Lucerne
A scenic town by the lake and mountains, ideal base for Alpine trips.
About Lucerne
Quick overview and handy details
A picturesque city on the shore of Lake Lucerne, at the foot of Mount Pilatus. Its historic center, covered Chapel Bridge, towers, and squares create a fairy-tale feel.
Interactive map of Lucerne
Attractions, routes and directions
Attractions
Must-see places and landmarks worth visiting
Lucerne Old Town
A charming maze of medieval alleys, painted facades, and riverside squares.
Swiss Museum of Transport
Switzerland’s most visited museum and a paradise for tech enthusiasts.
Church of St. Leodegar
Lucerne’s main Catholic church – historic, solemn, and architecturally striking.
Bourbaki Panorama
A monumental circular painting capturing a dramatic episode of the Franco-Prussian War.
Pilatus
A legendary peak above Lucerne with epic views, cable cars, and the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.
Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre
A modern lakeside icon hosting world-class concerts and cultural events.
Nearest airports
Easy transfers to and from the airport
Zurich
Bern
Getting around
Car hire, transfers, bikes and boats
Where to stay
Hand-picked stays in Lucerne
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Trip.com
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Top experiences
Curated picks and live widgets
Nearby cities
Interesting nearby places to visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most popular travel questions
Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most postcard-perfect cities, combining a historic core, a lakefront, and mountains close by. Its icons are Kapellbrücke and walks along Lake Lucerne.
May to September is best for lake cruises, promenades, and mountain trips. For a festive winter city break, see Switzerland in December: weather, Christmas markets and where to spend Christmas and New Year.
2-3 days is ideal for a first visit: the old town, the lake, and one panoramic mountain outing. Plan 4-5 days if you want museums and day trips.
Most travelers fly into Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport, then continue by train via Zurich or Bern. For tickets and rail passes, see How to Travel by Train in Switzerland: Tickets, Prices and Rail Passes.
Central Lucerne is easy on foot, with buses for longer hops and boats for lake connections. For planning routes and transfers across Switzerland, use Transport in Switzerland.
Staying near the historic center is the most convenient for sightseeing and evening walks. For lake views and a calmer vibe, look closer to Lake Lucerne.
A great route is Lucerne Old Town – Kapellbrücke – Lion Monument – Glacier Garden. End with a lakeside stroll by Lake Lucerne.
Pilatus is the classic choice for panoramas and easy hikes. If you prefer a guided option or bundled tickets, compare ideas on Tours in Switzerland.
Swiss Museum of Transport and Bourbaki Panorama are reliable indoor picks for 2-4 hours. Add Church of St. Leodegar for a calm stop nearby.
Lucerne isn’t cheap, especially in summer, so booking accommodation early helps. Use Best budget hotels in Switzerland: cities, prices and money-saving tips and Most Atmospheric Apartments in Switzerland: Best Areas, Views and Prices to shortlist stays faster.
Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés, but eSIM is usually the easiest way to stay connected on the move—see eSIM for Switzerland. For public networks, consider VPN for Switzerland.
Easy classics include Zurich for museums, Bern for the capital’s old town, and Interlaken for big mountain scenery. For a lakeside Riviera feel, go to Montreux and visit Chillon Castle.