A Swiss Gem Nestled in Nature’s Lap
Nestled amidst the picturesque Swiss Alps, Lucerne Switzerland stands as a captivating city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. With its charming old town, stunning lakeside setting, and easy access to nearby mountains, Lucerne offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a quintessential Swiss adventure.
13 Things we loved during our 2 day stay in Lucerne Switzerland
1. The Old Town’s Timeless Charms
Lucerne’s cobblestone streets and medieval architecture transport visitors back in time. The Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), adorned with its iconic tower, serves as a gateway to the past. Explore the well-preserved squares, fountains, and narrow alleys that breathe life into the city’s history.
2. The Enchanting Lake Lucerne
The city’s magical allure is heightened by its proximity to Lake Lucerne. Embark on a leisurely boat cruise to soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the towering peaks of Rigi and Pilatus. The lake’s azure waters and the snow-capped peaks create a stunning visual symphony.
We enjoyed a Lake Lucerne cruise as part of an all day tour and words simply cannot describe the beauty of this place. The Lake is massive and sprawling. Choose any cruise offering dozens of diverse views of the Lake and its surrounding towns, mountains and communities. You won’t be disappointed! ~007 Tripadvisor Review
3. The Majesty of Mount Pilatus
For an extraordinary mountain experience, hop on the cogwheel railway or cable car to ascend Mount Pilatus. The panoramic vistas from its summit are awe-inspiring. Activities like hiking, paragliding, and even summer tobogganing make this destination a year-round attraction.
Wow, these folks really have this attraction operating at its best. The combined lake cruise, gondola ride, cogwheel train ride and free time at the Pilatus summit would all be great by themselves. Combining all that into one day, with a great tour guide to boot, is simply awesome. We spent almost 2 weeks in Europe doing a river cruise, and visited 4 countries. THIS was the best day we had the whole time. If in the area, this is a “must do” in my opinion. Note: Weather is of course uncontrollable, but this is best done on beautiful day like we had.
4. Rigi: The Queen of Mountains
Another natural wonder accessible from Lucerne Switzerland is Mount Rigi. Whether you opt for a cable car or cogwheel train, the journey is as exhilarating as the destination. From the summit, witness a sunrise that bathes the surrounding landscape in a golden glow or explore numerous hiking trails.
5. Art Deco Hotel Montana of Lucerne Switzerland
I cannot say enough good things about this hotel. It sits high on a ridge, with stunning views of Lucerne Switzerland, the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. It’s obviously rather old, but has been updated to feel “old and modern” at the same time, a hard thing to do. The restaurant is great, especially for breakfast. The “Louis Armstrong” bar is fun and high class, offering live music on some nights. Our room was comfortable and well equipped with modern amenities. The staff are outstanding. One of our favorite hotels ever!
6. SCALA RESTAURANT – Art Deco Hotel Montana
Lucerne offers lots of restaurants and bars for your culinary experiences. We enjoyed several beginning with breakfast at our hotel. Drinks at the end of the day in the Louis Bar were fun with a little slice of home playing over the speakers.
We enjoyed breakfast outside on the patio both mornings during our stay. The buffet choices are outstanding and the omelette station was one of our favorites.
7. Bucherer
The PERFECT souvenir from anywhere in Switzerland is an authentic Swiss watch. This store in Lucerne Switzerland is THE place for all kinds of Swiss watches, at all price points. They are spread over several floors, with MANY options as to features and pricing. The sales staff are patient, not pushy and very knowledgeable. Take your time and I am sure you will find something that will literally last a lifetime.
8. Confiseur Bachmann Schwanenplatz
This shop was a great find for us. We wanted to purchase some chocolate items to bring back home to family without “breaking the bank”. We purchased several items (some for us!) and were quite pleased with the value for our money. Give them a try!
9. Jesuitenkirche
This Baroque-style church in Lucerne Switzerland, characterized by its ornate façade and intricate interior, stands as a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage. The church’s lavish decorations, stunning frescoes, and elegant design showcase the artistic mastery of its time. Visitors are transported to an era of opulence and spiritual devotion as they explore the harmonious blend of religious significance and artistic excellence that Jesuitenkirche embodies.
If you tour Europe, it’s easy to suffer “church fatigue”, as there are so many amazing churches on the continent. That said, this place is worth the time to visit. It is pretty outside, but WOW inside. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
10. Pont Spreuer
Take some time to explore this old bridge. The murals (several are original and very old) are fascinating and in surprisingly good condition.
11. Chapel Bridge
This bridge is one of the most popular attractions in Lucerne. Take time for some photos and walk through the entire bridge to fully experience this awesome piece of Swiss history and culture.
12. Franziskanerkirch
This place will definitely fool you. The exterior is simple and unassuming. But the inside is oh so amazing! It represents a nice contrast to the larger and more ornate Jesuit church mentioned earlier.
13. Restaurant Schwanen Cafe de Ville
This little cafe is a real treasure in Lucerne. The views from the balcony are stunning, with vistas of the Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne and the courtyard area below. The menu is great for a light lunch or dinner while taking in the amazing sights. The food is VERY Lucerne, with lots of fresh seafood and other fare. Try and get a table on the balcony to fully experience this place
Lucerne’s allure is a symphony composed of historical elegance, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Whether you’re strolling along its medieval streets, cruising on the glistening lake, or ascending majestic peaks, this Swiss gem promises an unforgettable journey that etches itself into a traveler’s heart.