Lucerne

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Lucerne Tourism
Photo provided by Lucerne Tourism
Old Town Lucerne showing heritage architecture, a bridge and religious aspects
Photo provided by Lucerne Tourism
Photo provided by Lucerne Tourism
With towering mountains on oneside and Lake Lucerne on the other, this medieval city is known for its sceniclocation and historic charm.

Flanked by Mounts Rigi and Titlis, the small city of Lucerne is locatedon the shores of Lake Lucerne. It offers water recreation, hiking and mountainsports to visitors throughout the year. Because of its temperate climate, theregion is nicknamed “Lucerne Riviera.”

The central Swiss city is primarily German-speaking. Its roots traceback to the 12th century. Stroll down the cobblestone streets to see some ofthe city’s history in its centuries-old architecture. With its compact nature,Lucerne is easy to explore on foot but you can also admire the city from thewater with a ride on a ferry or rented paddleboat.

Old Town has narrow alleys, quaint storefronts and outdoor cafés. It’salso home to one of Switzerland’s most famous attractions, the 14th-century Chapel Bridge across the Reuss River. ChapelBridge is the oldest covered bridge in Europe and features a variety ofhistoric paintings for visitors to admire as they stroll its length. Be sure toinvestigate the iconic Water Tower, which once served as a prison and torturechamber. Two-thirds of Chapel Bridge was destroyed by a fire in 1993 and hassince been carefully restored.

The Lion Monument is another Lucernehighlight. Designed by Danishsculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, the “Lion of Lucerne” was erected to commemorate600 Swiss soldiers who were killed during the French Revolution. Described byMark Twain as “the most mournful and movingpiece of stone in the world,” the massive monument was carved into thesandstone face of a former quarry.

The Swiss Museum of Transportis beloved by visitors of all ages for its interactive exhibits. In addition toa vast collection depicting the past, present and future of transportation, themuseum also features a planetarium, an IMAX theater and a wing with works bylocal artist, Hans Erni.

Lucerne has access to most major Swiss cities via the SBB Railway. Thenearest international airport is in Zurich, which is an hour from Lucerne byrail and about 45 minutes by car.

Where to stay in Lucerne

Old Town Lucerne showing boating, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Old Town Lucerne

Old Town Lucerne is popular for its lake views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Lucerne Town Hall or Saint Peters Church.

Old Town Lucerne
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Littau

Littau is well-liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Lucerne area, you might plan a trip to Chateau Guetsch or Jesuit Church.

Littau
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
4 out of 5
Seidenhofstrasse 5, Lucerne, LU
The price is CA $486 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
CA $486
CA $522 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"Excellent location"

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne
4.5 out of 5
Lakefront Center, Inseliquai 12, Lucerne, LU
The price is CA $522 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
CA $522
CA $558 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Staff was very helpful and polite. Access easy to public transport and restaurant"

Reviewed on Jul. 9, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne
Barabas - Hostel
Barabas - Hostel
3 out of 5
Löwengraben, 18, Lucerne
The price is CA $199 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $199
CA $218 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hostel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (359 reviews)
"Super friendly and helpful staff. Room, shared bathroom and building in general very clean. Excellent breakfast buffet. Looking forward to my next stay!"

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2025

Barabas - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Galaxy Apartments
Galaxy Apartments
3.5 out of 5
13 Gibraltarstrasse, Lucerne, LU
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (290 reviews)
"This place needs air conditioning. Also, Expedia gave the address as #13 but it was actually #15."

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 2025

Galaxy Apartments
Lucerne Lake View Apartments
Lucerne Lake View Apartments
4 out of 5
2 Sankt Leodegarstrasse, Lucerne
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Chapel ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)
"Excellent location. Views to die for from your private rooftop balcony. Air conditioning in every room. Clean, safe. All the things you look for in a room in a country.You are not familiar with. All the amenities you'd need, including a reasonably priced minibar."

Reviewed on Jun. 16, 2025

Lucerne Lake View Apartments
Hitrental Allmend Comfort Apartments
Hitrental Allmend Comfort Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Zihlmattweg 44, Lucerne, Canton of Lucerne
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Lucerne. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Chapel Bridge and Swiss Transportation Museum are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"Everything was excellent"

Reviewed on Mar. 10, 2025

Hitrental Allmend Comfort Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Lucerne

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
30
5 - Excellent 73%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I would really like to go back there during the summer

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Not much there to do and too many tourists. Have deep pockets too as very expensive.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Delightful architecture with beautiful views and THE place to purchase a watch.

5/5 - Excellent

ZeeM

Loved Lucerne

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Breathtaking views, so beautiful it is hard to believe it is real!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it! Beautiful, historique, great food. Took several train rides from there. Would recommend a 4 day stay. Worth it!

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