2-Day Ultimate Travel Guide to Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland

2 days

Chapel Bridge and lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstattersee), Canton of Lucerne
Dramatic sunset over the old town
Pilatus Kulm
Waterfall Jesuit Church Inner Harbor
Pilatus mountain and historic city center

About Lucerne, Switzerland

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne offers a unique blend of urban life and nature. This picturesque city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with the serene Lake Lucerne at its heart. Explore the charming Old Town with its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Chapel Bridge and Water Tower. Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport or take a scenic boat trip on the lake. For breathtaking views, take the cogwheel train up to Mount Pilatus or the cable car to Mount Titlis. Enjoy Swiss cuisine in cozy restaurants and shop for famous Swiss watches and chocolates. Lucerne's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Switzerland.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Historic and Scenic Beauty of Lucerne

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Chapel Bridge, a historic wooden bridge that offers stunning views of the Reuss River and the old town. Take a leisurely stroll along the bridge and soak in the picturesque scenery.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch in the heart of the old town. Sample local delicacies such as raclette and fondue, paired with a glass of Swiss wine.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Swiss Museum of Transport. Explore the fascinating exhibits that cover all forms of transport, including rail, road, sea, and air. Don't miss the Planetarium within the museum.

Dinner

Dine in a cozy restaurant offering panoramic views of Lake Lucerne. Savor a gourmet meal while watching the sunset over the lake.

Evening

End your day with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Lucerne. The serene waters and the twinkling city lights create a magical atmosphere.

Morning

Kick off your second day with a visit to the Lion Monument, a poignant sculpture of a dying lion. The monument is a tribute to the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution.

Lunch

Have lunch in a charming café in the old town. Try the traditional Swiss pastries and chocolates.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the Richard Wagner Museum, located in the villa where the famous composer once lived. The museum houses a collection of Wagner's personal items and musical scores.

Dinner

Enjoy a hearty Swiss dinner in a restaurant with views of the city's beautiful architecture. Try the local specialty, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, a creamy dish made with sliced veal.

Evening

Finish your trip with a visit to the KKL Luzern, a cultural and convention center known for its impressive modern architecture. Attend a concert or simply admire the building's design.

Attractions in Itinerary (6)

Chapel Bridge

1
Chapel Bridge

The Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden footbridge spanning diagonally across the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne. It is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, and one of Switzerland's main tourist attractions.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Swiss Museum of Transport

2
Swiss Museum of Transport

The Swiss Museum of Transport is Switzerland's most visited museum, showcasing transport history with interactive and varied exhibits.

Attractions
Museums
Lake Lucerne

3
Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne is a lake in central Switzerland and the fourth largest in the country. It's a popular destination for swimming, boating, and hiking.

Attractions
Parks
Tours
Lion Monument

4
Lion Monument

The Lion Monument, or the Lion of Lucerne, is a rock relief in Lucerne, Switzerland, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Richard Wagner Museum

5
Richard Wagner Museum

Located in the villa where Richard Wagner lived from 1866 to 1872, this museum houses a collection of Wagner's personal items, a library, and a concert hall.

Attractions
Museums
Cultural Experiences
KKL Luzern

6
KKL Luzern

The KKL Luzern is a culture and convention center, known for its modern architecture and diverse range of performances.

Attractions
Entertainment
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Rösti

Rösti

A popular Swiss dish made from coarsely grated potato, fried until crisp and golden. It is a common breakfast food in Lucerne and is often served with meats and vegetables.

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

A creamy dish made from sliced veal cooked in a white wine and cream sauce. It is a traditional dish in Lucerne and is often served with Rösti.

Swiss Fondue

A classic Swiss dish where bread is dipped into a pot of melted cheese. It's a communal dish, often enjoyed with friends and family in Lucerne.

Raclette

Raclette

A Swiss dish where a wheel of cheese is melted and scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and onions. It's a popular winter dish in Lucerne.

Swiss Chocolate

Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, and Lucerne is no exception. Swiss chocolate is known for its high quality and smooth texture.

Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen

A traditional Swiss gingerbread cookie. In Lucerne, it's often decorated with icing and enjoyed during the Christmas season.

Bündner Nusstorte

Bündner Nusstorte

A nut-filled pastry originating from the canton of Graubünden. It's a popular dessert in Lucerne, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Swiss Pastries

Lucerne is known for its wide variety of pastries, including butterzopf (a braided bread), nusstorte (a nut-filled pastry), and spitzbueb (a jam-filled cookie).

Swiss Sausages

Switzerland is known for its wide variety of sausages. In Lucerne, popular types include cervelat (a smoked sausage) and bratwurst (a grilled sausage).

Swiss Cheese

Switzerland is famous for its cheese, and Lucerne is no exception. Popular types include Emmental, Gruyère, and Appenzeller.

Swiss Wine

Switzerland is known for its high-quality wines, particularly white wines made from the Chasselas grape. In Lucerne, you can also find excellent red wines made from the Pinot Noir and Merlot grapes.

