Things to do in Lucerne: must-sees and where to stay

In short: Lucerne, on Lake Lucerne and facing the mountains, is explored on foot. Cross the Chapel Bridge, wander the old town with its painted façades, see the Lion Monument, walk along the Musegg Wall, and head up Pilatus or Rigi. The currency is the Swiss franc.

The Chapel Bridge

The city’s symbol, the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and its octagonal Water Tower cross the Reuss. It is one of Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridges, decorated with painted panels under its roof.

The old town

Lanes, squares and painted façades: Lucerne’s old town is best explored without a map, from Weinmarkt to Kornmarkt. Further along the Reuss is the Spreuer Bridge, another covered bridge.

The Lion Monument and the Musegg

Carved into the rock, the Lion Monument honours the Swiss Guards who died in Paris in 1792. North of the old town, the Musegg Wall and its towers overlook the rooftops.

The Swiss Museum of Transport

Trains, planes, boats and cars: the Swiss Museum of Transport, by the lake, is one of the country’s most visited museums, ideal for families.

Lake Lucerne

The lake boats, including old paddle steamers, link Lucerne to villages and mountains. Even a short cruise offers superb views.

Day trips from Lucerne

• Mount Pilatus, reached in summer by the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, and by cable car.
• Rigi, the “queen of the mountains”, by boat then cogwheel train.
• Titlis, above Engelberg, for snow all year round.
• Zurich, less than an hour away by train.

Getting around

• On foot: the station is by the lake, a few minutes from the old town.
• Boats and buses serve the lakeshore and the Transport Museum.
• From Zurich airport, the train reaches Lucerne, usually with a change in Zurich.

All our tips for the country: Travel in Switzerland.

Where to stay in Lucerne?

• Old town. Painted squares, pedestrian lanes and covered bridges, all on foot. Ideal for: first visit, couples.
• Lakeside. Grand hotels and promenades facing the lake and the mountains. Ideal for: couples, seniors.
• Around the station. Station and boat piers side by side: ideal for trips to Pilatus or Rigi. Ideal for: arriving by train, day trips.

The areas and useful services are on our Lucerne page.