Lucerne, also known as Luzern, is a city in Switzerland, situated in central part of the country. The city got its name from Lake Lucerne on the banks of which it sits. Some of the top things to do in Lucerne are centered around this lake including boat cruises, paddle boarding, kayaking, motorboat rides, hike trails and so on. The city is also blessed with a beautiful variety of terrains around it such as river Reuss, Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. Many of the best places to visit in Lucerne are situated in the mountains. You will across a few ruined churches, castles and lodge-houses while exploring the wilderness around the city.
As for things to see in Lucerne city, you get to explore museums, art galleries, historical churches, castles, parks and recreational zones. The city has several interesting museums exploring a variety of subjects including nature, geography, politics, culture, art and so on. The Swiss Museum of Transport is one of the most popular Lucerne tourist attractions owing to interactive exhibits. The vibrant art of the city is also worth exploring. Besides usual Lucerne attractions like art galleries, museums and private collection exhibits, you should also check out the panoramic painting known as Bourbaki Panorama. It is one of the art exhibits unique to the city.
Many of the Lucerne sightseeing places are also adorned with art of their own. The murals in old town, paintings on Chapel and Spreuer Bridges and the sculpture of sleeping lion at Glacier gardens have all become Lucerne top sights in their own right.
Being part of the Alps, majority of the people come to enjoy best things to do in Lucerne in winter such as skiing, sledging, snowboarding, ice-skating, snow-mobile rides and so on. The city also hosts a variety of festivals during the winters which offer unique cultural experiences. Even in summer you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities to do in Lucerne such as mountain climbing, paragliding, hike trails, camping and so on. The train and cable car rides along the mountains offer mesmerizing views of the Alps and the lakes regardless of the season.
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Top 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Lucerne in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Lake Lucerne
This is the 4th largest lake in Switzerland and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Boat cruises, motorboat rides, kayaking and paddle boating are some of the best things to do in Lucerne lake. You can also explore a hike trail along the border of this lake. You would need a minimum of 2 hours to explore at least 1 activity in or around this lake when you visit Lucerne.
I suggest you should book a sightseeing cruise tour in Lake Lucerne.
2. Sammlung Rosengart Museum
The art collection exhibited in this museum was amassed by Siegfried Rosengart, who had been friends with many of the prominent artists. It is one of the best places to visit in Lucerne for art admirers for it contains works by greats such as Picasso, Matisse, Klee, Miro, Chagall and so on. You will need about an hour to explore this art museum.
3. Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
Chapel bridge was once part of city’s fortifications as evident by the Old Tower on its right bank. This wooden bridge with 17th century paintings and is one of the most intriguing things to see in Lucerne. You can easily spend a few minutes strolling this bridge while admiring the artworks and the view.
4. Old Town
The old town area of the city has a beautiful vibe to it. You will be surrounded by old half-timber houses, walking on cobbled streets and witnessing wonderful murals. It is one of the most fascinating aspects of Lucerne sightseeing and will require at least a couple of hours to explore.
5. Museggmauer
These walls and towers were built in the 14th century to fortify the city. They are important Lucerne tourist attractions and are integral to the city’s history and evolution. You can take a walking tour exploring various points along the wall and four of the towers. It will take 45 minutes to an hour from Lucerne travel.
6. Church of St. Leodegar (Hofkirche St. Leodegar)
This church was built in 1645, but has a history dating back to the 8th century. It is considered the most important church in the city and is hence popular among Lucerne attractions. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to tour this church.
7. Bourbaki Panaroma
This panoramic painting was created by artists under Edouard Castres. It depicts Red Cross troupes aiding French Eastern Army who were driven into Switzerland in Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. It is one of Lucerne top sights for its sheer scale and the illusion of real landscape that it casts. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to experience this phenomenon.
8. Dying Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal)
This sculpture of a dying lion laying in its cave was designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved by Lukas Ahorn in 1821. It has become one of the most popular things to see in Lucerne. You will need a few minutes only to admire it.
