Things to do in  Lucerne

Situated on the shores of sparkling Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), at the base of Mt. Pilatus, the small city of Lucerne (Luzern) is one of Switzerland’s most scenic destinations and a popular basecamp for exploring the Swiss Alps. Stroll through Lucerne’s historic center, complete with medieval ramparts and alpine views, then head into the mountains for hiking, cycling, and winter sports adventures.

Located at the heart of Bernese Oberland and surrounded by the famous peaks of Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) is one of Central Switzerland’s most photographed natural wonders and the country’s fourth largest lake. Whether you’re soaring overhead in a cable car, cruising the lake itself, or visiting waterfront villages such as Weggis and Gersau, Lake Lucerne is mesmerizing from all angles.

Known in folklore as the Dragon Mountain, Mt. Pilatus dominates the backdrop around Lucerne and its lake. In terms of sheer size and visitor numbers, this is Lucerne’s big attraction, enticing travelers from around the world to ascend its 6,995-foot (2,123-meter) summit by cogwheel train—a route billed as the steepest cogwheel train ride on Earth—or by gondola. Hiking trails and a rope park await at the mid-levels, while viewpoints and restaurants beckon from the top.

With its network of cable cars and cogwheel railways traversing the snow-clad slopes of the mighty Mount Pilatus, Pilatus Railways (Pilatus Bahnen) provides the link between the lakeside resort of Lucerne and the 7,000-foot (2,133-meter) summit.

Set on the left bank of the River Reuss, the Lucerne Old Town is encircled by medieval walls and watchtowers and connected to the right bank by two covered wooden bridges: Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrücke). The narrow streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are lined with half-timbered houses and 15th-century buildings.

The oldest covered bridge in Europe, Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke) has spanned the river Reuss in Lucerne since the Middle Ages. Decorated with paintings along the interior, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland.

Reaching 10,626 feet (3,239 meters) above sea level, Mt. Titlis is Central Switzerland’s highest peak and probably its finest vantage point. The mountain has a cutting-edge transportation system—including, most famously, a revolving cable car that turns 360 degrees during the ride to the top station at 9,908 feet (3,020 meters). Those lucky enough to be inside the car are graced with stunning panoramic views of Alpine peaks, sheer rock faces, and an icy crevasse-cracked glacier.

Set in an alpine valley at the foot of Titlis, Engelberg, the “Mountain of Angels,” is one of Central Switzerland’s most scenic villages. Founded in 1120 by Benedictine monks, Engelberg is renowned for its historic monastery and offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

Carved into the low cliff face on the outskirts of the Old Town of Lucerne, the Lion Monument is the city’s most distinctive landmark. Described by Mark Twain as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world,” the giant sandstone sculpture depicts a dying lion resting in a shaded nook above a shimmering pond.

Encircled by a trio of lakes—Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz—and adjacent to the neighboring peaks of Mt. Pilatus and Brunnistock, Mt. Rigi is the enduring postcard star of central Switzerland. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Mountains,” Rigi has long captured the hearts of artists, including author Mark Twain and painter J.M.W. Turner. Hike or hop on a scenic cogwheel train or cable car to reach the summit for unforgettable views.

Europe’s highest suspension bridge, the Titlis Cliff Walk provides panoramas across the Uri Alps for any intrepid explorer willing to cross the 10,000-foot- (3,041-meter-) high, open-air walkway. Linking two snow-capped crags on the summit of Mt. Titlis, the bridge connects the Ice Flyer chairlift and Südwandfenster viewing platform.

Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) is one of the two lakes that flank the popular resort town of Interlaken. The village of Brienz, which sits on the opposite side of the lake (and from which the lake takes its name), is a picture-perfect Swiss spot made up of traditional wooden chalets with the snow-capped Alps rising behind them.

The Hofkirche (also known as the Church of St. Leodegar) in Lucerne is a mainly 17th-century structure, with two distinctive towers that belonged to an older building on the site. This Roman Catholic Church is one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Switzerland.

Best known as the KKL (Kultur und Kongresszentrum Luzern), this waterfront concert hall and cultural center is famous for avant-garde architecture and its status as a top music venue. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the site boasts contemporary features like a “floating” roof, which contrasts against Lucerne’s historic cityscape.

Along the banks of the Reuss River in Lucerne, Jesuit Church is the most magnificent Baroque church in Switzerland. The church is a major tourist attraction for its beautiful Rococo interior, marble stucco nave, and ceiling paintings. It often serves as a concert venue.