Lucerne
Lucerne sits at the end of a fjord-like lake with mountains rising directly from the water. The old town is small, with painted facades, a covered wooden bridge and a lake promenade, and boats leave from the station quay to villages and mountain railways around the shore. It is the easiest base for a first alpine trip.
How long to stay
May to October for boats and mountain excursions.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Lucerne yet
Is Lucerne right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Lucerne is known for.
Great for
- Family
- Solo
Less of a focus
- History & culture
- Food
- Nightlife
- Nature
- Couples
Build your Lucerne trip
Top things to do
Chapel Bridge
Free entry · Paid extras availableLucerne
The fourteenth-century covered wooden footbridge across the Reuss, with painted panels in the roof gables and a stone water tower beside it.
Mount Pilatus
Entrance CHF 60 · VerifiedLucerne
The 2,128-metre mountain above Lucerne, reached by the world's steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad or by gondola from Kriens.
Run a restaurant, café or tour in Lucerne? List your business.
Popular activities
Lake Lucerne boat cruise
Scheduled paddle steamer across the lake between mountain villages.