Lucerne Travelers Recommend

Surrounded on all sides by snowy peaks and shimmering lakes, gorgeous Lucerne is an ideal base from which to discover the Swiss Alps. Here are some options for unforgettable outdoor adventure across the peaks, valleys, and villages of Switzerland.

Mt. Pilatus — 10 miles (16 km) from Lucerne

Nestled by the shores of beautiful Lake Lucerne, 6,982-foot (2,128-meter) Mt. Pilatus attracts visitors looking for close-up views over the jagged peaks and ridges of the Alps. Hop aboard the Pilatus Railway—the world’s steepest cogwheel railway—and reach the summit via a spectacular gondola ride for sweeping views over Lucerne below.

Mt. Rigi — 14 miles (22 km) from Lucerne

Known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” Mt. Rigi towers 5,899 feet (1,798 meters) over the peaceful waters of Lake Lucerne, Lake Lauerz, and Lake Zug. Take the historic Rigi Railways train and aerial cable car for impressive valley views, and combine your visit with a relaxing Lake Lucerne cruise.

Mt. Titlis — 25 miles (41 km) from Lucerne

Take the aerial cableway from the Alpine village of Engelberg to the summit of Mt. Titlis, and admire uninterrupted views across the Swiss Alps from an impressive 10,623 feet (3,238 meters) above sea level.

Jungfrau — 52 miles (86 km) from Lucerne

If it’s the ultimate Alpine view you’re after, you can’t get higher than the “Top of Europe” observation deck on Jungfraujoch, teetering at an incredible 11,332 feet (3,454 meters). Ascend the mountain to Europe’s highest railway station and gaze out over the continent’s longest glacier—the incredible Aletsch Glacier—from the Sphinx Observation Terrace.

From snowcapped peaks to medieval landmarks and storybook-perfect photo ops, Lucerne has something for everyone. With a little planning, 48 hours is enough time to wander around the charming Old Town, go on a sunset cruise, and even summit a mountain. Here’s how.

Day 1: City Highlights

**Morning:**Kick off your visit with a city tour for an overview of Lucerne before the crowds arrive. The compact Old Town is best explored on foot, with small-group and private tours available for a more personalized perspective of the history-steeped city.

**Afternoon:**No trip to Switzerland is complete without a mountain excursion. The city’s Alpine location makes it possible for you to ascend an iconic peak such as Titlis or Pilatus in just an afternoon. Many tours offer round-trip transport for hassle-free exploration.

**Night:**After dinner, get an alternative perspective of the city. History buffs can dive into Lucerne’s past on a medieval walking tour, while photographers can take the opportunity to capture moonlit mementos of their visit.

Day 2: Beyond Lucerne

**Morning:**If you’re craving more Alpine experiences, head into the Bernese Oberland to discover picturesque villages and grand peaks on a full-day tour. Alternatively, gain insight into urban life in German-speaking Switzerland on a tour to Zurich or Bern, the country’s capital.

**Afternoon:**Most day tours continue into the afternoon, dropping you back in Lucerne in the early evening. If you find yourself with time to spare, get a taste of local cuisine on a food tour, or keep the kids entertained at the Swiss Transport Museum.

**Night:**A sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne is the ideal way to take in your final views of the city. Some cruises include dinner. Afterward, if you’re not yet ready to retire, enjoy a digestif in one of the sophisticated bars that line both sides of the Reuss river mouth. 

Encircled by towering peaks and blue lakes, Mt. Pilatus offers some of the Swiss Alps’ most impressive mountain vistas. If you’re considering a trip up mighty Mt. Pilatus, here are a few ways to make the most of your journey from Lucerne.

Half-Day Tours

With 6,982-foot (2,128-meter) Mt. Pilatus located within such easy reach of Lucerne, half-day tours are the perfect option for time-limited visitors. Enjoy a 30-minute panoramic gondola ride from Kriens to Frakmuntegg, then ascend by aerial cableway to the peak of Mt. Pilatus for spectacular views over the Swiss Alps. Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train down to the town of Alpnachstad, then finish with a cruise on Lake Lucerne.

Full-Day Tours

For visitors with a few more hours to spare, full-day tours of Mt. Pilatus and the surrounding area showcase even more of the region’s rich culture and scenery, with more time at each point of interest for sightseeing and activities. If you choose a private guided tour, enjoy the freedom to customize your itinerary to hit your favorite highlights.

Things to Know

• Mt. Pilatus lies about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Lucerne.

• Private, customizable tours from Lucerne are flexible in itinerary and duration.

• Tours typically include roundtrip transportation, plus cogwheel train and cable car tickets. 

