Lucerne, Switzerland: 5 Fun Things to Do and See

Switzerland boasts so many beautiful cities and landscapes. One of the best is Lucerne, the most populous city in central Switzerland. Lucerne (Luzern in German) doesn’t have many essential monuments or historical sites, so you don’t feel you have to tackle a long “to-do” list of sights. You can simply relax and focus on pleasant experiences like taking a boat ride on beautiful Lake Lucerne, strolling along the river Reuss (flowing from the lake), stopping to see the highlights, venturing to mountainous heights and adventures, and documenting your stay with some spectacular photographs.

My husband and I spent a few relaxing days in Lucerne. We started our stay with a walking tour to get the lay of the land. Then, we headed out on our own to experience the city. That included climbing up ancient wooden steps in the towers along what’s left of the city’s fortification wall, taking a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, walking along the lake’s scenic promenade, visiting one-of-a-kind sites and museums, and venturing up to a mountainous peak for an afternoon.

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1. Explore the Old Town and Waterfront

One of the best ways to enjoy the city is to simply stroll. Enjoy the water views, boat rides, and historical and cultural sights. There’s so much to appreciate in

Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, and Chaff Bridge

The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is a wooden footbridge spanning the river Reuss and connecting the New Town to the Old Town. It is one of the iconic sights in Lucerne and a busy tourist spot. Constructed in 1332, it’s considered Europe’s oldest covered bridge. The interior showcases 62 triangular paintings suspended from the roof beams that profile the city’s history.

The octagonal Water Tower (Wasserturm) is attached to the bridge, standing over 110 feet (34 meters) tall, and was once part of the city’s fortification wall. It served as a watchtower and dungeon centuries ago.

Further downstream is Chaff Bridge (Spreuerbrücke), whose ceiling displays triangular 17th-century paintings focusing on life and death, including biblical themes.

Lakeside Promenade

A paved promenade leads walkers and joggers along the lake. Here, folks enjoy picnics, kids scamper on playgrounds, and some simply rest on a bench and people-watch. It’s a perfect place for a bit of exercise on land as boats float across the lake.

Lion Monument

The “Lion of Lucerne” (Löwendenkmal) is a large sculpture carved from the cliff’s rock to honor the hundreds of Swiss guards killed in the Storming of the Tuileries in Paris in 1792. The guards were serving King Louis XVI when his palace was attacked. That conflict marked the end of the French monarchy, a pivotal point in the French Revolution. Today, the dying, crying lion rests his head on his paws and suffers a death caused by a spear. Open from sunrise to dusk. Denkmalstrasse 4

Other Attractions in Town

Glacier Garden Adjacent to the Lion Monument, the Glacier Garden showcases and explains glacial potholes from the Ice Age. There’s also a fascinating movie about the area’s glacial history, a lookout tower, a mirrored indoor labyrinth, and a café. Open April through October, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; November through March, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Denkmalstrasse 4
Close by the Lion Monument and Glacier Garden is the Bourbaki Panorama Museum. This stunning 360-degree panoramic painting depicts the Swiss aiding the French (under the command of General Bourbaki) near the end of the Franco-Prussian War. It is said to be the first major Swiss humanitarian effort by the Swiss Red Cross. The painting is supplemented with 3D props like wagons and weaponry in the foreground, making the experience more realistic. Open daily April to October from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; November to March from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Löwenplatz 11
Swiss Transport Museum (Verkehrshaus) Immerse yourself in all things transportation by land, sea, and air. It’s more than a nod to Swiss engineering prowess and displays of trains, planes, boats, and automobiles. Explore the VR experience of climbing the Matterhorn, view celestial wonders in the planetarium, learn more about information technology, and watch a Lindt chocolatier create sweet treats. Open daily from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm in summer and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm in winter. Lidostrasse 5
Rosengart Collection Museum – Modern art lovers will enjoy this collection of masterpieces by Paul Klee and Pablo Picasso, as well as some Impressionist works. Open daily from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm from April to October; 11:00 am – 5:00 pm from November to March. 10 Pilatusstrasse

2. Explore the Fortification Wall and Towers

**Lucerne’s towers line Lucerne’s medieval fortification wall**

Nine unique stone towers stand along what remains of Lucerne’s fortification wall (Museggmauer), dating to the Middle Ages. Several are open to visitors from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, April 1 to November 1. Exploring the towers was a fun step back into history, and two stood out for us.

**Some of the Zytturm Tower clockworks**

One of them, Zytturm, constructed in 1442, houses old clocks, gears, and related items – including four large gold-clad clock hands – on each floor. One clock, built in 1535, still chimes one minute before the church clocks in town; this has been the long tradition in town as it represented the power of the government (city of Lucerne) over religious power. It’s said that the clock hands were large enough that fishermen could read the time from Lake Lucerne.

Another tower, Männliturm, has 125 wood and stone steps to climb for spectacular city views. Männli translates to “little man,” and there’s a statue topping the tower of such a figure.

