Top Things to Do in Lucerne | Switzerland
If you are thinking about deciding the next place to explore in Switzerland then Lucerne should be your next destination to visit. Chasing Whereabouts brings you the list of top things to do in Lucerne and Day trip to Rhine falls.
You may wonder why Lucerne, well what else do you need, the beautiful city is situated right next to Lake Lucerne, It is just a perfect experience to stroll on the sides of the Lake and see the breathtaking views of the mountain and the Lake. You may choose what to do, maybe spend your time enjoying the paddle cruise in the lake or hike on the top of the mountain Mt. Pilatus.
If you are travelling to Lucerne, you can obviously keep a day for the Rhine falls. We really enjoyed our time at the Rhine falls doing things which you may like. Feel free to read about our experience at Rhine Falls in our other post.
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Top Things to Do in Lucerne | Switzerland
Explore Mount Pilatus
Depart Lucerne and relax aboard a comfortable coach on the short drive to Kriens. Then, climb aboard the panoramic gondolas and journey to Fräkmüntegg to board the aerial Dragon Ride cable car up the mountain. Get magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks from the panoramic windows.
Arrive at the top of Mt. Pilatus, 2,132 meters above sea level and feel like a bird as you survey your surroundings. Hike to the summit or venture down the Dragon Trail where dragons with healing powers were thought to live in the Middle Ages. Relax on the panoramic terrace and take in the magnificent vistas of the mountains and lakes. Avail of the restaurants to enjoy lunch on top of the world.
Get ready for the ride of a lifetime as you descend the mountain on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Arrive in Alpnachstad to embark on a 1-hour cruise back to Lucerne on the beautiful “Lake of the 4 Cantons” (only during summer).
We got our tickets for this from the Get your guide website – here is the link to that – Mt. Pilatus by Cable Car and Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise
Go on the Chocolate Tasting Tour of the Lucerne
If you love chocolate like us then I am sure this one is for you all. You can Join a like-minded local guide to visit the best chocolate boutique in Lucerne where you can sample and learn more about the most delectable chocolate in Lucerne.
Take in the city’s picturesque lake set against an impressive mountain backdrop and among architectural gems and centuries-old sights such as the most-photographed subject in Switzerland, the Chapel Bridge. Explore the charm of Lucerne’s old bridges, towers, and streets. Stroll along the beautiful old town and enjoy the most exquisite vistas of the Swiss Alps from Lucerne castle
Bonus This tour includes a one-hour boat ride around Lake Lucerne. Photograph the spectacular panorama of the city from the water!
Here is the recommended tour tickets – Lucerne: Chocolate Tasting with Lake Trip and City Tour
Get a Click in front of Santiago Calatrava Station
This station has an interesting history, If you know about the Fire at Notre Dam Italy, Well guess what, Fire broke in 1971, the railway station was burned and was rebuilt between 1984 and 1991. The transparent entrance hall of the new station, with its elegant curved roof, was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The main portal of the former station, which survived the fire, now is remained in the middle of the square in front of the station.
Spend some time in the Culture and Convention Cenre
This Center at Europaplatz was designed by the Parisian architect Jean Nouvel. The concert hall with 1,800 visitors capacity is one of the best concert halls in the world. The Lucerne Hall, the Convention Centre with the auditorium, and the Museum of Art – is the fourth largest in Switzerland.
Don’t miss the paintings on the Chapel Bridge and the view of the Water Tower
The water tower is an octagonal 34-meter high tower built around 1,300 as a part of the city wall and used as an archive, treasury, prison and torture chamber. The Chapel Bridge was constructed in the 14th century as a part of the city’s fortification. It has been damaged that were added in the 17th century illustrate scenes of Swiss and local history.
Lucerne: Private Photography Walking Tour
Discover the most picturesque spots in Lucerne through the eyes of a local guide and get the opportunity to take some stunning photos.
Visit Jesuit Church and Spend some time in peace
This was first large Baroque church built in North of the Alps. It is beautiful inside and out, but some of the best views of it are across the river. The shell of the church and the main facade were completed in 1673. The church was consecrated in 1677, though the interior was not yet really finished. The onion topped towers were not completed until 1893.
Walk around Schwanenplatz
Schwanenplatz or also called Swan Square is located on the right shore of Lake Lucerne. There is a tower where in the early days was a part of Lucerne’s fortification. For all watch lovers, there you will find all the high end watch stores!. The square is busy with traffic but this is the point where downtown area starts.
Take a look at Hofkirche
Hofkirche is the main cathedral for the city. A benedictine monastery was founded here in the 8th Century. In 1633, a fire destroyed the church; it was later rebuilt in 1645. It is the most important Renaissance church in Switzerland. Especially noteworthy are the facade, Mary’s alter and Soul’s alter.
You can not miss the Lion Monument
We loved the way this Lion is carved out in the wall. Just continue walking across the covered bridge and head to the Lion monument. It is a rock relied dying Lion which commemorates 800 Swiss mercenaries who defended Louis XVI during the french Revolution and died. Mark Twain described the Lion of Lucerne as the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.
So this should be on your list of top things to do in Lucerne.
Stroll and take a look at the Glacier Garden
Remarkable relics from the Ice Age which includes glacier-polished rock, erratic boulders dropped by the retreating ice, and 32 potholes. The museum also displays artifacts from throughout the town’s history.
Check out the Musegg Wall
The old city wall, Musegg Wall, with nine towers where you can see one of the best views of the Lucerne, the Lake and Mountains. A part of the rampart walls built in 1386; the wall is still almost entirely intact. If you are energetic enough , you can climb up the stairs to the towers where each offers impressive views. Three towers where each offers impressive views. Three towers are open to the public.
Get Some amazing click at Spreuer Bridge
The backdrop at Spreuer Bridge is amazing if you want an Instragammable picture for you. To know more about the history of the Bridge, this bridge was completed as a part of the city fortification in 1408. Between 1626 and 1635, Kaspar Meglinger added 67 paintings which represent the “Dance of the Death”. It is called Spreuer Bridge because this was the only place that the chaff from wheat(Spreu) could be dumped into the river.
Walk around the Muhlenplatz or Mills Square
A walk around the beautiful Lucerne city brings us here. Mühlenplatz square is open towards River Reuss because the old city mills have been destroyed by fire in 1875.It now supplies electricity to about 1500 families in the city.
Why not buy some Wine from the Wienmarket
Until the middle of 16th century it was fish market there. You can find some interesting buildings here for example the Mullersche Apotheke which is pharmacy dating from 1530. Also the first town hall was located here where all the judgements of the local jury were pronounced from the balcony.
Don’t forget to take a look at the building of Hirschenplatz
This name is given after a vanished hotel called the Hirschen. This square in Lucerne old town has plenty of restore buildings many of them with painted facades and wrought iron signs. Interesting, that in 1779 Goethe stayed at the Goldener Adler which now the restaurant ‘La Fenice’ in the corner with the ‘no entry’ sign.
See the awesome Chateau Guetsch
One of the top things to do in Lucerne is to buckle up and visit the Chateau which was built in the 19th century and it stands on the hill Gutsch. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of the city Lucerne, mountains and Lake. If you have the money you can also buy a room inside because now its a hotel with 31 unique room, where were renovated and extended in 2014 according to the original design. Over the last 130 years, it was accommodation for queens and Kings, worked stars and Lucerne’s Citizen and during the world war II for immigrants and prisoners of war.
We really enjoyed our time we spent in Lucerne and we have tried to compile the list of top things to do in Lucerne for you all, Do let us know about your response and don’t forget to drop your story about Lucerne. We will be happy to read them.
