Lucerne Top Attractions: 10 Must-visit Places & Top Things to Do in Lucerne, Switzerland

Want to travel to Switzerland on your own but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! The city of Lucerne (Luzern) is the perfect destination for you to explore. Now, let’s check out 10 Must-visit Places & Top Things to Do in Lucerne, Switzerland in this article!

Welcome to Lucerne, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland! Located on the shores of the lake of the same name, Lucerne stands out with its ancient but equally vibrant scenery. The romantic beauty of wooden bridges, ancient churches blends with the majesty of the Alps. This is the perfect destination for those who want to explore culture, history and immerse themselves in nature.

Let’s explore 10 places not to be missed and top things to do in Lucerne with Living Nomads!

Top Things to Do in Lucerne: Take a Cruise on Lake Lucerne

The beauty of Lucerne always beckons every visitor, and there is nothing better than fully admiring this scene from the lake. This place is known as the “heart of Switzerland”, with a vast green carpet of nature, the ancient Meggenhorn Castle and the snow-capped mountains looming in the distance.

Round Trip Catamaran Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Lucerne

To experience this beauty, join the luxurious Panorama-Yacht Saphir cruise. The boat will glide gently on the water, taking you past the small wooden houses by the lake and admiring the 360-degree scenery from the open deck or through the transparent glass. In particular, the recording played through the speakers will help you better understand each landmark and the history of the area.

Check-in the World’s Highest Train Station at Jungfraujoch

Known as the “Roof of Europe”, the Jungfraujoch mountain peak will bring you an unforgettable adventure. Located in the middle of majestic natural scenery, surrounded by clear lakes and green meadows, this is the dream destination of every travel enthusiast.

Guided Day Tour to Jungfraujoch with Cable Car & Cogwheel Train

The unique mountain train ride from Grindelwald will take you to the highest station in Europe, located at an altitude of 3,500 meters. Here, you can breathe in the fresh air, admire the panoramic view of the Alps from the Top of Europe Observatory and explore the magical Ice Castle with its exquisite sculptures. To make the trip more complete, you can book a Day Tour to Jungfraujoch from Lucerne that includes round-trip transportation, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind.

Discover the Beauty of Grindelwald and Interlaken

Named after a villain in the movie Fantastic Beasts, Grindelwald village in Switzerland has a completely opposite beauty, like a fairy tale painting. This place is an ideal destination for those who love exploration and adventure, with countless challenging trekking routes such as the Eiger Trail or the soaring Gletscherschlucht gorge.

If you want a more relaxing journey, spend a whole day walking around the village. You will admire the small wooden houses with windows full of fresh flowers, enjoy the fresh air and capture beautiful moments. For a convenient trip, you can join the Grindelwald & Interlaken Day Tour to be picked up and taken to fully enjoy the beauty of this area.

Day tour to Grindelwald, Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen

Relive “Game of Thrones” on Mount Pilatus

Although you cannot meet the “mother of dragons” Daenerys Targaryen, you can still conquer Mount Pilatus, which is known as the “mountain of dragons”. According to medieval legend, the most ferocious monsters once hid on this mountain and may not have left yet. To reach the top, you will take the steepest railway in the world, a unique experience. From the impressive height, you can fully admire the beauty of the Alps and the whole city of Lucerne.

Pilatus Guided Tour with Cable Car, Cogwheel and Lake Cruise

Mount Pilatus is also a paradise for trekking enthusiasts, with many trails suitable for all levels. For a complete exploration and worry-free journey, you can book a Half Day Trip to Mount Pilatus on Klook. You will be supported by an English-speaking guide, making the trip easier and more enjoyable than ever.

Travel Back to the Middle Ages with Museggmauer Wall

Located right in the heart of Lucerne, Museggmauer Wall is one of the best preserved historical structures in Switzerland. This ancient wall with 9 majestic towers is not only a relic, but also a great place for you to admire the panoramic beauty of the city.

When walking along the wall, you will feel like you are traveling back in time to the Middle Ages. From above, you can admire the panoramic view of the city with Lake Lucerne, ancient roofs and majestic mountains. Don’t forget to visit the Zyt clock tower, which houses the oldest clock in the city and always chimes one minute earlier than the others.

Free Adventure on Mount First

Famous for its wild nature and majestic beauty, Mount First in Grindelwald is a must-see destination for adventure lovers. Despite its height of 2,168 meters, you can still challenge your courage with the First Cliff Walk suspension bridge or experience the excitement of the First Flyer zip-line. Speeds of up to 84 km/h will take you across the green hills, giving you a feeling of absolute freedom.

Grindelwald First Top of Adventure Tour from Lucerne

Not only adventure games, Mount First also has beautiful off-road driving routes. You will admire the panoramic view of the spectacular Alps and diverse vegetation. For a safe and complete exploration journey, you can book the First Mountain Day Tour by First Flyer to have a professional guide accompany you.

