Lion Monument
Jesuit Church
Old Town
Mount Pilatus/Mount Rigi

For a visit of two days or more, there are additional scenic mountain excursions, museums and towns to visit.

3. What are the best free activities to do in Lucerne?

Some of the most popular and impressive attractions in Lucerne are completely free to visit.

The best free activities are:

Walking on Chapel Bridge
Seeing the Lion Monument
Exploring Old Town
Stroll along Lake Lucerne
Musegg Wall

For the best views of the river, you can take photos for free along the way.

4. Is Lucerne a child friendly destination?

Yes, there are plenty of family friendly activities and attractions in Lucerne.

For families visiting Lucerne, some fun activities include:

The Museums (especially the Transport Museum)

Rides on Lake Lucerne
Mountain Rail excursions
The Glacier Garden
Parks and playgrounds

5. What is there to do in Lucerne in the Winter?

During the Winter months there are several festive activities, sledding and outdoor skating.

Things to do in December include:

Mt. Pilatus
Mt. Rigi
Walk in Old Town
Eat typical food and visit Christmas markets
Ride the Mt. Pilatus Cogwheel
December is nice because of Christmas.

1. What are the activities you recommend doing in Lucerne in December?

Christmas markets
Old Town
Mountain trips
Cafés
Food

Old Town, in combination with winter, is very pretty.

2. What do you recommend doing in Lucerne with children when it rains?

There are many things to do inside when it rains.

Transport museum
Rosengart collection
Glacier Garden
Richard Wagner museum
Jesuit church
Old Town

Rainy days are good to have the town to yourself.

3. How many days should one plan to spend in Lucerne?

2 or 3 days is the minimum to do everything nearby.

4. How would you rate Lucerne for cost of travel?

Food and hotels are more expensive in Lucerne.
Travelers can lower costs by choosing:
Free activities and attractions
Public transportation
Less expensive restaurants
Less central/tourist accommodation

There are many free activities and things to see and do in Lucerne. Walking tours of old town and getting a view of the lake are just two of many free activities.

What is the most pleasant month to go to Lucerne?

The months listed give the best weather and experiences for different kinds of activities.

June-September = Best for hiking, lake activities, and outdoor experiences
December = Christmas markets and winter experiences
January-February = Best for winter activities and experiences
April-May and October = Good weather and experiences with less crowds

Final thoughts on the best activities to do in Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne has a great combination of different things to do and see and gives visitors a great impression to the Swiss people and country. Exploring medieval areas, taking a cruise on the lake, or just getting an incredible view are just a few of the great experiences for any and all types of travelers.

Most of the experiences and sites are easy to see in just a day, but if travelers have more time they can take day trips to the mountains, visit museums and take Railways to other parts of Switzerland.

Every season and even afternoons give new and fun experiences for travelers. Exploring the medieval areas are fun but going during the winter and summer give new experiences and adventures as well.

With all these great experiences Lucerne is a great first stop for exploring Switzerland.

10 Best Things to Do in Lucerne Switzerland | Ultimate Travel Guide