Lucerne is one of those picture-perfect Swiss cities that everyone falls in love with.
But once you’ve seen the
- Chapel Bridge
- Old Town
- Mount Pilatus,
there’s still so much more to discover.
As someone who lives just 20 minutes from Lucerne, I know this city extremely well.
That is why I want to share with you – 10 under-the-radar things to do that most visitors miss!
👉👉 Note: All of this and more is in my Lucerne City Guide
1. Walk the Musegg Wall and Towers
This old city wall dates back to the 1300s and still stands tall above Lucerne. You can walk parts of it and climb several of the towers (open seasonally). The views over the rooftops and lake are seriously underrated.
2. Make Your Own Swiss Army Knife
Right in Lucerne’s Hirschenplatz, the Victorinox store offers a cool hands-on experience where you can assemble your very own Swiss Army Knife.
You pick the tools and colors, and they’ll help you put it together. It’s a super fun souvenir and a unique memory all in one.
1-3 DAYS IN LUCERNE: A FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE FOR 2025
Everything you need to know when planning a trip to the Lucerne Area.
AFFORDABLE AT ONLY $29
3. Dive into the Swiss Museum of Transport
It might sound niche, but this museum is a blast for all ages. Trains, planes, cars, boats—and even a chocolate adventure and planetarium—make it a full day of exploring.
Kids love it, and adults usually come away pleasantly surprised.
4. Swim in Lake Lucerne Like a Local
On sunny days, the best way to cool off is to join the locals for a swim.
The closest spot to town is Seebad Luzern just along the lakeside promenade, about 10 minutes from the old town.
Ufschötti is a relaxed lakeside spot with grassy areas on the train station side of the lake, while Lido Luzern has a beach, pool, and café.
Bring a towel, grab an ice cream, and soak up the epic Lake Lucerne views.
5. Skip Pilatus and Head to Rigi or Stanserhorn or…
Mount Pilatus gets all the hype, but there are lots of other stunning alternatives scattered around Lake Lucerne.
Rigi and Stanserhorn offer equally stunning views with fewer crowds.
Mount Rigi is especially great for hiking and Stanserhorn has a fun open-air cable car that’s perfect for photos. Both are on the Swiss Travel Pass (so Free if you have it).
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Stoos is partly covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and offers one of the most epic hikes in Switzerland – the Stoos Ridge Hike (not a stroll, so beware if you are not a hiker, its 3+ hours and there is quite a hill at the end).
Burgenstock is closest to Lucerne and has a fun funicular that leads to the 5-star hotels at the top and a jaw-dropping glass elevator hanging over the lake called Hammetschwand.
1-3 DAYS IN LUCERNE: A FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE FOR 2025
Everything you need to know when planning a trip to the Lucerne Area.
AFFORDABLE AT ONLY $29
6. Cruise on a Vintage Paddle Steamer
Sure, modern boats are efficient—but there’s something special about cruising the lake on an old paddle steamer.
These vintage boats (also known as “just local ferries” on Lake Lucerne) run on select schedules and offer a nostalgic, old-world Swiss experience.
The best way to see if they are running is to check the schedule (yes, it’s complex) and look for the little numbers assigned to those boats. They seem to run mostly on weekends and public holidays!
7. Wander Lucerne’s Hidden Alleys
Most visitors stick to the main squares, but the side streets of Lucerne’s Old Town are full of surprises.
Look for painted buildings, tiny fountains, and tucked-away bakeries.
And there is a second covered bridge further downstream from the Chapel Bridge, also worth checking out.
It’s a great way to see the city’s quieter side of town, and avoid all the hustle and bustle.
8. Catch the View from Château Gütsch
Perched above the city, this fairytale-style hotel offers panoramic views over Lucerne and the lake.
You can walk up or take a quick funicular ride—and enjoy a drink on the terrace while watching the sun go down.
It’s just a short walk from Lucerne Old Town, and well worth the effort, especially if you are not going to the Musegg Wall.
1-3 DAYS IN LUCERNE: A FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE FOR 2025
Everything you need to know when planning a trip to the Lucerne Area.
AFFORDABLE AT ONLY $29
9. Explore the Rosengart Collection
Tucked near the train station, this small museum packs a punch with works by Picasso, Paul Klee, and other modern artists. It’s quiet, inspiring, and feels like a hidden gem right in the city center.
10. Visit the Richard Wagner Museum
This museum is a peaceful escape, set in a small lakeside villa where Wagner once lived. It is an easy walk along the lake from the station or a short bus ride and walk instead.
The position is stunning on a hill of a small grassy peninsula overlooking Lake Lucerne.
Learn a bit about his music and life, including the time he was lucky enough to be sponsored to live there and compose his awe-inspiring operas!
Plan Your Trip to Switzerland
Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more 
Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums. 
Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland. 
Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland. 
Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland. 
Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring! 
