There are many best things to do in Lucerne; the heart of Switzerland could not be more perfectly situated than in the city of Lucerne.
It is compact yet bustling with culture, hospitality, history, mountain excursions, and lake activities.
But all of that doesn’t even hold a candle to its stunning beauty, the incredible thing about this city is that there are so many different experiences you can have all in one day.
Even though technically Lucerne is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland since it’s centrally located, all Swiss culture seems to converge here.
You can reach Lucerne by train, and for that, you can take the train from Zurich, Geneva, Basel or any other city and within one or two hours you will be in Lucerne.
And as soon as you come out of the railway station, you will see the beautiful Lake Lucerne, the well-preserved gem of Lucerne.
Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Lucerne, Switzerland. Also, check out this guide of the top ten best places in Switzerland.
1- Chapel Bridge
Just a short walk from Lucerne train station will take you to the famous Chapel Bridge this bridge is the symbol of the city, and it is one of the main attractions of Switzerland.
Also, this is Europe’s oldest wooden cover bridge on the river dates back to the middle of the 14th century it was built in 1365 as a part of the fortification of Lucerne.
Chapel Bridge is also famous for its marvelous painting on the ceiling of this bridge; because these were painted in the 17th century by a local Catholic painter.
The bridge offers magnificent views of the river and the buildings on the shores of the river, although there are other bridges you will really like to visit such a beautiful place.
Next to the Chapel Bridge, you will find Lucerne’s most famous landmark which is the water tower (Wasseturm), both together create the most famous postcard of Lucerne.
When you visit Lucerne, take your camera with you to take some pictures with this bridge and also take a walk on this bridge to enjoy the fantastic view and the paintings.
2- Mount Pilatus
Mount Pilatus is one of the most significant mountain excursions in all of Switzerland, overlooking Lucerne in central Switzerland, and it is collections of many peaks.
It can be reached with the world’s steepest Cogwheel train from Alpanchstad and can be returned with the aerial panorama gondolas and cableways from Kriens, or vice versa.
The transport system is only operational from May to October, and it is recommended to get the Golden Trip, which is a round trip.
The trip also features the ferry ride from Luzern to Alpnachstad.
On the top of the mountain, you can go hiking and pass through small mountain tunnels & scenic walkways.
Don’t forget to ride the toboggan and admire the breathtaking views from a handful of viewpoints from all sides.
Moreover, the view from the mountain is breathtaking, surrounded by nature, and you will encounter wildlife such as Ibex.
It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Lucerne.
Although it is cold and always seems to be surrounded by fog even on the sunniest day, there is always a little cloud on top.
Don’t forget to bring your jacket even in summer.
After all the fantastic views and activities, it is time for relaxation and lunch; the food here is costly, though.
3- Lake Lucerne
Take the boat ride in the gorgeous Lake Lucerne, it is the fourth-largest lake in Switzerland, and it’s simply beautiful.
Anyone can fall in love with the view that this lake offers, clean blue water with the snow-capped mountain.
Without a doubt, the lake is the most remarkable place, because of the mountains and forests all around its edges in many areas. Makes it a beautiful viewpoint in Lucerne.
If you choose only one lake for a boat trip, turn it into Lake Lucerne.
The boat ride is the best activity to admire its beauty because, during the cruise, the boat picks up and drops other riders along the bank of the lake in beautiful villages and offers magnificent views.
4- Old Town
Lucerne’s old town is Lucerne’s historic core hemmed by tall painted houses and linked cobblestone shopping streets.
Lucerne is an excellent combination of ancient and modern lifestyles, and the old town is a great place to lose yourself in the past century.
The old town is referred to as the historic city center, it offers a beautiful landscape, and most of the fascinating sights are located here.
You’ll find beautifully painted houses in wooden sections, which gives a historic feel; moreover, it has many restaurants, hotels, cafes, and a great atmosphere to relax.
Also, the traffic-free streets provide you the opportunity to stroll freely and enjoy the shopping and beautiful sights.
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5- Mount Rigi (Things to do in Lucerne)
Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
6- Hofkirche
Hofkirche is the most notable example of the Church building from the Renaissance period in Switzerland. It is a parish Church of Lucerne.
The design is in the late Renaissance style. However, there are still some components from the original Church, such as the twin towers, medieval and Renaissance interiors.
Hofkirche has been the best Renaissance Church in Switzerland of all time and it is one of the best things to do in Lucerne.
Visit the Official site for more info: http://www.kathluzern.ch/st-leodegar-im-hof/
7- The Lion Monument
The Lion Monument or the Lion of Lucerne is a sculpture in Lucerne Switzerland by Bertel Thorvaldsen in 1802-21; he was a Danish sculptor.
The structure of Lion is carved into the limestone rock face; originally, it was Monument be Monument to the Swiss guards who remember were mercenaries.
These particular Swiss Guards had died defending the life of King Louis XVI at the time of the attack on the Tuileries in the French Revolution in 1792.
The dying Lion became a national symbol for the Swiss, the heroic yet dignifies symbol of the calm and loyal courage of all the Swiss.
It is one of the historic Lucerne Switzerland points of interest.
8- Glacier Garden
Not very far from the Lion Monument, there is a nature’s monument, The Glacier Garden.
Visit Glacier Garden in Lucerne to discover what Lucerne was like when it was all covered by a glacier.
Or when this place was associated with palm beaches around 20 million years ago.
Buried rocks, glacial pits, and blocks are proof that Lucerne was under the giant glaciers during the ice age.
These natural occurrences are complemented by new exhibits and 18th-century Swiss relief models of Switzerland.
Additionally, there is another great thing to do in Glacier Garden is the mirror maze that is contained on 90 mirrors, making it a fun activity for every age visitor.
9- Musegg Wall
Musegg Wall is the best place to watch the entire Lucerne; it is one of the longest and best-preserved walls in Switzerland.
The wall dates back to 1386 and is still intact.
Here you can climb and overlook the mountains and lakes, and you will also find the oldest watch in the city.
Inside the zytglogge or the clock tower are the working models of ancient clocks still working precisely.
The antique machinery continues to defy modern technology and keeps working timelessly, which amazes the visitors.
Hans Luter manufactured the intricate machinery of the tower face clock in 1535.
Furthermore, the surrounding trees, chirping birds, and blooming flowers make a beautiful combination of this lesser-visited landmark of Lucerne.
You can walk along the wall viewing the sights of Lucerne the lake and Mount Pilatus.
10- Promenade
Promenade Lucerne is a beautiful place for a walk on the shore of Lake Lucerne, and it is the best way to pass an hour or two.
If you have time and you are not in a rush, you definitely should visit this Lakeside walk.
It is on the Northern side of the Seebrücke Bridge about 2.5 kilometers to the Transport Museum.
The view of mountains and lake will follow you and open its beauty from a new side; the stroll or bike ride on the lakeside is one of the best things to do in Lucerne.
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Final Thoughts:
Lucerne is a vibrant city in the heart of Switzerland with breathtaking lakes and mountain views.
I hope you enjoyed this quick guide of things to do in Lucerne and it helped you plan your beautiful visit.
I would also like to remind you that slow down, take your time, and have fun this city has a lot to offer.
Enjoy the beautiful country with your family in a relaxing pace! Let me know in comments your thoughts about this stunning place.
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