Best Things To Do in Lucerne

Famous for its medieval architecture and for being surrounded by the Alps, Lucerne is one of Switzerland's most visited cities and a great place to take in the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. If you're an adventure sports enthusiast, you can also take part in hiking trails and other similar activities.

Some of the best things to do in Lucerne include visiting the Kapellbrücke Bridge, touring the Swiss Museum of Transport, seeing Lake Lucerne, discovering Mount Pilatus and using the Hammetschwand outdoor lift, which is the highest in the world.

The Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge, is one of Lucerne's most iconic symbols and is considered Europe's oldest covered bridge of its kind, as well as one of the country's most photographed sites.

Its initial construction was intended to protect the city from attack, so it is closely linked to the medieval history of the region and its structure features defensive positions for archers.

Kapellbrücke stretches over the river Reuss and is more than 200 metres long, making it unique not only for its medieval architecture, but also for the more than 30 triangular paintings inside, which are placed under the sloping roof and constitute one of the largest works of art in the world. These images narrate episodes from Swiss history in general and Lucerne in particular.

Also, as you cross Kapellbrücke you will come across the Wasserturm, or Water Tower. This octagonal tower, even older than the bridge itself, was once used as an archive, a prison and even a torture chamber. Today it is a historical monument that you can discover if you decide to visit the site on your own or if you choose to book a guided tour of Lucerne

The Swiss Museum of Transport is one of the country's most famous and visited exhibitions dedicated to exploring the history and development of local means of transport and communication throughout history. With a collection of land, sea and air vehicles showing how Switzerland has innovated in moving around over the centuries, this museum is one of the must-see sites Lucerne has to offer.

From locomotives to aeroplanes and presidential cars, this museum displays a comprehensive heritage that provides a complete overview of the impact of transport on the daily lives of locals and Swiss industry. The rooms are organised into different themed areas, where you'll find vintage trains, trams, ships and helicopters, as well as interactive and professional simulators.

Also, one of the highlights of this museum is the section dedicated to Swiss railways, which has a collection of locomotives and carriages that will allow you to discover how Switzerland has been connected since the 19th century. If you decide to buy tickets for the Swiss Museum of Transport, you can also visit the temporary exhibitions and the multimedia room, where educational videos are shown.

The Church of St. Leodegar, known locally as the Hofkirche, is one of Lucerne's most important and emblematic religious monuments. Situated near the shores of Lake Lucerne, this Renaissance-style Catholic church is notable for its twin towers that dominate the city's skyline and are visible from almost every corner of the old town.

In addition to its original medieval structure and the Renaissance design of its façade, you will also find the high altar inside the church, which is decorated with gilded altarpieces and works of sacred art. In addition, the church houses a collection of sculptures and wood carvings, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, giving you an insight into Swiss religious art of the time.

One of the most important treasures of St. Leodegar's Church is its historic organ, which is one of the oldest in Switzerland and has been restored over the years to retain its original sound. While this church is not usually included in the group guided tour route, you can include it in your itinerary if you decide to book a tuk tuk tour of Lucerne, which is private, so you can decide the stops yourself.

Several of Lucerne's best attractions are located on the outskirts of the city and one of them is Lake Lucerne, which you can explore on a scenic boat ride. Surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages, the lake offers sweeping views as you cruise along its crystal-clear waters. And if you plan to visit the city in winter, you can discover the contrast between the green valleys and the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps.

During these walks you can see the Kapellbrücke bridge and the tower of the Jesuit Church, which is located in the historic centre of the city. But once out of the old town, the route takes you to quieter areas, where you can discover elegant villages and traditional Swiss towns such as Weggis and Vitznau, known for being the gateways to Mount Rigi, one of the most visited mountains in the region.

Another point you can see on these tours is Mount Pilatus, one of Switzerland's most famous mountain silhouettes known for its steep peaks. If you decide to buy tickets for the scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne, you can also visit the Rutli Meadow, where tradition has it that the Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291.

For one of Lucerne's most eclectic experiences, you can't miss the Hammetschwand outdoor lift, which is the highest in Europe. Located on the Bürgenstock, a mountain that rises from the shores of Lake Lucerne, this lift offers an adventure that combines panoramic views and direct contact with alpine nature.

The lift will take you in just over a minute to an observation deck 1,132 metres above sea level. The experience of climbing up the side of a cliff is a breathtaking and adrenaline-filled one, as the views of the lake and surrounding mountains become more and more spectacular as you ascend.

From the top of the Hammetschwand you will not only have views of the lakes and surrounding mountains, but also of the hiking trails that wind along the cliffs and through the nearby forests. At the summit you can also explore the Bürgenstock Resort, a luxury resort, or hike the trails that connect the different viewing platforms.

On sunny days and in the warmer months of the year, you can also book a hang-gliding experience in Lucerne near Hammetschwand to complete the adrenaline-filled experience.

