Lucerne - the essence of Switzerland

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 

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.  

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.

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! 

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.