Sandwiched between Zürich and Bern, you’ll find the postcard-pretty city of Lucerne. With its car-free Old Town packed with museums and medieval architecture, it’s a prime place to soak up Switzerland’s history.
It’s also surrounded by natural beauty. The Reuss River runs like a ribbon through the city center before spilling out into the glistening Lake Lucerne, backed by the impressive Alps beyond. Hiking, skiing and cycling are all easily accessible from this central Swiss city.
Train is the easiest way to get to Lucerne. The journey can be as quick as 41m directly from Zürich and 1h from Bern. Not sure what to do when you get there? Read on for the top places to eat, drink and stay in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Image credit: Getty Images, Xantana
Is Luzern and Lucerne the same place?
Yes, they are! Lucerne is the French way of spelling the city’s name and most commonly used internationally, while Luzern is the German version. The latter is most commonly seen on signposts around the city.
What language do they speak in Lucerne, Switzerland?
Four languages are officially spoken in Switzerland: French, German, Italian, and Romansh.
Lucerne is in the German-speaking area of the country, so they speak Swiss German.
However, take note: just because you learnt a few sentences in German at school, it doesn’t mean you’ll understand much here. Swiss German is noticeably different from Standard German, with its own vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical rules.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Glenn Driver. Image Location: Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
What are the best things to do in Lucerne?
Start in the Old Town, Lucerne’s prettiest neighborhood, lined with cobblestone streets, timber-frame houses, and leafy squares. Many buildings date back to medieval times. Snap a photo of Lucerne’s iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), a covered wooden bridge built in 1333, before picking up a chäschüchli (a warm cheese tartlet) from a local bakery.
Art fans should take a look inside Sammlung Rosengart. This art museum houses an impressive collection of Post-Impressionist works from Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse.
Just beyond the city, you’ll find Mount Pilatus. Climb aboard the steepest cogwheel railway train in the world and it’ll chug you to the top of this 6,983-ft peak, rewarding you with sensational views across Lucerne. Or take a boat trip on the 24-mi long Lake Lucerne; book a vintage paddle steamer for a sunset cruise, followed by dinner onboard.
Come winter, there are plenty of things to do near Lucerne during the ski season – from skiing and snowshoeing to tobogganing and ice diving. Head to Mount Rigi for 15mi of family-friendly skiing or venture a little further to Engelberg-Titlis, home to one of the longest ski runs in the world.
Where to eat in Lucerne
Begin your culinary journey at Wirtshaus Taube Luzern for a taste of traditional Swiss dishes. Order the älplermagronen, a Swiss version of macaroni and cheese, topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon bits, and apple sauce on the side.
If you love Italian food, head to Pastarazzi where you can taste-test your way through dishes of homemade ravioli drizzled with sage butter. Alternatively, Bolero serves up the best Spanish tapas in town. Think Iberian pork with spicy salsa and grilled tuna paired with a mango avocado salad.
Älplermagronen. Image Credit: Getty Images, Rafael Wiedenmeier
The best hotels in Lucerne
If you’re looking for a typical Swiss hotel in the Old Town, book Hotel Wilden Mann. This former 500-year-old pub is now a quaint boutique hotel, complete with original beams, a wood-paneled dining room, and antique furniture.
For the ultimate fairytale stay, book Château Gütsch. This castle-hotel is perched on top of a forested hill, overlooking Lucerne and the lake below. Romantic rooms with four-poster beds and panoramic views from the terrace make the high price worth it.
What is the best month to visit Lucerne?
Lucerne is a wonderful city to visit year-round. Spring and summer are perfect for boating on Lake Lucerne, hiking through the Alpine foothills and admiring the view from Mount Pilatus. The best months are May and September when the weather in Lucerne is warmer, and the streets are blissfully child-free as this period falls outside of the school holidays.
However, if you love skiing, then book your trip between December and April. This is the peak ski season in Switzerland when snow conditions are at their best. With 21 ski resorts within easy striking distance of Lucerne, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Looking for tickets?
Download the Trainline App and find the best tickets to start your Swiss adventure.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, westend61