Episode 206: Winter in Lucerne: Christmas Markets, Light Festivals, and Must-Do Activities

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Is Lucerne worth visiting in winter? Absolutely! In this episode, Meret Geissbühler from the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company shares why this beautiful lakeside city is a wonderful winter destination.

Discover what to expect from the winter weather, how to get around and what’s open, plus some of the seasonal events that bring the city to life, including Christmas markets, the Lucerne Light Festival and Lucerne Carnival. 

We also explore winter cruises on Lake Lucerne, mountain excursions to Rigi, Pilatus and Titlis, and the lesser-known Klewenalp.

You’ll also get suggestions for indoor activities, including the Swiss Museum of Transport, Glacier Garden and visits to Aeschbach Chocolatier and Max Chocolatier.

Tune in for plenty of inspiration for your visit to Lucerne in winter.

Show Notes

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• What makes Lucerne a special winter destination, including its picturesque snowy landscapes and peaceful atmosphere
• The top winter festivals and events in Lucerne, such as Christmas markets, the Lucerne Light Festival, and Lucerne Carnival
• Practical tips for visiting Lucerne in winter, including what to pack and how to get around the city
• The best winter activities—from lake cruises and mountain excursions to culinary cruises on Lake Lucerne
• Recommended indoor attractions for colder or rainy days, such as the Swiss Museum of Transport, art galleries, and chocolate tours
• A hidden gem winter excursion that lets you combine a boat ride with skiing or sledding at Klevenalp

Our Guest

Festivals and activities mentioned in this episode

>> Christmas markets and Ice Magic – Lucerne’s Christmas markets add plenty of festive atmosphere, with options including Rudolf’s Christmas Market beside Lake Lucerne and a more traditional market in the Old Town. Visitors can also enjoy Ice Magic near the KKL, with free ice skating, food stalls, a fondue chalet, live music and special events.

>> Lucerne Light Festival – Held in January, the Lucerne Light Festival transforms the city for around ten days with colourful light installations. There are also special concerts and light shows, making an evening stroll through Lucerne particularly atmospheric.

>> Lucerne Carnival – February brings one of Switzerland’s biggest carnivals, when Lucerne takes on a completely different personality. Expect elaborate costumes, colourful parades, decorated wagons, Guggenmusik bands and a lively party atmosphere throughout the city centre.

>> Winter cruises on Lake Lucerne – Boat cruises continue throughout winter, with regular scheduled services as well as special culinary cruises. Options include lunch cruises, fondue and raclette cruises, plus special Christmas and New Year sailings.

>> Winter mountain excursions – Lucerne is an excellent base for visiting nearby mountains including Rigi, Pilatus and Titlis. One particularly scenic option is to cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau and then take the cogwheel train up Mount Rigi, where there are winter walking trails and beautiful views.

>> Museums and indoor attractions – There’s plenty to do when the weather isn’t ideal, including the Swiss Museum of Transport, the Rosengart Collection, Lucerne Museum of Art and the Glacier Garden. Chocolate lovers can also visit local chocolatiers to learn how Swiss chocolate is made — and even decorate their own chocolate bar.

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> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.