Booking a paragliding flight in Lucerne to see the city from above is one of the most exciting ways to discover the city and its surroundings. This unique experience will allow you to see the Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountain scenery from a completely different perspective.

During the paragliding flight, one of the first sights you will see is Lake Lucerne, whose turquoise waters contrast with the snow-capped peaks that surround it, especially if you plan to visit Lucerne in winter. The view from the air will allow you to appreciate the unique shape of the lake, which stretches across multiple arms creating an incomparable visual spectacle.

In addition, during these experiences you will be able to see from above the old town with its medieval towers, the Kapellbrücke bridge and St. Leodegar's Church building, all framed by the lake and the mountains. During the flight you can also see the omnipresent Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, which are two of the most famous mountains in the region, with peaks visited by tourists from all over the world.

Mount Rigi, known as the Queen of Mountains, is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Lucerne. This mountain, with an altitude of nearly 2000 metres, offers sweeping views across the Alps to the Swiss Plateau and even the lakes surrounding the region.

The privileged location of the Rigi, situated between Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug, makes it one of the most popular sites for those seeking to enjoy the alpine wilderness and the unparalleled views of the region. If you decide to book a trip to Mount Rigi from Lucerne, you will also get to see one of Switzerland's most popular peaks.

Getting to Mount Rigi is an experience in itself. One of the most recommended ways is via a cog railway trip, which departs from Vitznau or Goldau and takes you directly to the summit. This train is famous for being the oldest in Europe, having been in operation since the 19th century, which adds a historical tinge to your climbing experience.

Once at the top, Mount Rigi allows you to enjoy a variety of activities to suit all tastes and seasons. In summer it is a hiker's paradise, with more than 120 kilometres of well-marked trails through alpine landscapes, meadows and natural viewpoints. In winter, on the other hand, the Rigi is transformed into a snow activity centre, where you can go skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing.

At 2,128 metres high, Mount Pilatus is one of the most popular destinations around Lucerne and a perfect natural observation platform for discovering mountain scenery and taking part in mountain activities. From its summit you can look out over the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne, and it is also a site shrouded in local legend, with dragons and mysterious creatures inhabiting its peaks.

One of the best ways to explore this site is to book a Mount Pilatus tour from Lucerne. On these tours you can discover the Lake Lucerne from a panoramic boat and later climb to the top on the world's steepest cog railway You will discover green meadows, alpine landscapes and the lush vegetation that characterises the region at all times of the year.

The summit of Mount Pilatus also offers hiking trails of varying difficulty and sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks, especially during the colder months of the year. If you prefer a more relaxed alternative, you can take refuge on the covered viewing platforms, which offer 360-degree views and are the perfect backdrop for some of the best photographs of your trip.

If you want to see the site that is known as the Top of Europe you can't miss Jungfraujoch, a mountain pass located in the Swiss Alps at 3,454 metres above sea level that offers unparalleled views of the region's highest peaks, such as the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

From Lucerne, the journey to Jungfraujoch includes a train ride through the Berner Oberland region, famous for its picturesque villages such as Interlaken, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. This mountainous landscape, surrounded by waterfalls, green valleys and snow-capped peaks, leads to the Eiger peak, from where you can enjoy views of the Aletsch glacier and the Alps.

Jungfraujoch is also home to a number of unique attractions. One of the most popular is the Ice Palace, a labyrinth of tunnels carved into the glacier where you can see ice sculptures and feel the perpetual cold of the environment. Another interesting stop is at the Sphinx Platform, where you'll get views of the Aletsch Glacier, Europe's longest glacier, and the surrounding alpine peaks.

If you decide to book the Jungfraujoch and Oberland tour from Lucerne you can also visit villages such as Wengen and Mürren, located on the slopes of the Alps, which offer the opportunity to hike, ski in winter or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air and views of the alpine valleys.

One of the best things to do from Lucerne is to visit Mount Titlis. With a total height of 3,238 metres, the Titlis is known for its alpine scenery and for offering a variety of options in both winter and summer. From Lucerne you can easily reach the mountain by a short train ride to Engelberg, followed by a cable car ascent that takes you directly to the mountain's summit.

Once at the top of Mount Titlis you can use the Titlis Rotair, which was the world's first rotating cable car and offers a 360-degree panoramic view along the ascent. From here you can see glaciers, snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes. At the top you will also find the Titlis Glacier, where you can walk through the Ice Cave and discover the blue ice tunnels.

Another activity you can discover if you choose to book a Mount Titlis snow tour from Lucerne is the Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe's highest suspension bridge that crosses a precipice at approximately 500 metres above sea level. This walkway allows you to enjoy dizzying views as you walk over the abyss, offering a mix of adrenaline rush and tranquil alpine scenery.