Must do in Lucerne: “Freeze” Together on Mount Titlis

The journey to the top of Mount Titlis is already a magical experience. You will ride on a 360-degree rotating cable car system, providing panoramic views of the snow-capped Alps. When you reach the top of the mountain, don’t forget to explore the Glacier Cave, a 5,000-year-old “ice kingdom” with ice blocks sparkling under the blue light. Try walking on the world’s highest suspension bridge, at an altitude of 10,000 meters above sea level, to feel the majesty of nature.

Titlis Guided Tour with Rotair – World’s First Revolving Cable Car

For a complete and memorable journey, you can join the Half Day Tour to Mount Titlis with Cable Car. With this tour, you will be guided and supported by a dedicated guide. A little tip for you: the temperature in the Glacier Cave can drop to -1.5°C, so make sure to dress warmly enough to explore comfortably!

Travel through space and time at the Swiss Museum of Transport

If you are a technology and history enthusiast, the Swiss Museum of Transport is a must-visit destination in Lucerne. This is the most visited museum in Switzerland, displaying a huge collection of means of transport. From ancient steam locomotives, cars, planes to spaceships, all are vividly recreated, allowing you to explore the development of the transport industry from the past to the present.

The museum not only displays artifacts but also offers an interesting interactive experience. You can drive a simulator, experience the feeling of sitting in a plane cockpit or explore the universe through a giant screen. With unique displays and exciting activities, the museum is an ideal place for the whole family to learn and have fun together.

Visit the Symbol of Lucerne: Chapel Bridge and Lion Statue

Chapel Bridge is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe, decorated with a series of paintings on the ceiling, telling stories of Swiss history. Walking on this bridge, you can not only admire the ancient octagonal Water Tower but also feel the peace and romance of the city.

Just a short distance away is the Petrified Lion Statue, a touching sculpture carved into the cliff. This monument commemorates the Swiss soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the French Revolution. This tragic symbol not only represents courage, but also serves as a reminder of the country’s history, making anyone ponder.

Get Lost in the Maze of Lucerne Ice Garden

Tucked away in the heart of Lucerne, the Ice Garden (Gletschergarten) is a unique natural wonder that offers a completely different perspective on history and geology. It was once part of an ancient glacier and today, you can still admire the giant rocks with pot-shaped indentations, created millions of years ago.

Glacier Garden ticket in Lucerne

In addition to the impressive “ice pots”, the Lucerne Ice Garden also has a mirror maze area. After exploring the historical vestiges, you can get lost in this unique mirror maze, an interesting and surprising experience. Gletschergarten helps you learn about the history of the Earth while having fun with friends and family.

Lucerne Travel Tips

Lucerne is not only a picturesque city but also an ideal destination for those who want to fully explore Switzerland. For a smooth and memorable trip, you should immediately pocket the useful experiences below.

• Take advantage of public transportation: The public transportation system in Lucerne is very efficient and diverse. You can travel by train, bus or ferry. To save costs, consider purchasing travel cards such as the Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare Card.
• Book sightseeing tickets online: To avoid wasting time queuing, especially during peak season, you should pre-book tickets to famous places such as Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi on platforms such as Klook.
• Enjoy local cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste traditional Swiss dishes such as Fondue and Raclette cheese, along with world-famous chocolates.
• Prepare suitable clothes: The weather in Lucerne can change quickly, especially when going up the mountain. Bring layered clothes, a waterproof jacket and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
• Immerse yourself in nature: Take a walk along the lake, cycle or take a boat trip to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Lucerne

Which ticket should I buy to travel conveniently in Lucerne and Switzerland?

You should buy the Swiss Travel Pass on Klook for convenient travel. This card allows you to travel unlimitedly on the train, bus and boat system, and saves you the cost of buying separate tickets for each leg.

When is the best time to visit Lucerne?

Lucerne is beautiful all year round, but is most prominent in summer (June to August) with its lush green landscape, and winter (December to February) with its white snow cover, very suitable for winter sports activities.

Should you combine Lucerne with other cities?

You can absolutely combine Lucerne in a journey to explore Switzerland. An 8-day schedule is enough for you to explore the highlights of Lucerne and some neighboring cities.

Is Lucerne close to Zurich?

Yes. Lucerne is about 50 km from Zurich and it only takes about 1 hour to travel by train. So you can easily visit Zurich in a day.

What local food should I try in Lucerne?

When in Lucerne, you must try traditional Swiss dishes such as Fondue cheese, Raclette and sausages. You can also taste famous chocolates and pastries.

Lucerne proves why this city is always one of the most attractive destinations in Switzerland. From the ancient beauty of the wooden bridges, the serenity of the lake, to the majestic beauty of the mountains, every corner offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a history lover, a nature lover or looking for adventure, Lucerne is sure to please.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Lucerne you can refer to

• Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich
• Half Day Trip to Mount Titlis with Cable Car from Lucerne
• Jungfraujoch Day Tour from Lucerne
• Lucerne Walking Tour
• Swiss Museum of Transport Entrance Ticket in Lucerne
• Swiss Travel Pass

Are you looking for more top things to do in Lucerne: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Lucerne travel blog — The fullest Lucerne travel guide for a great trip to Lucerne for the first-timers and let’s check it out here.