If you only have time for one spot in central Switzerland, make it Lucerne. This charming lakeside town offers a memorable mountain panorama. The standout landmark is the 12th century Chapel Bridge (Europe's oldest covered bridge), which runs past the unique octagonal Water Tower. Visitors also tend to make a beeline for the Lion Monument, carved into a cliff, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives for the royal family during the French Revolution. Make sure to stop by the lesser-known covered Spreuer Bridge, with its Danse Macabre plaques. If you're fond of classical music, you're more than in luck, as the city offers frequent performances. Lake Lucerne itself is always worth a stroll - on the other side, you'll find Altdorf, the town once home to William Tell.

A medieval lakeside city of towers and bridges

After you've walked around Lucerne, set your sights higher. Lucerne's biggest neighboring attraction is Mt. Pilatus, which looms above the city. Make a day of it and take the Golden Route, which entails a boat ride, followed by the world's steepest rack railroad. You'll then take a cable car back down, and a bus back to Lucerne. The peak has two restaurants, and you can also hike up, a steep 5-6 hour endeavor. You can also ride Europe's highest standard gauge railroad up the Rigi, a massif located between two arms of Lake Lucerne. The world's second oldest rack railroad, it still uses original locomotives, one of which dates back to 1858. Titlis, the area's highest peak, lets you enjoy snow any time of year, as well as an illuminated ice cave within a glacier, snow tubing, and Europe's highest suspension bridge. This is a popular alternative to the slightly higher Jungfraujoch, with fewer crowds and lower prices.

Things to do in Lucerne

Central Switzerland's star, Lucerne offers plenty of romantic sights amid an alpine panorama, especially the Chapel Bridge (Europe's oldest covered bridge) and its neighboring Water Tower. Classic music devotees will find plenty to please their ears, while everyone sooner or later visits the Lion Monument, carved into a cliff in memory of the Swiss Guards who died for the royal family during the French Revolution. Looming above the city is Mt. Pilatus. It's hard to miss, so seek it out, and ride a boat, followed by the world's steepest rack railroad, to the top, for a memorable meal at one of its restaurants. Or, seek out another peak, whether by riding the world's second oldest rack railroad (complete with 19th century locomotives), or visiting an ice cave and Europe's highest suspension bridge. When we send you your customized itinerary, you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package, or consider adding later.

Bernese Oberland and Jungfrau Private Tour

Chocolate, Mountains, and Medieval Towns Private Tour

Lake Lucerne Group Cruise with Gourmet Lunch

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Lucerne

Spend some time in Lucerne on a tour that takes in other cities in Switzerland and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Lucerne and other destinations throughout Switzerland and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

A Week of Swiss Food and History

Lugano, Lucerne, Zurich

8 Days

from$4,050 pp^*

From Lakeside Charms to City Wonders

Lucerne, Zurich, Munich

8 Days

from$3,550 pp^*

The Green Peaks of German Switzerland

Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern, Zurich

8 Days

from$4,175 pp^*

Swiss & Austrian Alpine Odyssey

Lucerne, Zurich, Innsbruck, Salzburg

9 Days

from$4,450 pp^*

Swiss & Italian Mountains and Lakes

Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano, Como

10 Days

from$5,275 pp^*

Switzerland From East to West

Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt, Geneva

11 Days

from$5,000 pp^*

Switzerland's German and Italian Delights

Lucerne, Interlaken, Lugano, Zurich

11 Days

from$5,450 pp^*

French Flair & Swiss Splendor

Paris, Lyon, Geneva, Lucerne

11 Days

from$6,900 pp^*

Following the Alps across Switzerland and Austria

Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna

15 Days

from$6,650 pp^*

The Heights and Highlights of Switzerland

Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano, Interlaken, Zermatt, Geneva

15 Days

from$7,025 pp^*

The Varied Charms of Italy and Switzerland

Rome, Florence, Milan, Lugano, Lucerne, Zurich

15 Days

from$7,825 pp^*

Switzerland From B to Z

Lucerne, Bern, Geneva, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lugano, St. Moritz, Zurich

21 Days

from$10,425 pp^*

* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.

Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

Where to stay in Lucerne

All of the accommodation options we offer in Lucerne have been hand-picked, and provide the perfect base for exploring this beautiful city. From a 19th century fairytale of a hilltop chateau (linked to the city by funicular) to the former home of Auguste Escoffier (the chef who popularized French cooking), we have plenty of memorable options. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary, we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Traditional Luxury Hotel

A gorgeous five-star hotel with amazing views, location, and service.

Riverside Luxury Hotel

Luxurious hotel with beautiful river views.

Design Boutique Hotel

A modern and colorful design hotel in the heart of Lucerne.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Lucerne, based on 7 reviews

Philip, Elizabeth & Alexander

Attentive individuals who go out of their way to provide experiences one will remember for a lifetime.

Year : 2024
Visited : Germany, Switzerland
Itinerary : Munich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zurich
Rating :

5 / 5

Michele, Thomas & Erik

California

Exactly what we were looking for. Every important detail was covered, private tours were very flexible and interactive like having a friend in the country. Well done

Year : 2024
Visited : Switzerland, Austria
Itinerary : Lucerne, Zurich, Innsbruck, Salzburg
Rating :

4.5 / 5

Kay & Todd

Nebraska

Having never experienced European travel, I felt confident that JayWay staff would be available to help me if I ran into problems while in Italy and Switzerland. This method of travel allowed us a great deal of independence to do as we pleased, rather than follow a guide holding a stick with a bow on it, as we often saw, and may someday need.

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy, Switzerland
Itinerary : Florence, Monterosso Al Mare, Milan, Bern, Interlaken, Lucerne
Rating :

4.75 / 5

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Lucerne

How can I get around Lucerne?

After checking into your accommodations, ask for a free Lucerne Visitor Card, available to overnight guests. After getting registered, you can download the digital card onto your phone. With the Visitor Card, you can use free wifi all around the city, and enjoy unlimited public transportation, as well as many discounts.

How long should I stay in Lucerne?

Two nights is fine if you just want to explore the city's must-see sights. If you're more interested in the history, cultural heritage, and city surroundings, we recommend adding a third night.