3. Cruise on Lake Lucerne

There are many options for cruising Lake Lucerne, from one-hour trips to multi-hour cruises. Since weather conditions can impact cruises, it might be best to wait until you’re in town to purchase your tickets (although you can search online for a cruise that interests you). Purchase tickets at the Tourist Information office or dockside (Piers 1 and 7). If pedal boats are more attractive, you can rent them at Schwanenplatz, near the train station. +41 41 368 0808

**Pedal boats and cruise boats on Lake Lucerne**

4. Seek New Heights with a Mountain Adventure

Part of the tremendous beauty of Lucerne is its surrounding mountains. Eight peaks offer fun adventures and outstanding views. Most offer perennial favorite activities like hiking, snow tubing, and skiing at most places. Plus, there’s a cliff walk on a suspension bridge and a glacier cave to explore at Mount Titlis. At Mount Pilatus, you can “climb” from tree to tree enclosed in nets. More information about mountain activities is available from Lucerne’s tourist information office. Also, you can search online for tours to mountain spots from Lucerne.

5. Take a Scenic Train Ride from Lucerne to Interlaken

Spend a full day enjoying majestic scenery featuring mountains, lakes, and villages aboard the Luzern–Interlaken Express train from Lucerne to Interlaken. The journey of about two hours each way provides lots of time for relaxing and soaking in the panoramic views. It makes a great day trip: leave Lucerne early in the morning, after two hours, arrive in Interlaken, spend a few hours exploring the town, and head back to Lucerne. Book online once you know the dates you want to travel, as this activity is popular. (Check with the Lucerne Tourist Information office if you have questions.)

Where to Stay and Eat

Where to Stay

Our stay in Lucerne had two parts (one traveling with a group and then traveling on our own) and two hotels. When my husband and I traveled with a group, we stayed at the luxurious Bürgenstock Resort, an incredible property high atop a mountain ridge overlooking Lake Lucerne. Besides the very comfortable rooms, the resort has several top-notch restaurants (many with expansive lake views), a bar, a lounge, and a spa.. Staying there was a real treat, offering total relaxation.

When our group travel concluded, we opted to stay in Lucerne because we wanted to learn more about the city. We found the perfect place: the Hotel des Balances along the water. We opted for a room with a small balcony, which meant we could open the doors for a nice breeze. Plus, we could sit outside to enjoy the view. Of course, the rooms were smaller and less grand than at the Bürgenstock Resort, but we liked its location right in the center of the historical city. That made exploring on foot a pleasure. On one of our walks through town, we stopped at a Coop store and picked up some goodies to enjoy on the balcony as appetizers that night and some breakfast items for the next several days.

Where to Eat

One of our best dinners was at the Restaurant Balances in the Hotel des Balances, where we stayed. We savored their delicious, inventive dishes on their terrace, a relaxing way to spend an evening after a busy day sightseeing. We also enjoyed eating traditional Swiss fare at Wirtshaus Taube, which has outdoor tables for warm-weather dining. For lunches, we chose outdoor waterside cafés, including Restaurant Rathaus Brauerei.

Tips for Visiting Lucerne

German is spoken in Lucerne, although staff at most tourist-friendly spots (restaurants, museums, shops) speak English, as well.
The currency is the Swiss franc (Sfr), which is 100 rappen. Covertr+ and XE are popular apps for converting currency. Learn about other great travel apps in my article Must-Have Travel Apps and Websites.
The helpful Tourist Information (TI) office is at Zentralstrasse 5, near the train station and ferry terminal. In addition to providing information about the city and surrounding regions, the TI offers guided tours and sells two tourist passes: the Swiss Travel Pass for boat trips and area activities and the Lucerne Museum Card, which includes entries to Luzerne’s museums.
A free Visitor Card (available at your hotel and some short-term vacation rentals) offers discounts on some museums, activities, and public transportation.
Venture into one of several local Coop stores to buy some fresh fruit, snacks, and other goodies to enjoy on a picnic along the lake or in your hotel room.
A farmer’s market is set up along the river on Tuesdays and Saturdays near the Seebrücke bridge from 6:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Hop on a bike to enjoy the waterside bike paths. Search online (“bike rental Luzern”) or ask your hotel or short-term rental host for the recommended bike rental shop.
A chocolate, cheese, and wine tour? Search online (or use Lucerne’s Tourist Information office or TripAdvisor) for a specialty guided tour that suits your interests.
Check online to verify current days and hours of operation for the experiences that interest you.

**Evening city view from our Hotel des Balances guest room**

How to Get to Lake Lucerne

The most direct way to reach Lucerne is to fly into Zurich International Airport (ZRH). But wherever you are in Switzerland, reaching Lucerne in the country’s center isn’t difficult via train or car.

Distances to Other Swiss Cities

Basel – about 62 miles/ 100 km
Bern – about 68 miles/110 km
Geneva – about 165 miles/266 km
Interlaken – about 42 miles/68 km
Zurich – about 33 miles/53 km

Final Thoughts

What thrilled me the most about my visit to Lucerne? In town, I’d say it was the day my husband and I visited the Lion Monument with its deep (and sad) historical reminders and traversed the centuries-old towers and fortification wall. The two hotels we stayed at offered comfort (on entirely different levels), but each added to our appreciation for the city and its namesake lake. Other highlights included a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne and an adventure to Mount Titlis.

Comments?

Feel free to share your experiences in Lucerne and/or suggestions for other places to visit. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