Lucerne

The Basics

Take a walking tour of the city, and see Lucerne landmarks such as Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. Then visit the Picasso Museum and the lakeside farmers markets and take a walk along the city’s old fortifications, the Musegg Wall.

You can see Lucerne on a day trip from Zurich that includes round-trip transportation and a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, or stay in town and head out into the Alps to visit sights like Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus, and the Bernese highlands. You can also visit Lucerne on a multi-day tour of the Swiss Alps that includes other must-see towns like Interlaken, Gruyères, and Zermatt.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Boat cruises and mountain tours leaving from Lucerne may be cancelled for safety reasons if the weather is bad.

• Weather in the Swiss Alps can be cool and unpredictable even during the summer months; make sure to bring along extra layers and a rain jacket.

• Some Lucerne boat cruises and city tours are wheelchair accessible; inquire before booking.

How to Get There

Lucerne is located on the shores of Lake Lucerne near the Swiss Alps, about 32 miles (52 kilometers) south of Zurich. The nearest international airport is located in Zurich, and there is a direct train from the airport to Lucerne. Parking can be expensive and difficult to find in the city, so it’s best to take public transportation or book a tour.

When to Get There

Lucerne is a year-round destination and is particularly crowded in July and August. The best time of year to visit depends on which activities you want to participate in. May through September is the ideal time for hiking and biking adventures, ski season runs from early December through late March, and Lucerne’s Carnival Festival takes place in February.

Visiting Mount Pilatus

A trip to the summit of 6,995-foot (2,132-meter) Mount Pilatus is one of the most popular excursions from Lucerne. The journey to the summit involves a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, a trip on the world’s steepest cogwheel train, and a ride on the aerial cableway to the summit. From Mount Pilatus, you can head out for a hike or just enjoy the panoramic views of Lucerne and the Swiss Alps from the summit.

Ways to explore

Lucerne’s compact center is best explored on a walking tour of the city. Admire landmarks such as the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) and Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke), the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe, walk along the old fortifications at the Musegg Wall, and browse the lakeside farmers market.

Lucerne is a popular day trip from Zurich, often combined with a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne or a visit to Alpine highlights like Mt. Rigi, Mt. Pilatus, and the Bernese highlands. You can also visit Lucerne on a multi-day tour through the Swiss Alps, alongside other must-see towns like Interlaken, Gruyères, and Zermatt.

Accessibility

Many tours, cruises, and attractions in Lucerne are accessible to travelers using wheelchairs and those with limited mobility. Some of the cobblestone lanes in the Old Town may require assistance, and the Tourist Information Center can provide details of accessible accommodation, transport, and activities.

Age limits

Many Lucerne cruises and tours are open to all ages, but check before booking.

What to pack

Camera, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses

What to wear

Weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes (avoid heels and flip-flops in the cobbled Old Town), waterproof coat or jacket (if heading into the mountains)

Not allowed

While a small tip is appreciated for exceptional service, service charges are generally included at cafés and restaurants in Switzerland.

Amenities

Tourist Information Center (by Lucerne Central Station), public restrooms, drinking water fountains, paid parking lots

Address 

Lucerne is located on the shores of Lake Lucerne in the foothills of the Swiss Alps, about 32 miles (52 kilometers) south of Zurich. It’s easy to reach by car, public transport, or as part of a guided tour.

Driving

To reach Lucerne from Zurich, it’s about a 50-minute drive: head south along Highway 4/E41, then branch off west along Highway 14, signposted to Lucerne.

Public transportation

Lucerne is well-connected to other Swiss cities by bus and train. The quickest way to arrive is by train from Zurich (about 50 minutes) or Bern (from one hour).

Best times to visit

Lucerne is popular with day-trippers, so explore the Old Town in the early morning or evening when it’s quietest, then head into the mountains from 10am when the morning mist starts to lift. In the evening, Lake Lucerne is a magnificent spot to watch the sunset.

Best days to visit

Weekends can be busy, especially during peak season, but it’s worth visiting on a Tuesday or Saturday morning to shop at Lucerne’s lakeside farmers market. Several Lucerne museums close on Mondays.

Best months to visit

Lucerne is a year-round destination, but it’s most crowded in July and August. The shoulder months of May, June, and September are ideal for sightseeing, boat cruises, and outdoor activities. Ski season in the surrounding Alps runs from early December through late March.

Special events

Lucerne is renowned for its Carnival celebrations, with a series of parades and parties taking place over the week prior to Ash Wednesday. The city’s Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve fireworks, and Light Festival (January) also pull in a crowd, while the spring, summer, and fall Lucerne Festivals are a must for classical music fans.