9 Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Lucerne

Do you want to avoid making the same mistakes many people make when coming to Lucerne?

Then you’re in the right place.

Below, I will show you the top things people get wrong when visiting this stunning city!

1. Not Getting A Little Bit Wet

The old town of Lucerne, and the Chapel Bridge in particular are the highlights of this historic Swiss city.

But don’t let that stop you from getting a little bit wet!

What do I mean by that? Make sure you head out on the water!

Lucerne is right on the lake. Lake Lucerne to be exact. And there are so many ways to have a unforgettable experience on this mesmerising Alpine lake.

You can:

• Take one of the local ferries
• Combine a ferry ride with a mountain trip
• Head out on a lunch or dinner/sunset cruise

Don’t just stick to the city of Lucerne—get a little bit wet and enjoy one of its best features—the lake!

2. Not Climbing That Hill

If you want to get the best views in town, you have to get up high – somehow.

There are three fun options available, so you can choose your own adventure:

1. Climb the medieval Musegg Wall and experience the inside of a clock (on the hour)
2. Catch the funicular up to Chateau Gütsch and see how the other half live
3. Climb the wooden tower at the top of the Glacier Garden.

Make sure you do at least one of these to see Lucerne from up high! It’s worth it.

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3. Missing These Stunning Mountains

Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis are two of the best mountain attractions around Lucerne. And I certainly won’t tell you not to experience them yourself.

However, if you have a little more time on your hands or just want to see something most people miss, try these mountain day trips as well:

• Bürgenstock and the Hammetschwand Glass Elevator
• Stoos and the jaw-dropping Fronalpstock hike
• Mount Rigi and its fun cogwheel train and hiking opportunities
• Stanserhorn and its open-topped gondola

👉👉SEE THE BEST MOUNTAINS AROUND LUCERNE

4. Getting The Wrong Dates

Imagine you have your whole day planned – heading to the top of Pilatus, with a boat ride, cogwheel train and gondola ride thrown in for good measure.

But, when you get to the cogwheel train, you find it is…closed!

WHAT!???

Unfortunately, many of Switzerland’s most popular mountain transport systems close for maintenance at some point in the year.

This happens especially between summer and winter and, in some cases, all winter long, depending on the mountain and the transport type.

And you should make sure your planned trip is actually possible:

• Check the opening times and dates before you go
• Double-check by emailing the company if you are unsure (or call, they likely speak English)

Don’t ruin that epic mountain trip by leaving it all to chance.

5. Only Buying Obvious Souvenirs

Everyone loves a Swiss cowbell or a T-Shirt with Lucerne printed on the front.

But why not find something more unique on your once-in-a-lifetime visit to Lucerne?

There are three places I recommend you check out to grab yourself something more unusual to take home:

1. The Swatch Store – Funky and affordable Swiss watches (Google Maps)
2. The Victorinox Store – The original Swiss Army Knife company – make your own custom knife (Google Maps)
3. Max Chocolatier- Top-notch, hand-made chocolates made in Lucerne. (Google Maps)

6. Missing the Best Museums

Lucerne is home to some of the most unique and exciting museums in Switzerland. Yes, museums can be fun too!

Take the Transport Museum – it is a huge expanse of actual planes, trains and automobiles. As well as boats, games, interactive exhibits and more. The kids love it (and adults too).

Then there is the Wagner Museum, a house where he lived and composed some of his best music. And it is right on the shores of the lake in a stunning setting with marvelous views.

The Rosengarten Collection is an art-lovers dream. It is a formerly insane private collection of modern masterpieces on display in a beautiful historic building in the old town.

7 NOT Using The Lucerne City Card

Anyone who stays one night or more in an eligible accommodation can get a free Lucerne City Card. Sure, it doesn’t replace your Swiss Travel Pass, but it does entitle you to some handy perks:

• Free local transport
• Access to some local Wifi hotspots
• Discounts on a range of places around the town

So, be sure to ask your hosts if you can get one before you arrive.

8. Missing the Less Popular Tourist Spots

There are so many stunning things to see in the Lucenre Old Town area, many of you will often miss the gems just outside the old town.

Tourists often miss these hidden gems and experiences in Lucerne due to focusing on popular attractions like the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument:

1. Spreuer Bridge: Less famous than the Chapel Bridge, this covered wooden bridge features 17th-century paintings of the “Dance of Death” under its roof. It’s a quieter spot with unique historical art.
2. Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten): A fascinating site with glacial potholes, a museum, and a mirror maze. Many skip it, assuming it’s just a garden, but it offers a quirky dive into Lucerne’s geological past.
3. Richard Wagner Museum: Located in Tribschen, this lakeside villa where Wagner lived is often overlooked by those staying in central Lucerne. It’s a serene spot with personal artifacts and music history.
4. Jesuit Church Interiors: Tourists often pass by this baroque church on the Reuss River, but its ornate stucco work and frescoes inside are stunning and less crowded than other landmarks.
5. Hofkirche (St. Leodegar Church): While its twin spires are iconic, many don’t venture inside to see the intricate altars, organ, or peaceful courtyard, overshadowed by the city’s busier spots.
6. Musegg Wall and Towers: A well-preserved 14th-century city wall with nine towers. Visitors can climb the Zyt Tower for panoramic views and explore the quiet history of the fortifications, often overlooked for flashier sites

To catch these, wander beyond the old town, check local event calendars, and ask locals for tips.

Of course, all of these are in my Lucerne Region Guide, which would make your trip one to remember!

9. Having Too Many Regrets

There is so much to see and do in and around Lucerne, you could absolutely spend a week here.

From the historic old town with the nearby museums to the stunning Alpine vistas on Lake Lucerne, you will think you have woken up and landed in paradise.

Yes, one day in Lucerne will give you a taste of this wonderful Swiss city, but perhaps you should stay just a little bit longer?