If you want to discover Central Switzerland, there is no better place than Lucerne. Lucerne is a charming city with lush medieval and baroque architecture and a quiet location near Lake Lucerne. It is within walking distance and has a beautiful old town called Altstadt. Lucerne is also a good starting point for day trips to the Swiss Alps or just enjoying life by the water.
We loved exploring the historic old town of Lucerne with its narrow streets, its town hall and its medieval squares such as Sternenplatz. The city also has a lot of great cafes and restaurants. The historic Museggmaneur Wall, a medieval structure with nine towers, surrounds the city center. The city also has fabulous museums, such as the Lucerne Art Museum and the Swiss Transport Museum.
One thing we noticed during our visit is that we certainly did not fail to find fun things to do in Lucerne. The city is actually quite compact and full of character, with a view of the water and an omnipresent backdrop of snow-capped mountains. It also has a real walking tourist vibe, with coffee culture and densely populated attractions around the city center.
We have put together 18 of the best things to do in Lucerne for You. We definitely have a soft spot for Switzerland, with all its natural beauty, and we have already written guides on the ultimate Swiss routes and the most beautiful cities in the country. We are pleased to finally give Lucerne the well-deserved spotlight.
The best things to do in Lucerne
What does it all look like so far? If you’re like us, these quick inspiration snippets will inspire you even more to find things to do in Lucerne. It’s really a hot spot for delicious food (a steaming cheese fondue, anyone?), photogenic architecture and day trips to areas of natural beauty.
1. Chapel bridge
The Kapellbrücke is a must during a visit to Lucerne. The covered wooden pedestrian bridge from the 1300s is one of the most famous monuments in Lucerne. The roof of the chapel bridge is decorated with works of art from the seventeenth century and has a classic stone tower.
The crossing only takes about ten minutes and is easy to find on Google Maps, but the Kapellbrücke is one of the most memorable things to do in Lucerne. Nothing beats the impression of a traditional wooden structure. And looking towards the wooden beams while crossing the plank bridge is really impressive. Crossing the chapel bridge is like entering a medieval cinematic scene.
The chapel bridge stretches from the south bank to the north bank across the Reuss. Ideally combined with a visit to the old town of Lucerne and the Sternenplatz. The Kapellbrücke is also free – a big plus for anyone looking to stretch their Dollar further in the notoriously expensive Switzerland.
2. Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne is the fourth largest lake in Switzerland and one of the most famous monuments in the country, not to mention that of the city. The lake is a deep blue-green with an emblematic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and typical Swiss greenery. Lucerne is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Lucerne, near the mouth of the Reuss River. Lake Lucerne is one of the best places to visit if you want to take a boat trip or enjoy some activities by the water or on the water.
3. Lucerne Glacial Garden
As you know, Lake Lucerne was formed during the ice age. This history museum presents this part of the history of the region; you will learn all about the glacial history of Lucerne through immersive exhibitions. The Lucerne Glacier Garden is a wonderful addition to your itinerary. It even includes a mirror maze and a well-kept garden for an extra fun touch.
If you are interested in geology, the Glacial Garden is the attraction for you. We also recommend that you keep it as a “rainy day”, as it is the ideal way to discover nature from dry interiors. In the unlikely event that you have a drizzly or miserable day, the Glacial Garden is a fabulous place to still enjoy the beauty and history of nature.
4. Swiss Museum of transport
The Swiss Transport Museum is one of the most fascinating things to do in Lucerne. It is the best choice if you want a museum experience during a visit to Lucerne. The museum is a fairly eclectic exposition of everything related to traffic. This includes helicopters, airplanes, trains and classic cars. You don’t have to be interested in transport and technology to find an interest in the Swiss Transport Museum; the variety of exhibits definitely justifies its place on this List.
