Lucerne - the essence of Switzerland

Historic town nestled beside one of the most beautiful Swiss lakes

Lucerne's lakefront
Great views from the Rigi train
Lake steamer calling at Treib for the Seelisberg funicular

This itinerary is simply one example of a holiday in Lucerne. You can add on extra nights and choose your hotel from our handpicked selection, and of course spend your days however you wish using your Half Fare Card for excellent value days out. The activities shown here are just suggestions for excursions you could enjoy during your holiday. 

Please call 0800 619 1200 for help with planning or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

 

"If you have never been to Switzerland before, Lucerne is a great place to start. This charming town has it all - the lake, plenty of history, renowned dining and shopping and a wide choice of stunning mountain visits within easy reach. "

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com


Day 1 - Arrive and start to explore Lucerne

Flight from the UK to Zurich airport with rail travel to Lucerne (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes).

Check in to your hotel and enjoy your first look around Lucerne, the famously picturesque old town in the heart of Switzerland. Here you will find historic buildings, charming streets with chocolatiers and boutiques, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. You can sit in a riverside café, or wander along the lake shore and take in the views of the sparkling water and the mountains beyond. 

Helpful links 

Lucerne resort page & hotels

Central Switzerland excursions

Lucerne Blog 

Day 2 - Lake Lucerne

With such a beautiful sight on your doorstep, you will probably want to take your first day to explore it. You'll find the boat station just beside the railway station and there are regular departures throughout the day. The fleet is made up of modern cruisers, a sleek yacht and some beautifully restored paddlesteamers which have been carrying sightseers on the lake for over 100 years. We recommend buying a day ticket, which allows you to travel the full length of the lake and take time to go ashore wherever you fancy. The boats call at some delightful villages around the lake - maybe you could take a wander around Weggis or Vitznau. As you sail out further from Lucerne, the mountains become higher and the views spectacular. You could connect with one of the funiculars which travel up from the shore and enjoy the views from Seelisberg or Klewenalp. Or why not alight at one of the stops on the Swiss Trail route - enjoy a scenic walk and then take the boat home again.  

Day 3 - Mount Rigi

Known as the 'Queen of the Mountains', Mount Rigi is one of the most popular excursions for those staying in Lucerne. Head to Vitznau, where the historic cogwheel railway - Europe's oldest - will transport you slowly up the mountain. The 1,800m summit is known as Rigi Kulm and here you have a magnificent view. On the Rigi there are plenty of scenic walking trails to enjoy, many with sweeping views over the water. Along the way you'll find picnic and barbecue spots for an al fresco lunch in idyllic surroundings. At Rigi Kaltbad there are a number of boutiques, mountain restaurants and even a mineral spa. You can take the train back down again, or try the cable car which transports you gently down to Weggis.

Day 4 - A high mountain or a day in the town?

What will today bring? If you want to see real snow in Switzerland, you could make the journey from Lucerne to the pretty town of Engelberg and from there up to the dizzying heights of Mount Titlis. The revolving cable car journey itself is very special and when you arrive at 3,020m you will step out into glacial world, even if it's tshirt weather back in Lucerne. There are plenty of activities here including a cliff walk, snow park and of course refreshements. Further down the mountain, you could stop off for walking and boating at picturesque Trübsee. 

Alternatively, you may wish to spend the day in Lucerne itself, relaxing and exploring the atmospheric streets with their historic city walls and painted merchant houses. Take a wander over the famous Chapel Bridge and get a glimpse into a bygone age. The Glacier Garden is a fascinating exhibition in the Old Town and there are plenty of museums to enjoy. The Museum Of Transport is well worth a visit and includes a Lindt chocolate attraction! 

Day 5 - Last day

Time to say farewell to Lucerne and make your way back to the airport. If you are on an afternoon flight, there will be time for a coffee and souvenir shopping before your train departs. 

 

2024 Guide Prices

4 nights in Lucerne

Recommended for stays all year round

Prices from £884 per person staying in a 3 star superior hotel

Adapt your holiday:

  • Add extra nights
  • Upgrade to a superior room or a 4 star hotel
  • Include half board
  • Upgrade to 1st class travel through Switzerland
  • Add on a Tell Pass 
  • Switch to a Swiss Travel Pass 
 

Your holiday price includes

Booking Conditions
  • Scheduled return flights from London to Zurich including taxes and hold baggage (flights available from around the UK, and to Geneva airport)
  • Rail travel between Zurich airport and Lucerne (2nd class)
  • 4 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation as described based on two people sharing
  • FREE Half Fare Card which entitles you to half or reduced price travel
  • FREE Lucerne Visitor's Card
  • Personalised itinerary sent with all tickets
  • Financial protection (ATOL 3148)
The Half Fare Card is valid on trains, scenic trains, PostBuses and most boats, mountain railways and cable cars. Excursions mentioned may not operate year round, please check before booking. Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
 

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Chapel Bridge, Lucerne

Tell Pass

If you are planning lots of days out during your holiday, you may like to pre-book a Tell Pass. This offers great value and includes unlimited travel on public transport in the region, as well as free travel on cable cars and mountain routes. 

Lucerne video


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Planning your holiday 2024

Switzerland
Call 0800 619 1200
  • Decide where you would like to stay
  • Choose your scenic journeys
  • 1st or 2nd class rail travel in Switzerland
  • How many nights in each resort
  • Decide on bed & breakfast or half board
  • 3, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation
  • Plan visits with your Half Fare Card
Request your holiday quote
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