Let yourself be swept off your feet on a trip to the enchanting city of Lucerne.From the moment you visit this beautiful place, you'll be greeted by the symphony of sights and sounds that will take your breath away. Get ready to explore charming old town streets, majestic mountains and crystal clear lakes that will awaken your sense of adventure and leave you wanting more.

PUBLISHED: 14 APR 2024 | LAST UPDATED: 30 JUN 2024 | JUMP TO COMMENTS & QUESTIONS

Lucerne is not just a destination – it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Immerse yourself in the heart of Switzerland with us and benefit from our insider tips.

How to get there?

From Zurich, you can reach Lucerne in just 45 minutes by car or conveniently using the well-connected public transport network. The centrally located train station offers direct access to the famous lakeside promenade and allows you to reach Lucerne’s old town in just a few minutes on foot. For car drivers, there are a variety of parking garages where you can conveniently park your vehicle.

Enjoy a unique breakfast at aux merveilleux de fred

Lucerne offers you an incredible number of opportunities to indulge your taste buds. In the Old Town, you’re almost spoiled for choice, with many restaurants, bakeries and cafés to captivate you. Our personal favorite is the world-famous Patisserie Aux Merveilleux de Fred on Hirschenplatz, where you can enjoy their specialties in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Old Town.For lunch or dinner, we recommend Antons Restaurant or, for a cozy atmosphere in the garden, Felsenegg Restaurant.

Take a stroll through the picturesque old town

The winding old town of Lucerne not only hides medieval buildings, narrow alleyways and shopping opportunities, but also some fascinating stories. One of these is the legend of the Kapellbrücke, which once served as a defensive structure and today enchants visitors with its picturesque paintings. But that’s not all: the Old Town also hides secrets within its walls. Find out more about the mysterious tunnels that were once used by the locals to move around in secret, or discover the hidden corners where legendary stories were once told. A walk through the old town is worthwhile for all tastes, whether you want to travel back in time, treat your taste buds to delicious delicacies or simply enjoy a pleasant stroll through the stores, a visit is definitely a must.

Admire the historic wooden bridges of Lucerne

The Kapellbrücke and the Spreuerbrücke are two of the most striking sights in Lucerne and both tell fascinating stories. The Kapellbrücke, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe, is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also hides a dark past. Along the bridge are paintings depicting scenes from Swiss history and the city of Lucerne. However, not all of the paintings have survived the centuries – some fell victim to a devastating fire that ravaged the bridge in the 17th century.The Spreuerbrücke, on the other hand, stands out for its unique roof decorations, the Dance of Death paintings. These morbid works of art from the 17th century depict the dance of death as an allegory of the transience of life. A walk across the Spreuerbrücke is therefore not only a journey through history, but also an exploration of the existential questions of life. Both bridges are an absolute must-see and offer you a fascinating insight into the culture and history of the city.

Enjoy local products at the market

The fresh weekly market in Lucerne is not only a place to discover regional delicacies, but also a lively center of local culture and community. Every Tuesday and Saturday from 07:00am to 12:00am, the Rathausquai is transformed into a colorful hustle and bustle of market stalls offering a variety of fresh products from the region.Here you can not only buy fresh fruit and vegetables, fragrant flowers and homemade delicacies, but also enjoy the warm atmosphere and the colorful hustle and bustle. The market traders are proud of their products and are happy to share their knowledge about cultivation, production and preparation … just ask :).A visit is therefore not only an opportunity to sample local specialties and buy fresh ingredients for a picnic by the lake or on the Sonnenberg, but also a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the city and experience the warmth of the people of Lucerne.

Enjoy Lake Lucerne on a boat trip

Lucerne’s lakeside promenade not only offers breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains, but also a fascinating history. Along the promenade you will find historical monuments, such as the famous Lion Monument, which honors the Swiss soldiers who fell during the French Revolution. You can also stroll along the shore and admire the magnificent villas that were once built by wealthy citizens. A visit to the lakeside promenade is a journey through time and nature at the same time. For an unforgettable experience, we recommend a boat trip on Lake Lucerne.

Walk along the historic city wall

Built in the 14th century, the city wall is an imposing relic from times gone by, a place full of exciting history and secrets. During the Second World War, the city wall served as protection against air raids and housed hidden tunnels and defenses. Today, you can walk along the well-preserved wall and enjoy the impressive view of the city and Lake Lucerne.

Enjoy the peace and quiet on Sonnenberg

The idyllic Sonnenberg is around 20 minutes by car from Lucerne. However, you also have the option of taking the historic funicular from the town of Kriens up to the Sonnenberg.The Sonnenberg is a place full of possibilities, such as hiking, a bike tour or barbecuing. It also offers a spacious playground for families. From here you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Lucerne, Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. A visit is therefore pure relaxation in the midst of picturesque forests and landscapes.