Lucerne is one of the highlights of any visit to Switzerland.
However, you need to make the most of your visit by covering the best sights, no matter how long you have been in town.
Starting with the top must-sees, this is how you should see Lucerne and the surrounding mountains…
Start with the Old Town Charm
Lucerne’s Old Town is the heart of the city, full of history, charm, and beautifully preserved architecture. Begin your visit here to soak up the local culture and atmosphere.
The car-free streets make it perfect for walking, and there’s something photogenic around every corner — from historic buildings with painted facades to quaint fountains and cozy cafés.
Quick Highlights:
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): Lucerne’s most iconic landmark, complete with 17th-century paintings under its roof.
- Water Tower: Once a prison and treasury, now a centerpiece of the Old Town skyline.
- Spreuer Bridge: A little quieter than Chapel Bridge, with haunting Dance of Death paintings.
- Town Hall & Clock Tower: Step back into the Renaissance era with these well-preserved civic buildings.
- Jesuit Church: A baroque masterpiece on the banks of the Reuss River, especially magical at sunset.
Take your time exploring, and maybe grab a coffee or pastry from one of the local bakeries while watching life go by.
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Mount Pilatus – Half-Day Adventure 🚠
Just a stone’s throw from Lucerne, Mount Pilatus makes for a dramatic alpine escape. Y
ou’ll get a taste of the Swiss mountains without having to commit a full day, making it ideal if you’re tight on time.
Not only do you get spectacular scenery, but if you do the full Golden Round Trip, you also get a boat ride, a cogwheel train (from Mid-May – Oct) and all the other highlights of Lucerne, all in one visit.
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How to Get There:
- Golden Round Trip (May–October): Take a boat to Alpnachstad, ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up, and descend via gondola and cableway to Kriens — then catch a bus back to Lucerne.
- Winter or Quick Trip: Take the gondolas from Kriens both ways for year-round access.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Sweeping panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps.
- Easy walking paths and short hikes at the top.
- Dramatic cliffs, alpine meadows, and even a mountaintop hotel.
- An adventure on the way down the gondolas – Mountain Coaster, Rope park and Zipline
Great for anyone wanting a mix of scenic travel, fresh air, and mountain vibes.
Dive Deeper into Old Town Gems
Once you’re back from Pilatus, return to Lucerne’s Old Town to dig deeper into its hidden corners and lesser-known spots.
Starting with what I think are the top things to see, here are the highlights that are further away from the very center, but worth it if you have some extra time…
Don’t Miss:
- Musegg Wall (Museggmauer): Part of the old city’s fortifications. Several towers are open to climb and offer fantastic views.
- Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal): A moving sculpture carved into a rock face, commemorating Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution.
- Glacier Garden: A quirky and fascinating museum with natural glacial potholes, dioramas, and a fun mirror maze.
- Hofkirche: Lucerne’s main church with twin towers and a beautiful interior — great for a quiet moment.
This is also a great time to do some shopping, try local Swiss chocolate, or enjoy a relaxed lakeside meal.
Lucerne is also a great spot to try some quality cheese fondue, if you aren’t going to any other big cities like Zurich.
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Everything you need to know when planning a trip to the Lucerne Area.
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More Mountain Magic: Day Trip Ideas 🏔️
Lucerne is surrounded by mountains — each one offering something different, and all are reachable within 1–2 hours.
- Mount Rigi: Known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” Accessible by cogwheel railway from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau. Ideal for hiking, sunrises, and wellness (there’s even a spa at Rigi Kaltbad).
- Stanserhorn: Take a vintage funicular followed by the open-air CabriO cable car — the first of its kind! Great views and a rotating restaurant at the top.
- Stoos & Fronalpstock Reach this car-free village by riding the world’s steepest funicular. It’s peaceful, perfect for hiking or just enjoying the alpine silence.
- Mount Titlis: A glacier paradise near Engelberg, with snow year-round. Ride the rotating cable car, walk through an ice cave, or brave the cliff walk for epic views.
- Bürgenstock: Just across the lake from Lucerne. Luxurious and scenic — take the funicular up, explore the cliff walk, and ride the Hammetschwand Lift, Europe’s highest outdoor elevator.
Whether you’re looking for snowy adventures, epic hikes, or relaxing viewpoints, there’s a peak for every mood — and they all offer unforgettable views.
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! 
