Episode 105: The best day trips from Lucerne. Top Swiss mountain excursions and charming towns to visit.
Whether you’re looking to scale mountain peaks, enjoy serene lakeside towns, or discover hidden gems, Lucerne offers a wealth of opportunities for every traveler in Switzerland.
While the city itself is a delight to explore, one of Lucerne’s greatest assets is its access to some of the most breathtaking day and half-day excursions in the region.
In this episode, I’m joined by Céline Deplazes from Lucerne Tourism to explore some of the best day and half-day excursions you can take from Lucerne. You’ll learn about the different mountains you can explore, like Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, and Mount Titlis, each offering unique experiences.
Céline and I chat about everything from the peaceful and lesser-known Stanserhorn to the thrilling ride on the steepest funicular in the world to reach Stoos. We also talk about visiting charming lakeside villages like Brunnen, and small towns near Lucerne, perfect for those who want to experience authentic Swiss village life.
Tune in and find out which mountain excursions are best for you and why Lucerne is the perfect year-round destination.
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Show Notes
In this episode you’ll learn about:
- Mt. Pilatus
- Mt. Rigi
- Mt. Titlis
- Stanserhorn
- Stoos and Fronalpstock
- Brunnen
- Willisau, Sursee and Sempach
Our Guest
Céline Deplazes grew up in the country side by Lake Lucerne. After spending time in New York and Zurich, she moved to Lucerne four years ago.
She loves living in Lucerne as “I have the best of both worlds: city and mountains because I love both :)”.
Céline is a Market Manager for Lucerne Tourism.
Day trip and half-day excursions from Lucerne mentioned in this episode
>> Mt. Pilatus – Mt. Pilatus is the ‘house mountain’ of Lucerne. Known for its dramatic peaks and panoramic views, it is accessible either by cable car or by the world’s steepest cogwheel railway and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and paragliding. Listen to episode 70 for more info about Mt. Pilatus.
>> Mt. Rigi – Often called the ‘Queen of the Mountains’, Mt. Rigi is a peak in central Switzerland, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding lakes and Alps. Accessible by Europe’s first-ever mountain railway, it is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and wellness retreats. Listen to episode 30 to learn more about Mt. Rigi.
>> Mt. Titlis – At 3,200 metres above sea level, Mt. Titlis is famous for its year-round snow and the thrilling Titlis Rotair, the world’s first revolving cable car. Located near Engelberg, it offers spectacular views, glacier walks, and a variety of winter sports, making it a popular destination for adventurers and tourists alike. The mountain’s Ice Flyer chairlift and Cliff Walk provide exhilarating experiences amidst stunning alpine scenery. Mt. Titlis is covered in more detail in episode 58.
>> Stanserhorn – This picturesque mountain is reached by both an historic funicular and a unique open-top cable car that offers panoramic views during the ascent or descent. Situated near the town of Stans, it provides visitors with stunning vistas of the surrounding lakes and peaks, as well as opportunities for hiking and dining at its revolving restaurant. Listen to episode 96 for more info about visiting Stanserhorn.
>> Stoos and Fronalpstock – Two idyllic mountain destinations in central Switzerland, renowned for their breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Stoos, accessible by the world’s steepest funicular, offers a tranquil car-free village atmosphere, while Fronalpstock, higher up the mountain, provides panoramic vistas of the Swiss Alps and surrounding lakes. Together, they are perfect for hiking, skiing, and enjoying the pristine natural beauty of the region.
>> Brunnen – This charming lakeside town located on the shores of Lake Lucerne is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and crystal-clear waters. It serves as a gateway to the scenic Swiss Path and other hiking trails and is also the home of Victorinox, makers of the famous Swiss Army Knife.
>> Willisau, Sursee and Sempach – These three historic towns close to Lucerne, each offer a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. Willisau is known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town and famous Willisau Ringli biscuits. Sursee and Sempach are both situated on the shores of Lake Sempach, and feature well-preserved buildings and a peaceful lakeside atmosphere. Visit Lucerne Tourism’s website to learn more about ‘small town hopping’ to Willisau, Sursee and Sempach.
🇨🇭 Travel to Mt. Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos is fully included with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Useful resources
- Buy your Swiss Travel Pass from our web shop
- Our best things to do in Lucerne article will help you decide what to see and do in the city.
- Read our detailed guides to Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, Mt. Titlis and Stanserhorn to plan your day trip from Lucerne.
Still finding it difficult to decide which mountain to visit? This guide compares Mt. Titlis, Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi.
Our other resources about Lucerne and the Lake Lucerne Region include:
- Listen to podcast episode 57 about Lucerne’s top sights and attractions
- Watch our YouTube Q&A with Céline about visiting Lucerne
- See all our Lake Lucerne Region travel guides
👉 Free guide 21 useful things to know before you visit Switzerland.
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