Lucerne Holidays

Think lakes, mountains and medieval charm – Lucerne is basically Switzerland’s version of a fairy tale (with better cheese).

Highlights

• 🏔️ Mountains for days – hop on a cogwheel train or cable car to epic peaks like Pilatus and Rigi

• 🌉 Medieval vibes – covered bridges, clock towers and cobbled streets galore

• 🚤 Lake Lucerne boat cruises – sunsets, swans, and views for days

• 🧀 Cheese, chocolate, and more cheese – enough said, really

Getting around

Lucerne is super compact, clean, and a total dream to explore. The old town is completely walkable, so you won’t need anything more than comfy shoes and maybe a camera strap. If you’re heading to the mountains or want to explore the lake, boats, trains and cable cars are well connected and run like Swiss clockwork. Want to level up your travel pass game? The Tell-Pass or Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited access to boats, buses, trams and mountain excursions in the region. Basically: no stress, no fuss, just views.

Things to do for families in Lucerne

Lucerne is a family winner – chilled, scenic, and packed with fun that’s secretly educational (shhh, don’t tell the kids). First up, Swiss Museum of Transport – it’s got planes, trains, automobiles and a planetarium, so expect wide eyes all round. Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus for snowball fights (even in summer) and those “top of the world” views. Lake Lucerne cruises are gentle, scenic, and perfect for little ones who love boats – with snacks and ice cream on board, naturally. For park time, Glacier Garden and Lion Monument offer a nice mix of nature and “whoa, that’s cool” moments. Add a picnic, and you’ve got a day out the whole crew will love.

Things to do for couples in Lucerne

Romantic? Lucerne might just be Switzerland’s soft-focus superstar. Wake up to lakeside sunrises, stroll hand-in-hand across the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), and stop for coffee at a cute riverside café where the views are as sweet as the pastries. For a touch of magic, take the boat to Weggis, then float up Mount Rigi on a vintage cogwheel train – the panorama at the top is couples-goals. Fancy a sunset dinner? Try a table with a view at Seebar, or go full Swiss with fondue and wine in a cosy chalet-style spot. And if you’re feeling fancy, splurge on a lakeside spa session at one of Lucerne’s luxe hotels. 10/10 honeymoon vibes.

Things to do for groups in Lucerne

Travelling with mates? Lucerne might seem low-key, but there’s loads to keep your group smiling (and snapping pics). Start with a group boat cruise – bring snacks, grab a table on deck, and enjoy those Alpine views. For a bit of adventure, take the Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus – boat, cogwheel train, cable car and bus, all in one epic loop. Got active mates? Rent bikes or e-scooters and explore the lakeside paths. Art lovers and history buffs? The Rosengart Collection (think Picasso and pals) or a guided old town tour ticks that culture box. Wrap up the day with beers by the water in Rathausquai or catch live music in a local bar. Quiet town? Yes. Boring? Never.

Things to do for foodies in Lucerne

Lucerne’s food scene is deliciously underrated. Start strong with cheese fondue or raclette in a traditional Swiss tavern – molten cheese, crusty bread, and pickles. Simple. Stunning. Then take your taste buds on a tour with lakeside fish dishes, artisan sausages and locally cured meats. Sweet tooth? Swiss chocolate is everywhere, and the Bachmann chocolate shop is basically dessert heaven. Don’t skip Luzerner Chügelipastete – a puff pastry dish with veal in creamy mushroom sauce that sounds weird but tastes unreal. Wash it all down with a local white wine or Swiss lager, and you’ll roll home happy. Bon appétit? More like Grüezi, I need seconds.