Lucerne Travel Guide
Famous for its well-preserved Old Town and medieval Chapel Bridge, Lucerne (Luzern in German) is a favourite city amongst visitors to Switzerland. Perched alongside Lake Lucerne and at the foot of some of Switzerland’s most famous mountains – Titlis, Pilatus and Rigi – there is no shortage of things to see and do in Lucerne.
What to See in Lucerne
When it comes to sightseeing in Lucerne, Chapel Bridge and the Old Town should be top of your list. Other popular Lucerne attractions include the Dying Lion Monument, Swiss Transport Museum and the Jesuit Church.
Be sure to allow time for a relaxing Lake Lucerne cruise on either a vintage paddle steamer or a modern motor boat.
Mountain trips are a popular choice for visitors to Lucerne, too. Mounts Pilatus, Titlis and Rigi are all easily accessible from Lucerne.
Top Events in Lucerne
Lucerne hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year including:
Lucerne Summer Festival – A month-long classical music festival that attracts the world’s top orchestras including the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. The festival begins mid-August.
Athletics Meeting Lucerne – Attracting the world’s top track and field athletes, the meet takes place in July.
Christmas Markets, New Year’s fireworks and the Lilu Light Festival – more info here.
Where is Lucerne?
With its location in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne can be easily reached from all over the country and from the major centres in Europe by rail and road. It is just one hour by train from Zurich, two hours from Interlaken and Bern, three hours from Geneva and less than five hours from Paris. Click here for further details.
Lucerne also offers easy access to 11 different winter resorts with 550 kilometres of slopes, so skiers and snowboarders are well catered for.
Use our handy driving and Swiss Travel (rail) Pass guides to plan your visit to Lucerne.
Lucerne Info
Population: 81,000
Canton: Lucerne
Language spoken: German
Average high temperatures: January – 3C / 38F; April – 14C / 57F; July – 24C / 76F; October – 14C / 57F
Christmas market dates: 5 to 22 December, 2024 (Learn more here).