Swiss Beer

Switzerland has a thriving craft beer scene, and Lucerne is home to several local breweries. Popular styles include lagers, ales, and wheat beers.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Lucerne, Switzerland is typically during the summer months, from June to September. During this time, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with numerous festivals and events. However, if you are a winter sports enthusiast, you might prefer to visit between December and February when the nearby mountains are covered in snow, ideal for skiing and snowboarding.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day (regional holiday)

January 2

Tue

Berchtold Day (regional holiday)

January 6

Sat

Epiphany (regional holiday)

March 1

Fri

Republic Day (Neuchâtel)

March 19

Tue

Saint Joseph's Day (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday (regional holiday)

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday (regional holiday)

April 4

Thu

Näfels Procession (Glarus)

May 1

Wed

May Day (regional holiday)

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day (regional holiday)

May 20

Mon

Pentecost Monday (regional holiday)

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi (regional holiday)

June 23

Sun

Jura Independence Day (Jura)

August 1

Thu

Swiss National Day

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary (regional holiday)

September 5

Thu

Genevese Fast (Geneva)

September 16

Mon

Federal Fast Monday (regional holiday)

September 22

Sun

Mauritius Day (Appenzell Innerrhoden)

September 25

Wed

St. Nicholas of Flüe (Obwalden)

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day (regional holiday)

December 8

Sun

Immaculate Conception (regional holiday)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day (regional holiday)

December 26

Thu

St. Stephen's Day (regional holiday)

December 31

Tue

Restoration Day (Geneva)

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Lucerne is a compact city with many of its key attractions located close to each other. Walking is often the best way to explore the city, especially the Old Town area with its narrow streets and historic buildings.

Lucerne offers several bike rental services, making it easy to explore the city on two wheels. There are plenty of bike paths and lanes throughout the city, making it a bike-friendly destination.

Lucerne's public bus network is extensive and efficient, covering the city and its suburbs. It's a convenient way to reach attractions that are further afield.

Lucerne's main train station is a major transportation hub, with connections to other Swiss cities and towns. It's also the starting point for many scenic train journeys, such as the Golden Pass Line.

Lucerne is located on the shores of Lake Lucerne and boat trips are a popular way to see the city and its surroundings. Regular passenger boats connect Lucerne with other lakeside towns.

While driving in Lucerne is possible, it's not recommended due to the city's narrow streets and limited parking. However, car rental services are available for trips outside the city.

Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in Lucerne. They can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're travelling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

For a unique perspective of Lucerne, take a cable car up one of the surrounding mountains. The cable car to Mount Pilatus, for example, offers stunning views of the city and lake.

Taxis are readily available in Lucerne, either at taxi stands or by calling a local taxi company. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around the city.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

CurrencyCHF CHF

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 144; Fire: 118; Police: 117

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type J

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Lucerne, Switzerland as a first time visitor

1

Lucerne is located in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, but most locals also speak English.

2

The currency used in Lucerne is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

3

Tipping is not mandatory in Lucerne as service charge is usually included in the bill. However, it's common to round up the bill to the nearest franc.

4

Public transportation in Lucerne is very efficient. The city has a comprehensive network of buses and trains, and a Swiss Travel Pass can be a cost-effective way to get around.

5

Lucerne has a temperate climate. Summers (June to August) are warm with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C), while winters (December to February) are cold with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 45°F (-2°C to 7°C).

6

Switzerland uses Type J plugs, so you may need a power adapter if your devices use different plug types.

7

The tap water in Lucerne is safe to drink and of high quality.

8

Lucerne is generally a safe city, but like any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

9

Switzerland is known for its punctuality. Trains, buses, and even appointments run on time, so it's important to be prompt.

10

The Swiss are known for their respect for privacy. It's considered impolite to be loud in public places or to ask personal questions.

11

Switzerland has strict littering laws. Always dispose of your trash properly to avoid fines.

12

Smoking is prohibited in public places in Lucerne, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation.

13

Lucerne has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

14

Swiss cuisine is a must-try in Lucerne. Don't miss out on local specialties like raclette, fondue, and Swiss chocolate.

15

Shops in Lucerne usually close by 6:30 pm on weekdays and are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping accordingly.

16

VAT is included in the price in Switzerland. However, tourists can get a VAT refund on purchases over a certain amount.

17

Switzerland is a hiker's paradise. If you're planning to hike, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and check the weather forecast.

18

Switzerland has a high cost of living. Lucerne is no exception, so plan your budget accordingly.

19

If you're planning to ski, note that the ski season in Switzerland typically runs from late November to early April.

20

Lucerne has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues. However, keep in mind that noise laws are strictly enforced.

