Best Things To Do in Lucerne

Famous for its medieval architecture and for being surrounded by the Alps, Lucerne is one of the most visited cities in Switzerland and a perfect place to contemplate the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. In addition, if you are a fan of adventure sports, you can go on hiking trails and participate in other similar practices.

Some of the best things to do in Lucerne include visiting the Kapellbrücke Bridge, touring the Swiss Museum of Transport, seeing the Lake of the Four Cantons, discovering Mount Pilatus and using the Hammetschwand outdoor elevator, which is the highest in the world.

The Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge, is one of Lucerne's most iconic symbols and is considered Europe's oldest covered bridge of its kind, as well as one of the country's most photographed sites.

Its initial construction was intended to protect the city from possible attacks, so it is closely linked to the medieval history of the region and its structure features defensive positions for archers.

Kapellbrücke stretches over the Reuss River and is more than 200 meters long, making it unique not only for its medieval architecture, but also for the more than 30 triangular paintings inside, which are placed under the sloping roof and constitute one of the largest works of art in the world. These images narrate episodes of Swiss history in general and of Lucerne in particular.

Also, as you cross Kapellbrücke you will come across the Wasserturm, or Water Tower. This octagonal tower, even older than the bridge itself, served in the past as an archive, prison and even a torture chamber. Today it is a historical monument that you can discover if you decide to visit the site on your own or if you choose to book a guided tour of Lucerne.

The Swiss Museum of Transport is one of the country's most famous and visited exhibitions dedicated to exploring the history and development of local means of transportation and communication throughout history. With a collection of land, sea and air vehicles showing how Switzerland has innovated when it comes to getting around over the centuries, this museum is one of the must-see sites Lucerne has to offer.

From locomotives to airplanes to presidential automobiles, this museum puts on display a very comprehensive heritage that provides a complete overview of the impact of transportation on the daily lives of locals and Swiss industry. The rooms are organized in different thematic areas, where you can find vintage trains, streetcars, ships and helicopters, as well as interactive and professional simulators.

Also, one of the highlights of this museum is in the section dedicated to the Swiss railroads, which has a collection of locomotives and wagons that will allow you to discover how Switzerland remained connected since the nineteenth century. If you decide to buy tickets for the Swiss Museum of Transport you can also visit the temporary exhibitions and the multimedia room, where educational videos are projected.

The Church of St. Leodegar, known locally as the Hofkirche, is one of Lucerne's most important and emblematic religious monuments. Located near the shores of Lake Lucerne, this Renaissance-style Catholic church is notable for its twin towers that dominate the city's skyline and are visible from almost every corner of the old town.

In this church, in addition to its original medieval structure and the Renaissance design of its façade, you will also find the main altar inside, which is decorated with gilded altarpieces and works of sacred art. In addition, the church houses a collection of sculptures and wood carvings, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, which will give you an insight into Swiss religious art of the time.

One of the most important treasures of the Church of St. Leodegar is its historic organ, which is one of the oldest in Switzerland and has been restored over the years to preserve its original sound. Although this temple is not usually included in the route of the guided group tours, you can include it in your itinerary if you decide to book the tuk tuk tour of Lucerne, which is private, so you can decide for yourself the stops.

Several of Lucerne's best attractions are located on the outskirts of the city and one of them is the Lake Lucerne, which you can discover on a panoramic boat ride. This lake, which is surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages, will offer you sweeping views as you sail through its crystal-clear waters. And if you plan to visit the city in winter, you can discover the contrast between the green valleys and the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps.

During these tours you can see the Kapellbrücke bridge and the tower of the Jesuit Church, which is located in the historic center of the city. But once out of the old town, the route will take you to quieter areas, where you can discover elegant villas and traditional Swiss villages such as Weggis and Vitznau, known for being the gateways to Mount Rigi, one of the most visited mountains in the region.

Another point you can see on these tours is Mount Pilatus, one of the most famous mountain silhouettes in Switzerland known for its steep peaks. Also, if you decide to buy tickets for the scenic cruise on the Lake of the Four Cantons you can also visit the Rutli Meadow, where tradition has it that the Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291.

For one of the most eclectic experiences in Lucerne, you can't miss the Hammetschwand outdoor elevator, which is the highest in Europe. Located on the Bürgenstock, a mountain that rises on the shores of Lake Lucerne, this elevator offers an adventure that combines panoramic views and direct contact with alpine nature.

The elevator will take you in just over a minute to an observation platform 1,132 meters above sea level. The experience of ascending the side of a cliff is breathtaking and adrenaline-filled, as the views of the lake and surrounding mountains become more and more spectacular as you climb.

From the top of the Hammetschwand you will not only have views of the lakes and surrounding mountains, but also of the hiking trails that wind along the cliffs and through the nearby forests. At the summit you can also explore the Bürgenstock Resort, a luxury resort, or hike the trails that connect the different observation platforms.

On sunny days and in the warmer months of the year, you can also book a hang-gliding experience in Lucerne near Hammetschwand to complete the adrenaline-filled experience.