9. Glacier Garden
The garden is built around glacier potholes discovered in 1872. You get to see 20 millions years of earth’s history through these glacier’s topography. You will need about 2 hours to explore this garden.
Day 2
1. Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrücke)
This wooden bridge was first built during 1400s, but was reconstructed and renovated several times. It is most known among places to visit in Lucerne for the Dance of Death paintings created by Kaspar Meglinger in the 17th century. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this bridge when you visit Lucerne.
2. Jesuit Church
This ornate catholic church is the largest baroque church sitting north of the Alps. It is known for its distinctive architecture and onion shaped tower tops. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this church.
3. Kunstmuseum
Also known as KKL and Lucerne Museum of Modern Art, this is the largest collection of modern art in central Switzerland. Some of the top things to see in Lucerne Museum of Modern Art include works of Cuno Amiet, Vito Acconci, John Armleder and Rene Auberjonois. You will need an hour for this museum.
4. Nature Museum (Natur-Museum Luzern)
This is the only museum dedicated entirely to natural history in Switzerland. It is also known for the most important collection of golden wasps in the world. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.
5. Mount Pilatus
This magnanimous mountain is accessible through cable car and cogwheel railway. Skiing is among the top things to do in Lucerne in winter and this mountain is the most popular tourist spot for snow activities. In summer time, it offers beautiful forest trails which fascinate nature lovers. You will need about half a day to enjoy this magnificent mountain.
I suggest you should book a day trip of Mount Pilatus from Lucerne.
Day 3
1. Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz)
This place has become the most popular museum in Switzerland owing to its interactive exhibits. The museum focuses on various types of transport including motorcars, airplanes and trains. You will need about an hour from Lucerne sightseeing to tour this museum.
I suggest you should book your ticket of Swiss Museum of Transport in advance.
2. Mount Rigi
This free-standing mountain is surrounded by 3 lakes and has several fun activities to do in Lucerne including cogwheel train ride, cable car ride, skiing, hiking, ice-skating, sledging and so on. You can dedicate an entire day to explore Mount Rigi.
I suggest you should get your Mount Rigi Day Pass and then you should explore Mount Rigi as you wish.
If you are looking for more Lucerne top sights, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities that you can enjoy in and around the city.
Things to do in Lucerne
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Lucerne
- Chapel Bridge
- Lion Monument
- Swiss Museum of Transport
- Lucerne Culture and Congress Center
- Jesuit Church
- Spreuer Bridge
- Glacier Garden of Lucerne
- Hofkirche St. Leodegar
- Kunst Museum
- Bourbaki Panaroma
- Museggmauer
- Galerie Urs Meile
- Richard Wagner Museum
- Nature Museum
- Historisches Museum Luzern
- Hans Erni Museum
- Kunsthalle
- Museum Bellpark
- Rathaus Stadt Luzern
- Zytturm Clocktower
- Wasserturm
- Alpineum
- Franciscan Church
- Verein Museen
- Meggenhorn Castle
- Mannliturm
- O.T. Raum Art Gallery
- St. Peter’s Chapel
- Nolliturm
- Schirmerturm
- Planetarium de Musee
- Puppenhaus Museum
- Wachtturm
- Schauensee Castle
- Nidwaldner Museum
- Catholic Church of St. Pius
- Hergiswald
- Festugen Furigen Museum
- St. Mary’s Church
- Astrid Chapel
- Gesslerburg Castle
- Rotzberg Castle
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Lucerne
- Lake Lucerne
- Mount Pilatus
- Lake Rotsee
- Dietschiberg
- Mount Rigi
- Burgenstock
- Sonnenberg
- Felsenweg Burgenstock
- Mount Tomlishorn
- Renggpass
- Rooterberg
- Mount Esel
- Langmattli
