There is no better Swiss destination than Lucerne if you want to sample the best that the country has to offer; Lucerne is the perfect base camp for the traveler. Situated between a sparkling lake and towering, snow-capped mountains, it’s no mystery why so many of our guests choose to return to Lucerne time and again.
The following week-long itinerary is designed to help you uncover both the renowned landmarks and the overlooked gems of Lucerne and its surroundings, from historic sites to breathtaking hikes.
If you’d like to see Switzerland through the eyes of a local, we also recommend you explore our selection of Lucerne Day Tours.
Day 1: Explore Lucerne’s Idyllic Old Town
Start your adventure in the historic heart of Lucerne, where charming cobbled streets, fairytale-esque covered bridges, and ornate medieval buildings provide an insight into Switzerland’s fascinating story; step back in time in one of Europe’s most charming old towns. Unlike the larger central districts of Bern or Zurich, Lucerne’s old town is more compact, allowing you to explore plenty of its sights in just a day while still leaving time to chill out by the lakeside.
Key Sights in Lucerne
Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) & Spreuer Bridge
These iconic wooden bridges are among Switzerland’s most photographed sites. The Kapellbrücke, first built in 1333, was partially reconstructed after a fire in 1993, while the smaller Spreuerbrücke retains its original structure and features eerie 17th-century plague-themed paintings.
Musegg Wall (Museggmauer) & Towers
This well-preserved medieval rampart offers stunning city views. Four of the nine towers are open to visitors (8 AM – 7 PM outside winter). Climbing the Männliturm rewards you with the best panoramic vantage point.
Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal)
Carved into a sandstone rockface, this sculpture memorializes Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Mark Twain described it as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.”
Grendelstrasse & Schwanenplatz
If luxury shopping is your thing, this area is filled with watch boutiques displaying timepieces worth more than a Swiss chalet. It’s an amusing place to browse even if you’re not buying.
Rathaus Brauerei
Wind down with a beer at this historic brewery next to the Kapellbrücke. The seasonal brews and hearty Swiss fare make it a local favorite.
By the time the sun dips behind the mountains, find a spot by the lake to watch the lights of Lucerne shimmer on the water — a perfect end to your first day.
Day 2: A Scenic Boat Ride on Lake Lucerne
After a day in the old town, it’s time to embrace the natural beauty of Lake Lucerne, a body of water shaped like a fjord, twisting between forested slopes and snow-capped peaks. The lake changes character as you move through its different basins, revealing everything from steep cliffs to pastoral landscapes.
More Recommended Lucerne Activities
Boat Trip from Flüelen to Lucerne
Board a train to Flüelen at the lake’s far end and enjoy a leisurely cruise back to the city (about 3 hours). For a shorter option, disembark at Brunnen.
Swiss Transport Museum
One of Switzerland’s most engaging museums, perfect for families and train enthusiasts, covering everything from locomotives to aviation.
Rütli Meadow
The legendary site where Switzerland’s original confederation was sworn in 1291 offers a peaceful detour.
Shoreline Villages
Small towns like Weggis and Vitznau feature picturesque waterfronts and cable cars to nearby peaks.
Cap off the day with dinner at a lakeside restaurant, soaking in the serene alpine reflections. Remember, if you’re looking for the perfect introduction to Lucerne, we have our Electric Rickshaw Lucerne Food Tour. This experience features visits to some of the city’s most famous locations and a chocolate tasting in the city’s oldest shop.
Day 3: Hiking Mount Rigi – The Queen of the Mountains
Mount Rigi, often called the “Queen of the Mountains,” is famed for its panoramic views stretching across lakes and the distant Alps. Unlike other peaks in the region, Rigi is not part of the high Alps but stands alone, making its summit an unrivaled 360-degree viewpoint. For maximum comfort and convenience, you may wish to consider taking our Mount Rigi & Lucerne Day Tour or Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus Day Trip.
Cogwheel Train from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau
The Rigi Bahn is Europe’s oldest mountain railway, dating back to 1871. The ride alone is an experience, with the train slowly climbing through forests and meadows before reaching the summit at Rigi Kulm (1,798m).
Hike from Weggis
For those seeking an active challenge, the trail from Weggis to Rigi Kulm takes about 4–5 hours. The route passes rolling green hills, alpine farms, and plenty of scenic rest spots.
Summit Views
On clear days, you can see across central Switzerland to the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in the distance. (Those who love mountain scenery are sure to enjoy our Swiss Alps Day Trip: Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch, & Lauterbrunnen.)
Thermal Baths at Rigi Kaltbad
After hiking or exploring, unwind at the Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths, a thermal spa with a spectacular mountain backdrop.
