Swiss Charm: Lucerne & Beyond

Lucerne

Lucerne is a very walkable city. You can walk through the Chapel Bridge, which is Europe’s oldest bridge. Right at the end of the bridge is Old Town, which was my favorite part of the city to explore; it’s filled with shops, restaurants, and nice architecture. The Lion Monument is a sculpture carved into sandstone to honor the Swiss guards. For those fascinated with trains, head to the Swiss Museum of Transport, which shows the history of rail, road, air, and water transportation.

Mt. Pilatus

Mt. Pilatus is only about 20 minutes from Lucerne, and has absolutely breathtaking views. If you’re a hiker, there are uphill trails you can explore. We opted to take the gondola up and the cogwheel railway down. The downhill incline is the world’s steepest (at 48% gradient!), so the ride down was an experience of its own. Be aware that you need reservations for these activities, so it’s best to either participate in a guided tour or prepare your reservations in advance.

Mt. Rigi & Vitznau

Vitznau is a quaint town, accessible from Lucerne via ferry. There are a few shops to explore in the town center, and the main attraction is Mt. Rigi. Take the cogwheel train uphill. Enjoy the scenic views, and there is also a restaurant up top if you’d like to relax and take a break. This day was one of the highlights of our trip.

Zurich

About one hour from Lucerne, you’ll likely pass through here either via train or the airport. But it’s worth making a stop of its own to explore the international city. Explore the Old Town with cobblestone streets, take a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich, or visit several of the city’s museums.

Summer activities

One of the best activities to enjoy in the summer is a boat excursion on Lake Lucerne. You can enjoy a private boat with a picnic for the day, or you can also take a larger ferry. The other main summer activity is swimming in the lake and enjoying the coastal areas. For a swimming dock, head to Seebad Luzern. Or if you’re looking for a sandy beach, we enjoyed the Lido Beach House, which had sun loungers, a restaurant, a kids' playground, and a pool.

Winter activities

In the winter, Lucerne can be a base for skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding in nearby mountains, such as Mt. Titlus, Mt. Rigi, or Mt. Pilatus. In December, you can also shop in the Christmas markets, which are spread throughout the city.

Brasserie Bodu

French cuisine in an elegant setting. Request a table on the terrace for beautiful sunset views of Lucerne. It also has an extensive wine list featuring bottles from Bordeaux.

Mamma Leone

Delicious Italian cuisine. We ate here in the warmer months, so we enjoyed an outdoor table in the Mühlenplatz square.

Rathaus Braueri

Known for local Swiss cuisine and local beers. The restaurant only serves local meat from Switzerland. Inside, there is an elevated beer hall, and outdoor seating is right on the waterfront.

Cara Mia

Located on the waterfront, this is a great casual spot for Italian cuisine and pizza.

Pfistern

Located in the heart of Old Town, enjoy traditional Swiss dishes, as well as modern specialties.

Montana Beach Club

Perched on a hilltop in Lucerne, this spot is called a beach club not because of its location but because the ground is covered in sand and transports you to a summer day relaxing on the beach. The ambiance is casual with an elevated touch, especially as the evening continues. Enjoy creative cocktails and light fare.

MOzern

This elegant brasserie is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail, or stay for dinner. Located at the Mandarin Oriental Luzern.

Lucide

Fine dining with a Michelin star, serving contemporary European dishes with Alpine influences. This is the perfect spot to dine if you’re enjoying a concert at the nearby KKL Lucerne.