- Klimsenkapelle
- Widderfeld
- Blumenpfad
- Lopper
- Oberhaupt
- Luftseilbahn Seebodenalp
- Matthorn
- Chrummhorn
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Lucerne
- Swiss Chocolate Museum
- Engelberg Village
- Hammetschwand Elevator
- Gotthard Panaroma Express
- Inseli Park
- Grand Casino
- Neubad
- Hirschpark
- Ufschotti Lazern
- Vogeligartli
- Toni’s Zoo
- Seilpark Rigi
- Swiss Folklore Restaurant
Shopping in Lucerne
- Luzerner Wochenmarkt
- Mall of Switzerland
- Kornmarkt
- Schonbuhl Shopping Center
- Weinmarkt
- Lucerne Park
- Bahnhofstrasse
- Reussteg
Beaches & Islands in Lucerne
- Lido Luzern Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in Lucerne
- Boat Cruise
- Paddleboating
- Swimming
- Mountain Climbing
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Cogwheel Train Ride
- Rowing
- Paragliding
- Cable Car Ride
- Ice Skating
- Sledge Ride
Sightseeing in Lucerne
- Old Town
- Nadelwehr Luzern Dam
- Chruzhochi
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Lucerne
- Kostgeberei
- Mill’Feuille
- Wirthaus zur Taube
- Valentino
- Werthaus Galliker
- Rathaus Brauerei
- Izakaya Nozomi
- La Cucina
- Opus
- Zunfthaus Pfistern
- LUZ Seebistro
- Burgerstube
- Philipp Neri
- Rosslistube
- Stadtkeller
- Stern
- Brasserie Bodu
- Bolero
- Le Perla
- Old Swiss House
- Spettacolo
Where to Stay in Lucerne?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Lucerne. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Lucerne.
Luxurious Hotels
- CASCADA Boutique Hotel
- Hotel des Balances
- Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
- Hotel des Alpes
- Art Deco Hotel Montana
- Hotel Hermitage Luzern
- Hotel Pilatus-Kulm
- Hotel Monopol Luzern
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne
- Hotel De la Paix
- Grand Hotel National Luzern
- Hotel Krone Luzern
- Renaissance Lucerne Hotel
- ibis Styles Luzern City
- AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hotel Alpha
- ibis budget Luzern City
- Hotel-Restaurant Sonnenberg
- Hotel Rothaus Luzern & Peruvian Culinary Art
- Barabas Hotel Luzern
- Richemont Hotel
- Baslertor Summer Pool Hotel
- Hotel Pension Rosli
- Swiss Dewa
- Lucerne Youth Hostel
- Lucerne Backpackers Hostel
Budget Hotels
Custom Tours Package in Lucerne
How to Reach Lucerne?
By Air
The closest airport for Lucerne travel is the Zurich Airport. It will take you about an hour to get from Zurich to Lucerne by road and about 45 minutes by train.
By Road
You can reach Lucerne from several cities in Switzerland through Swiss Federal Railway.
There are no intercity buses, you will have to rely on trains for intercity travel in Switzerland. Buses are only available to go to and from between urban and rural or natural places.
If you are planning to visit Lucerne by road, you should head for routes 14, 2, 10 or 26.
By Water
You can also reach Lucerne via Vierwaldstattersee Waterways connecting to towns and cities like Schwyz, Fluelen, Weggis and so on.
Image Reference
- Lake Lucerne – llee_wu / Flickr
- Sammlung Rosengart Museum – WES1947 / Wikimedia Commons
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) – Makalu / PixaBay
- Old Town – Tommy_Rau / PixaBay
- Museggmauer – JoachimKohlerBremen / Wikimedia Commons
- Church of St. Leodegar (Hofkirche St. Leodegar) – Studio1521 / Wikimedia Commons
- Bourbaki Panorama – Leiju / Wikimedia Commons
- Dying Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) – Hans Braxmeier / PixaBay
- Glacier Garden – othree / Flickr
- Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrücke) – Werner Sidler / PixaBay
- Jesuit Church – underworth / PixaBay
- Kunstmuseum – WmcRahulSaini / Wikimedia Commons
- Nature Museum (Natur-Museum Luzern) – JoachimKohlerBremen / Wikimedia Commons
- Mount Pilatus – Paula Funnell / Flickr
- Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz) – Ank Kumar / Flickr
- Mount Rigi – RAMON ARIAS / Flickr
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