Your Complete Travel Guide to Lucerne

Switzerland is no stranger to tourists, but one destination that often surprisingly misses visitors is Lucerne. This gorgeous little spot is tucked away in the Swiss Alps, a stone’s throw from Zurich in the south. And while it has long gone undetected, it’s high time we introduced you to the best destination in Switzerland. Here’s a quick guide for Lucerne.

A Little About Lucerne

Lucerne isn’t completely ignored, make no mistake; no, the city attracts its fair share of visitors, but it’s still considered one of the hidden gems of the country because of its rather impressive destinations and even more delightful lack of tourist footfall. The city features some of the most captivating sights, has unparalleled Alpine beauty, and an impeccable history dating back to the Medieval Ages. Safe to say, Lucerne is a place that won’t disappoint.

Best Time To Visit Lucerne, Switzerland

Your experience at Lucerne highly depends on the timing. While Lucerne is a delight all year round, visiting in winter can be uncomfortable for tourists who aren’t used to braving the cold. We say, why restrict your trip when you can visit during the warmer months and explore Lucerne to your heart’s content? The peak season is June to September, but if you’d like to skip tourist footfall and high prices, visit anywhere between May-July. This is when the weather is perfect; you won’t be sweating despite exhausting activities, and won’t have to worry about carrying a thick sweater every time the wind blows.

What to See & Do in Lucerne

While we could present a guide that takes you through a typical itinerary, we’re offering a more DIY experience. You decide the duration and the time, and we tell you the most unmissable places. Before we go into it, let’s remember that your experience depends on how many days you’re there, so ensure you’ve got enough time to experience smaller activities, too. Interacting with locals, buying directly from artisans, and learning about Lucerne’s culture is something that will truly delight you.

Boat Ride Along Lake Lucerne

It’s impossible to make the trip without boating around Lake Lucerne. The alpine lake is considered one of the most beautiful ones in Switzerland, and that’s saying something since the country isn’t short of lakes. You don’t necessarily need a boat ride to enjoy Lake Lucerne, but it’s what truly aligns the experience; just floating along the serene lake, taking in its charm. It’s highly recommended.

Stroll Through The Old Town

Trust us; skipping Old Town is like skipping half of Lucerne, so it’s the one destination you just can’t skip. The Old Town of Lucerne is considered the city’s heart; not only does it feature countless historical landmarks like the Hof Church and the Chapel Bridge, but it’s also a cultural hub. Here, if you visit on Tuesdays and Saturdays, you can also explore the farmer’s market.

Hike The Rigi

Lucerne is home to two local mountains: the Rigi and Pilatus. These two mountains offer the same experience: a generic but gorgeous hike to the tourist-friendly summit. But if there’s one you can’t miss, it’s the Rigi, and all for a simple reason: it’s easier to hike. The transport stations and the summit can get quite noisy, so we’d go for the early morning trip if we were you. The hike is easy and simple, so all you need to do is take a few pictures at the summit to seal the view.

Sleep In a Castle

That’s right, we aren’t joking; you really can achieve your dream of sleeping in a castle like royalty. Let’s clear the air; while you’ll be really sleeping in a castle, it’s not like you’ll be there alone; Lucerne’s Château Gütsch is a 19th-century castle that basically works like an Airbnb. And while you won’t have a jester to keep you entertained, you’ll be surrounded by the pristine lake and panoramic views, adding to the charm. And honestly, what better way to make a trip perfect than an activity that makes you feel like royalty and lets you sleep like a dad on baby duty?

Fly Over The Alps

We say, kick the bucket, and explore the Alps in an unconventional way. Instead of taking those typical hikes (which you are still welcome to do), book an aerial tour to see the Alps. It might sound a bit boring, but once you’re up in the air, seeing those imposing peaks from above really paints a picture. Most aerial tours cater to specific routes, but if you’re willing to add a little bigger dent to your wallet, you can request the pilot to take you off-the-beaten-path, in the air!

Explore Glacier Garden

The name sounds intriguing enough, but you won’t understand how special Glacier Garden is until you head there. Picture this: we think artefacts and scratches from the mid Ages are ancient and outdated, but Glacier Garden features icy potholes with trapped bubbles that date back to the Ice Age. We did the math; it’s more than 20,000 years ago! The Glacier Garden is one of the most mind-altering experiences because it doesn’t hone in on how ancient it is until you’re actually there. Trust us, it’s one experience that will change you for the better.

Rent A Pedal Boat

Lastly, if you want to take your experience up a notch and feel like you’re really doing the most without actually having to exhaust yourself, rent a pedal boat. Since pedal boats aren’t too popular compared to motor boat tours, you won’t have to worry about the hassle of fighting a line of other tourists for them. You’ll find several charter companies renting out pedal boats; from there, all you need to do is hop along the bank and experience Lucerne Lake’s charm from up close. We have to warn you, though; it’s best to stick close to the shore since the lake is quite massive and you could get lost. But at the end of the day, when you’re back from the shore, you’ll feel like you’ve just witnessed Luceren’s beauty right in the palm of your hands!