Return to Lucerne in the evening, ready for the next adventure.
Day 4: Conquering Mount Pilatus
Pilatus is one of Lucerne’s most dramatic peaks, rising to 2,128 meters and offering spectacular views over the city, lake, and distant Alps. With its jagged cliffs and world-class mountain panoramas, Pilatus is more rugged than Rigi and attracts both adventure-seekers and casual visitors. For convenience, you can book a place on our Mount Pilatus & Mount Rigi Tour from Lucerne.
Visiting Mount Pilatus
Getting There: The steepest cogwheel railway in the world departs from Alpnachstad, reaching the summit in just 30 minutes. Alternatively, take the scenic Dragon Ride cable car from Kriens.
What to Expect: The summit area is developed, with restaurants, a viewing terrace, and even a hotel. Despite the infrastructure, the surrounding trails offer peaceful escapes.
Weather Matters: Pilatus is prone to cloud cover, so check live webcams before heading up. On a clear day, the views extend as far as Germany’s Black Forest.
Adventure Activities: The Fräkmüntegg station en route to the summit has a thrilling toboggan run and rope park.
Day 5: Day Trip to Engelberg & Mount Titlis
Engelberg, a charming alpine village, serves as the gateway to Mount Titlis, one of Switzerland’s most famous glacier destinations. Standing at 3,238 meters, Titlis offers year-round snow, dramatic ice formations, and some of the country’s best high-altitude views.
Highlights of a Day Trip to Mount Titlis
Titlis Rotair: The world’s first revolving cable car transports you to the summit while offering 360-degree mountain vistas.
Glacier Cave & Cliff Walk: The Titlis Glacier Cave is a 150-meter-long tunnel beneath the glacier, glowing an eerie blue. Nearby, the Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge, dangles above a 500-meter drop.
Snow Activities: Even in summer, you can try snow tubing and sledding in the glacier park.
4-Lake Hike: For those who prefer trails to tourist sites, the 4-Lake Hike from Engelberg offers a stunning, less-traveled alternative with mirror-like alpine lakes reflecting the peaks above.
End the day in Engelberg with a hearty Swiss meal before returning to Lucerne.
Day 6: Off-the-Beaten-Path – Emmental & Napf Hike
The Emmental region’s rolling hills present a serene alternative to central Switzerland’s rugged mountains. Known for its verdant scenery and traditional wooden farmhouses, Emmental is also the birthplace of the renowned Emmental cheese. This area offers a tranquil yet enriching experience. Begin your day with a hike to the summit of Napf, standing at 1,406 meters. The trail from Lüderenalp to Napf is particularly scenic, providing continuous vistas over the Emmental landscape. On clear days, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Bernese Alps and the Jura Mountains.
Upon reaching the summit, take a well-deserved break at the Berggasthaus Napf, a mountain inn offering traditional Swiss dishes. Enjoy a warming meal while soaking in the panoramic views that stretch across the horizon. After lunch, begin your descent towards Affoltern im Emmental, where the Emmental Show Dairy awaits. Here, you can witness the traditional cheese-making process firsthand. The dairy offers guided tours that delve into the history and techniques behind Switzerland’s iconic Emmental cheese. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample freshly produced cheese and explore the on-site shop for local delicacies.
Conclude your day by exploring the charming village of Affoltern im Emmental. Stroll through its picturesque streets, admire the traditional architecture, and perhaps visit a local bakery to indulge in regional pastries. The village offers a glimpse into the serene rural life of Switzerland, making it a perfect end to your day.
Day 7: Relaxation & Further Cultural Exploration
Conclude your journey by trying out some of Lucerne’s oft-overlooked experiences, unwinding at a local spa, or walking the city’s less-touristic areas.
Explore Lucerne’s Quieter Neighborhoods: Wander through the Bruchquartier, one of Lucerne’s most vibrant districts. Here, you’ll discover a blend of culture, local crafts, bars, and restaurants. Boutiques like Treger offer tailored men’s fashion and unique accessories, reflecting the area’s creative spirit. swissactivities.com
Unwind at a Local Spa: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience at one of Lucerne’s renowned spas. The city boasts several wellness centers that provide a range of services designed to relax and revitalize.
Attend a Cultural Event: Depending on the season, Lucerne hosts a variety of festivals. The Fasnacht Carnival, a historic Swiss celebration, typically takes place in February or March, filling the streets with music, parades, and elaborate costumes. Alternatively, the Blue Balls Festival, usually held in late July, is a renowned music and arts festival featuring international and local artists across multiple venues.
This brings a close to our 7-day guide to visiting Lucerne. If you have any questions, please get in touch. Be sure to explore our full selection of Day Tours from Lucerne before you leave.