Lucerne’s rich culture, scenic landscape, and superior transport links make it an ideal destination for travelers in Switzerland. From city sightseeing to Alpine skiing, here are our top tips for making the most of your three days in Lucerne, including options for wider exploration.

Day 1: Lucerne’s Landmarks

Begin by familiarizing yourself with Lucerne and its iconic landmarks. Private and small-group walking tours provide an intimate glimpse of the compact old town with a guide leading the way. Consider a stop at the Swiss Transport Museum, which hosts special exhibitions (prebook special exhibition entry for ease) in addition to a planetarium and theater. Consider historical after-dark tours, which offer atmospheric immersion in the city’s medieval past. Conclude your day with a classic Swiss raclette in one of the old town’s traditional restaurants, or experience the modern and vibrant nightlife along Baselstrasse.

Day 2: The Sights of Switzerland

Take advantage of Switzerland’s efficient transport network to widen your perspective on a full-day tour. Admire iconic mountains, such as Jungfrau or the Matterhorn, on an Alpine excursion, or even try skiing on the frozen slopes. If you’re more of a city lover, opt for a day trip to Zurich or Bern. Either way, convenient round-trip transfer is typically included in such tours, with an evening return. If you’re not yet ready for bed, venture out to the bars and restaurants of Helvetiaplatz, which are popular with locals and ideal for unwinding after an active day.

Day 3: Curious About Culture

Spend your last day discovering the region’s heritage on a cultural tour. Learn about Lucerne’s history and legends on a walking or cycling tour of its rural surroundings, or get a taste of classic Swiss cuisine at the Engelberg show dairy and Aeschbach Chocolatier. If time permits, finish off your visit with a late afternoon or evening cruise on the lake itself, and enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque landscape.

Soaring above the Bernese Alps, snow-capped Jungfrau is one of Switzerland’s most emblematic mountains, forming a postcard-perfect backdrop for the Bernese Oberland. Here are your options for outdoor adventure in the Jungfrau region from Lucerne.

Full-Day Tours

Full-day tours from Lucerne whisk travelers deep into the Swiss Alps, where the natural beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Jungfraujoch and Bernese Oberland are showcased to the max. Spin through the fairy-tale Bernese Oberland region by bus, explore the historic streets of Interlaken, and take the cogwheel train from Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch to admire views over the Eiger north face. And if you fancy winter sports, take to the snow on a ski lesson and master your turns on the Jungfrau’s slopes.

Multi-Day Tours

If you have a little more time on your hands, multi-day tours allow you to delve deeper into the Jungfrau, stay a little longer at the area’s that interest you, and perhaps see sides of the region day-trippers would miss. These tours include round-trip transportation, select meals, and overnight accommodations, typically in Interlaken or Grindelwald, so you’re free to relax and soak up the scenery for a few days.

Things to Know

• Jungfrau is set about 53 miles (86 kilometers) southeast of Lucerne, a journey of about 1.5 hours by road.

• Full-day Jungfrau tours from Lucerne typically last about nine to 10 hours.

• Many tours include round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus, plus cogwheel train and cable-car tickets where applicable.

With its medieval architecture, lakeside location, and mountainous surrounds, Lucerne offers visitors a broad spectrum of attractions. With some planning, it’s possible to experience the city’s highlights in just one day. Here’s how.

Morning: Explore the City Center

Begin your day early to enjoy Lucerne Old Town before the crowds descend. Get the inside scoop on landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke) and Lion Monument on a small-group or private walking tour, which provides an easy way for first-time visitors to orient themselves. Options for exploring are plentiful; some tours include traditional Swiss snacks and tickets to a folklore show, while nearly all include admission to the attractions mentioned on the itinerary. 

Afternoon: Experience Classic Switzerland

The iconic Mt. Pilatus lies close to the city center, and Switzerland’s excellent transport links make it easy to ascend to the summit in just a few hours. Take advantage of tours that include lunch and stress-free round-trip transfers to maximize your time on the mountain, which is accessible by cogwheel train. If high altitudes aren’t your bag, opt for a food tour that focuses on Swiss staples such as chocolate and cheese, or keep kids entertained at the Swiss Transport Museum, home to a range of family-friendly spaces and exhibits.

Night: Relax on the Lake

Unwind after a busy day on a Lake Lucerne cruise, which offers unobstructed views of the scenery. Choose a tour that includes dinner for maximum relaxation or build up your appetite with an aperitif as you sail. After dinner, a range of after-dark tours offer alternative city perspectives—follow in the footsteps of a former night watchman on a tour of the medieval Old Town, or enhance your after-dark photography skills on a photo-focused tour.