10 Things to Do in Lucerne

Famous for its medieval architecture and surrounded by the Alps, Lucerne is one of Switzerland's most visited cities and a perfect place to take in the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. What's more, if you're a fan of adventure sports, you can go hiking and take part in other similar activities.

Among the best activities you can do in Lucerne are visiting the Kapellbrücke bridge, touring the Swiss Museum of Transport, exploring 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 the oldest covered bridge of its kind in Europe, as well as one of the most photographed sites in the country.

It was originally built to protect the city from possible attacks, so it is closely linked to the medieval history of the region and its structure has defensive positions for archers.

Kapellbrücke spans the Reuss River and is over 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.

In addition, as you cross the Kapellbrücke , you will find the Wasserturm, or Water Tower. This octagonal tower, even older than the bridge itself, served in the past as an archive, 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 transport and communication throughout history. With a collection of land, sea and air vehicles that show how Switzerland has innovated in terms of transport over the centuries, this museum is one of Lucerne's must-see attractions.

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 life of locals and Swiss industry. The rooms are organised into different thematic areas, where you can find old trains, trams, boats and helicopters, as well as interactive and professional simulators.

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 remained 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 .

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

In addition to its original medieval structure and Renaissance façade, this church also features a high altar decorated with gilded altarpieces and sacred works of art. The church also houses a collection of sculptures and wood carvings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries , offering a comprehensive overview of Swiss religious art of the period.

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 preserve its original sound. Although this church is not usually included in guided group tours, you can add it to your itinerary if you decide to book a private tuk tuk tour of Lucerne, which allows you to choose your own stops.

Several of Lucerne's best attractions are located in the surrounding area, one of which is Lake Lucerne, which you can explore on a panoramic boat trip. Surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages, this lake offers sweeping views as you sail across 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, located in the historic centre of the city. But once outside the old town, the route will take you to quieter areas, where you can discover elegant villas and traditional Swiss villages such as Weggis and Vitznau, known as the gateways to Mount Rigi, one of the most visited mountains in the region.

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

If you want to enjoy one of the most eclectic experiences in Lucerne, don't miss the Hammetschwand outdoor lift, the highest in Europe. Located on the Bürgenstock, a mountain rising 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 platform 1,132 metres above sea level. The experience of ascending the side of a cliff is breathtaking and adrenaline-filled, as the views over the lake and surrounding mountains become more and more spectacular as you climb.

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

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

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 also allow you to see the Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne and the mountainous landscapes surrounding the city from a completely different perspective.

During the paragliding flight, one of the first places 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 extends across multiple arms, creating an incomparable visual spectacle.

In addition, during these experiences , you will be able to see the old town from above, with its medieval towers, the Kapellbrücke bridge and the Church of St. Leodegar, all framed by the lake and the mountains. During the flight, you will also be able to see the ever-present Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, 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 the Mountains, is one of the most popular destinations for those who decide to visit Lucerne. This mountain, with a height of around 2,000 metres, offers sweeping views stretching from 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 this one of the most popular places for those seeking to enjoy the alpine nature and unparalleled views that the region has to offer. If you decide to book an excursion to Mount Rigi from Lucerne, you will also be able to visit one of the most popular peaks in Switzerland.

Getting to Mount Rigi is an experience in itself. One of the most recommended ways is by rack railway, 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 touch to your ascent.

Once at the top, Mount Rigi offers a variety of activities for all tastes and seasons. In summer , it is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with more than 120 kilometres of well-marked trails that traverse alpine landscapes, meadows and natural viewpoints. In winter, however, the Rigi is transformed into a snow sports centre, where you can go skiing, snowboarding or sledging.

At 2,128 metres high, Mount Pilatus is one of the most popular destinations in the Lucerne area and a perfect natural observation platform for discovering mountain landscapes and participating in mountain activities. From its summit, you can admire the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne, and it is also a place shrouded in local legends of dragons and mysterious creatures inhabiting its peaks.

One of the best ways to explore this site is to book an excursion to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne. On these tours, you can discover Lake Lucerne from a panoramic boat and then climb to the summit on the world's steepest cog railway. Along the way, you will discover green meadows, alpine landscapes and the lush vegetation that characterises the region throughout the year.

At the summit of Mount Pilatus, you will also find 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 in the covered observation decks, which offer 360-degree views and are the perfect setting for taking some of the best photographs of your trip.

If you want to visit the place known as the Top of Europe, don't miss Jungfraujoch, a mountain pass in the Swiss Alps at 3,454 metres above sea level, offering unrivalled views of the region's highest peaks, such as the Eiger, the Mönch and the 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 also offers 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 very interesting stop is the Sphinx Platform, from where you can enjoy views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe, and the surrounding Alpine peaks.

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

One of the best activities you can do from Lucerne is to visit Mount Titlis. With a total height of 3,238 metres, Titlis is known for its alpine landscape and for offering a wide variety of options in both winter and summer. From Lucerne, you can easily reach the mountain by taking a short train ride to Engelberg, followed by a cable car ride that will take you directly to the mountain 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 throughout the ascent. From there, you can admire the glaciers, snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes. At the summit, 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 enjoy if you choose to book a trip to Mount Titlis from Lucerne is the Titlis Cliff Walk, the highest suspension bridge in Europe, which crosses a precipice at a height of approximately 500 metres. This walkway allows you to enjoy breathtaking views as you walk over the abyss, offering a mixture of adrenaline and tranquillity in the alpine landscape.