Booking a paragliding flight in Lucerne to see the city from above is one of the most exciting ways to discover the city and its surroundings. This unique experience will allow you, at the same time, to see the Swiss Alps, the Lake Lucerne and the mountainous landscapes surrounding the city from a completely different perspective.

During the paragliding flight, one of the first places you will be able to glimpse is the Lake Lucerne, whose turquoise waters contrast with the snow-capped peaks that surround it, especially if you plan to visit Lucerne in winter. The view from the air will allow you to appreciate the unique shape of the lake, which stretches across multiple arms creating an incomparable visual spectacle.

In addition, during these experiences you will be able to see from above the old town with its medieval towers, the Kapellbrücke bridge and the building of St. Leodegar's Church, all framed by the lake and the mountains. During the flight you will also be able to see the omnipresent Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, two of the most famous mountains in the region, with peaks visited by tourists from all over the world.

Mount Rigi, known as the Queen of the Mountains, is one of the most popular destinations for those who decide to visit Lucerne. This mountain, with an altitude of nearly 2000 meters, offers sweeping views that span from the Alps to the Swiss Plateau, and even the lakes surrounding the region.

The privileged location of the Rigi, situated between Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug, makes it one of the most popular sites for those seeking to enjoy alpine nature and the unparalleled views that the region offers. If you decide to book an excursion to Mount Rigi from Lucerne, you will also get to know one of the most popular peaks in Switzerland.

Also, getting to Mount Rigi is an experience in itself. One of the most recommended ways is via a cog railway trip, which departs from Vitznau or Goldau, and will take you directly to the summit. This train is famous for being the oldest in Europe, operating since the 19th century, which adds a historical tinge to your climbing experience.

Once at the top, Mount Rigi will allow you to enjoy a variety of activities for all tastes and seasons. In summer it is a paradise for hikers, with more than 120 kilometers of well-marked trails through alpine landscapes, meadows and natural viewpoints. In winter, on the other hand, the Rigi is transformed into a snow activity center, where you can go skiing, snowboarding or sledding.

At 2,128 meters high, Mount Pilatus is one of the most popular destinations around Lucerne and a perfect natural observation platform for discovering mountain scenery and participating in mountain activities. From its summit you can look out over the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne, and it is a site shrouded in local legends of dragons and mysterious creatures that inhabit its peaks.

One of the best ways to explore this site is to book an excursion to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne. On these tours you can discover the Lake Lucerne from a panoramic boat and later climb to the top on the world's steepest cog railway On this journey you will discover green meadows, alpine landscapes and the lush vegetation that characterizes the region at all times of the year.

Also, at the summit of Mount Pilatus you will find hiking trails of varying difficulty and sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks, especially during the colder months of the year. If you prefer a more relaxed alternative, you can take refuge on the covered observation decks, which provide 360-degree views and are perfect settings for taking some of the best photographs of your trip.

If you want to see the site that is known as the Top of Europe you can't miss Jungfraujoch, a mountain pass located in the Swiss Alps at 3,454 meters above sea level that offers unparalleled views of the highest peaks in the region, such as the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau.

From Lucerne, the trip to Jungfraujoch includes a train ride through the Berner Oberland region, famous for its picturesque villages such as Interlaken, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. This mountainous landscape, surrounded by waterfalls, green valleys and snow-capped peaks, leads to the peak of the Eiger, from where you can enjoy views of the Aletsch glacier and the Alps.

In Jungfraujoch, you will also find a number of unique attractions. One of the most popular is the Ice Palace, a labyrinth of tunnels carved into the glacier where you can see ice sculptures and feel the perpetual cold of the environment. Another very interesting stop is at the Sphinx Platform, from where you will get views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe, and the surrounding alpine peaks.

If you decide to book the Jungfraujoch and Oberland tour from Lucerne you can also visit villages like Wengen and Mürren, located on the slopes of the Alps, which offer the opportunity to hike, ski in winter or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air and views of the alpine valleys.

One of the best things to do from Lucerne is to visit Mount Titlis. With a total height of 3,238 meters, the Titlis is known for its alpine scenery and for offering a variety of options in both winter and summer. From Lucerne you can easily reach the mountain by a short train ride to Engelberg, followed by a cable car ascent that will take you directly to the mountain summit.

Once at the top of Mount Titlis you can use the Titlis Rotair, which was the world's first rotating cable car and offers a 360-degree panoramic view along the ascent. From there you can see glaciers, snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes. At the top you will also find the Titlis Glacier, where you can walk through the Ice Cave and discover the blue ice tunnels.

Another activity you can discover if you choose to book a Mount Titlis snow tour from Lucerne is the Titlis Cliff Walk, the highest suspension bridge in Europe that crosses a precipice at approximately 500 meters above sea level. This walkway will allow you to enjoy dizzying views as you walk over the abyss, offering a mix of adrenaline and tranquility through the alpine landscapes.