Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) Tours and Tickets
What are people saying about Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)
Idalia_R, Jun 2026
Great trip, views are...
Great trip, views are amazing. Staff were very friendly. Catamaran is beautiful and clean. Just sit and relax, enjoy the view!
Amanda_G, Jun 2026
Easy way to see Mt. Pilatus
This was a great way to get to see the mountain (even though we had cloud cover at the top) and it was very well organized. However, it seems you could do it yourself for about half the price. If you are comfortable traveling and hopping into different modes of transportation the transfers seemed easy to see/find.
Ann_M, Jun 2026
Lake Lucerne friends trip
The description never explained you had to pay another 25.00 to cruise 1st class. For the cost of the excursion it should have been included. Shocking they wanted more money. Felt like a last minute scam. Also it did not feel like a small group with 22 people. Guide was a little difficult to understand.
Doug_G, Jun 2026
Mt. Pilatus day tour
This was a great tour. Rolf kept everyone informed throughout the day, was always around / accessible, and answered all of our questions. Seeing Pilatus was great and the cable car, gondola, cog railroad, boat trip were fantastic. You should do this tour
Vance_D, May 2026
Mt. Pilatus - Amazing
I would disregard all of the negative reviews for this tour!
Carlos was early for our pickup and had plenty of headsets for our group. He was well organized and kept the group together.
Mt. Pilatus did not disappoint. Views were simply amazing.
Great day!
Sheila_B, May 2026
Spectacular Views
This is a fantastic tour! Lincoln is very personable and knowledgeable and entertaining. The views are spectacular! We came from Basel by train.
Brian_K, May 2026
Spectacular views - guided tour made it easy to navigate
Spectacular views (had good weather) start to finish, from gondola rides up, hikes, cogwheel train down. Communication was great and guide Yolanda was informative and an absolute pleasure. Was warmer at elevation than expected - would have been fine in shorts and short sleeves / light top.
Janine_H, May 2026
The only was to see Mt. Pilatus!
Having a guide like Lincoln with us all day definitely made this trip so much easier and better! He was very sweet and very knowledgeable
Rosemary_D, May 2026
My husband and I were...
My husband and I were traveling for our honeymoon and this 1 hour cruise on Lake Lucerne was very nice. It gave us a great opportunity to see more of the lake and the surrounding areas. Staff was polite and nice. Great for different weather. They have an inside and outside area.
Dawn_M, May 2026
Great day trip
Beautiful place on top of mountain. Great experience. Not much of a guide though. Took tram and gondola and then boat ride back. Round trip. Beautiful scenery on boat ride back.
Dave_S, May 2026
Excellent excursion. The...
Excellent excursion. The entire group of us totally enjoyed it. The scenery on the rides up and down the mountain were spectacular as well as those at the top of the mountain.
Kathleen_M, May 2026
Great experience!
Great experience—the boat ride on Lake Lucerne was fun and the cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus was amazing. We were lucky with the weather so we had beautiful views of the Alps.
Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)
5.0
(5,020)
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit

It can get chilly on the mountaintops or out on the lake even in the summer, so bring some warm clothes.
Many boat tours and trains are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the operator in advance.
People Also Ask
What are the top attractions to see on Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)?
There are no shortage of natural attractions to see at Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), including its bays, the peninsulas, and the peaks of Pilatus, Rigi, and Bürgenstock. From the water, you’ll also be able to spot a number of historical buildings, such as Meggenhorn Castle, the tiny Tell’s Chapel, and Fortress Fürigen in Stansstad.
What are the best viewpoints for scenic views of Lake Lucerne?
For high-up views, head to Mt. Rigi and gaze down on Lake Lucerne below. Känzeli is a popular lookout point, which you can reach via the gondola from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad, followed by a short hike. Another option is the Sonnenberg summit, accessed via the Kriens funicular.
Can I rent kayaks, paddleboards, or motorboats on Lake Lucerne?
Yes, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats on Lake Lucerne. For motorboats, Lucerne, Rapperswil, and Gersau all have rental operators. For kayaks, paddleboards, and pedalos, look to the lake beaches where there are many options for water sport rentals. Note that you may need to provide identification ahead of renting, and some companies prefer cash payment.
Are there hiking trails or cycling routes around Lake Lucerne?
Yes, there are cycling and hiking routes around Lake Lucerne’s shores and nearby roads. A scenic cycling stretch is the Zug-Sarnen, which passes Lucerne, Zug, and Salern lakes. Hikers have plenty of options, but the Stoos Ridgeline trail is loved for its views.
Can I swim in Lake Lucerne?
Lake Lucerne is a great place for a swim, as long as you know when and where to go. Follow the lead of locals: Go when the water’s warm—generally between June and August—and swim from the badi (lidos) where there are often lifeguards. Strandbad Tribschen and Lido Lucerne are top picks.
What nearby attractions are there to visit from Lake Lucerne?
The city of Lucerne is right on the edge of the lake, so all of its attractions are nearby, including Chapel Bridge, the Musegg Wall, and the old town. Mt. Rigi is a great day trip, offering easy summit hikes and the chance to ride a cogwheel mountain train.
More Tours in Lucerne
Things to do near Lucerne
More attractions near Lucerne













































































































