Basic German to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hallo

ha-lo

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Auf Wiedersehen

owf vee-der-zayn

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Bitte

bit-te

Making a request

Thank you

Danke

dahn-ke

Showing appreciation

Yes

Ja

ya

Agreeing or confirming

No

Nein

nine

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Entschuldigung

ent-shool-dee-goong

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Es tut mir leid

es toot meer lite

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

shpre-khen zee eng-lish

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Ich verstehe nicht

ish fair-shtay-uh nikht

Communicating lack of understanding

How much does this cost?

Wie viel kostet das?

vee feel kos-tet das

Asking the price of something

Where is the bathroom?

Wo ist die Toilette?

vo ist dee toilet-te

Asking for directions to the bathroom

I need a doctor

Ich brauche einen Arzt

ish brow-khe i-nen artst

In case of a medical emergency

Can I get the menu, please?

Kann ich bitte die Speisekarte haben?

kahn ish bit-te dee shpy-zuh-kar-te ha-ben

At a restaurant, asking for the menu

Water, please

Wasser, bitte

vas-er, bit-te

Asking for water

Beer, please

Bier, bitte

beer, bit-te

Asking for beer

Wine, please

Wein, bitte

vine, bit-te

Asking for wine

I would like to pay

Ich möchte zahlen

ish moe-khte zah-len

Asking for the bill at a restaurant

Help!

Hilfe!

hil-fe

In case of an emergency

Good night

Gute Nacht

goo-te nakht

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sweater or jacket

  • Pajamas

  • Swimwear (if planning to swim)

  • Scarf, gloves and hat (if winter)

  • Rain jacket or umbrella (if forecast predicts rain)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport/ID

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency (Swiss Franc)

  • Maps and guidebooks

  • Emergency contacts and important addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Mobile phone and charger

  • Headphones

  • Camera and charger

  • Power bank

  • Travel adapter (Switzerland uses type J plugs)

  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent

  • Ziplock bags for organization

  • Tissues

  • Sunglasses

  • Daypack for daily excursions

Weather Conditions

Lucerne, Switzerland, is a beautiful city with a temperate climate. The weather can vary greatly, so it's essential to come prepared for different conditions. In the winter months, from December to February, Lucerne can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping to around 28°F (-2°C). Snowfall is common during this period, making it a great time for winter sports enthusiasts. Remember to pack warm clothing, such as thermal layers, a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Spring, from March to May, sees milder temperatures, ranging from 46°F to 64°F (8°C to 18°C). It's a great time to visit as the city starts to bloom, but it can still be quite chilly, especially in the evenings, so a medium-weight jacket is recommended. Summer, from June to August, is the warmest season with temperatures typically ranging from 64°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C). However, sudden rain showers are common, so it's advisable to carry a lightweight, waterproof jacket or umbrella. Autumn, from September to November, can be quite cool with temperatures ranging from 46°F to 59°F (8°C to 15°C). The weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny and rainy days, so packing layers and a waterproof jacket is recommended. Regardless of the season, the weather in Lucerne can change quickly due to its location in the Swiss Alps. It's always a good idea to check the local forecast before heading out for the day. Also, the sun can be quite strong at higher altitudes, so don't forget your sunscreen, even in winter. Enjoy your visit to Lucerne, and remember, there's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

5° / -2°

January is the coldest month in Lucerne, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time for winter sports enthusiasts, but make sure to pack warm clothing.

February

7° / -1°

February is still quite cold, but temperatures start to rise slightly. It's still a good time for winter sports, but also for enjoying the beautiful snowy landscapes.

March

13° / 1°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures starting to rise. The snow starts to melt, making it a good time for hiking and exploring the city.

April

16° / 4°

April is a mild month, with temperatures comfortable enough for outdoor activities. The city starts to bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit.

May

20° / 8°

May brings warmer temperatures, making it a great time for outdoor activities. The city is in full bloom, and it's a great time to explore the local parks and gardens.

June

23° / 11°

June is the start of summer, with temperatures rising and plenty of sunshine. It's a great time for swimming in the lake and enjoying outdoor festivals.

July

25° / 13°

July is the warmest month in Lucerne, with long, sunny days. It's a perfect time for swimming, boating, and enjoying the city's outdoor cafes.

August

25° / 13°

August is still quite warm, but temperatures start to drop slightly towards the end of the month. It's a great time for hiking and exploring the surrounding mountains.

September

22° / 10°

September sees the start of autumn, with temperatures starting to drop. The city is beautiful with autumn colors, making it a great time for photography.

October

16° / 6°

October is a cool month, with temperatures dropping further. It's a good time for hiking and enjoying the autumn colors in the city.

November

10° / 2°

November is quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing at night. It's a good time for indoor activities, like visiting museums and galleries.

December

7° / -1°

December is a festive month in Lucerne, with Christmas markets and lights. It's cold, so pack warm clothing, but it's a magical time to visit.

Did you know?

Did you know that Lucerne is home to the world's oldest covered bridge, the Chapel Bridge, which was built in 1333?

1 of 10

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