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How to Spend One Day in Lucerne Switzerland
Did you know 9 million people visit Lucerne Switzerland each year? It is estimated that Lucerne draws more day trippers than Venice Italy. This day trip itinerary to Lucerne is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, Chapel Bridge, Rathaus, Spreuerbrücke, Museggmauer Tower, Dying Lion Monument, and more. You will have no problem filling your day in Lucerne with amazing experiences. Below is how I spent my day in Lucerne, please use my day trip itinerary as a template and make it your own by filling in your personal bucket list dreams. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Complete Switzerland Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
How to get to Lucerne Switzerland
Switzerland is an easy country to explore by train and Lucerne’s central station is in the heart of the city. Lucerne is an easy 45-minute train ride from Zurich making it a great day trip. Lucerne is also a great base for exploring the Swiss Alps.
What to Do in Lucerne Switzerland for One Day
Why visit Lucerne Switzerland? We are drawn to Lucerne for its iconic Chaple Bridge, cobblestoned old town squares full of frescoes and wooden shutters, and peaceful lake food with a Swiss Alp background.
Lucerne Itinerary, 1-Day Overview
Chapel Bridge | Rathaus | Kornmarkt | Jesuitenkirche | Altstadt | Spreuerbrücke | Museggmauer Tower | Dying Lion Monument | Lake Lucerne | Swiss Folklore Restaurant
How to Spend a Day in Lucerne Switzerland
8 am Exit the train and head for the famous Chapel Bridge. Walk across the Chapel Bridge; check out the art documenting Lucerne’s history as you cross the Reuss River. Be sure to shop for souvenirs in Chapel Bridges water tower before moving on. Next, walk along the river towards the Rathaus. Spend some time exploring the frescoes of Kornmarkt and stop by the Town Hall for a few cheese souvenirs.
Tip: Food is expensive in Switzerland, and water is free from public fountains throughout the city.
Noon Stop at Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern for cheese fondue with a view of the gorgeous Jesuitenkirche. Continue exploring the Altstadt after lunch, and do not miss the frescoes in Hirschenplatz, Weinmarkt, and Mühlenplatz.
3 pm Check out the Dance of Death paintings on the Spreuerbrücke before moving on to the medieval Musegg Wall. Walk the wall and explore the seven towers. Be sure to climb the Museggmauer Tower to the viewing platform for Instagram-worthy panoramic views. Now, make your way to the Dying Lion Monument and rest your feet next to the reflecting pond. When ready, move on toward Lake Lucerne, take a boat ride around the lake, or, relax and watch the swans glide by.
6 pm Consider spending the night and splurging on dinner with traditional entertainment at Swiss Folklore Restaurant before leaving the Lucerne. The Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora is a budget-friendly property in a good location with great reviews.
Looking for more options? Continue on for additional things to do in Lucerne Switzerland to supplement this day trip itinerary or jump down for more day trip ideas.
What to Do in Lucerne in One Day
Although it is possible to see Lucerne in one day, the city has a lot to offer. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to supplement your day trip itinerary with the best things to do in Lucerne Switzerland.
Top Things to Do in Lucerne Switzerland
- Eat as much chocolate as possible, and don’t miss the praline at Bachmann
- Photograph the frescoes of the Franciscan Church and the clock of the Hof Church
- Check out Glacier Gardens’ fossils, potholes, the maze of mirrors, and an observation tower
- Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train up Mt Pilatus for amazing views
- Have a lakeside picnic and watch the swans glide by
- Stop in Rathaus Brauerei for a spaetzle with a view
- Take the city train (tram) tour of the old town
- Check out the Bourbaki Panorama
- Take a sunset dinner cruise
- Browse Picasso’s art at the Rosengart Collection Museum
- Check out the Swiss Chocolate Adventure at the Swiss Museum of Transport
- Take an evening tour with the city night watchmen
- Refill your water bottle at St Peter’s Church Fountain of Fritschi
- Buy a Swiss army knife or cowbells for a souvenir
- Take the funicular up to Château Gütsch and enjoy the view
- Step back into 19th Century Society the Tribschen Villa
- Take the Tasting and Making workshop at Max Chocolatier
- Take the steam train up Mt Rigi for views of the Alps
- Relax in a mineral bath at Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa overlooking Lake Lucerne
Be sure to check the Lucerne Switzerland Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Instagrammable Lucerne Switzerland
There are some places that are on Instagram so often you feel as though it is mandatory to visit. Lucerne Switzerland is one of them. If there was a reward for the prettiest country, Switzerland would rank high and Lucerne is a perfect example of why. A famous covered bridge, a lion monument full of emotion, city walls with towers offering insane views, fresco adorn squares, and a lake setting with a Swiss Alp background. There is no shortage of photo opportunities in Instagrammable Lucerne Switzerland. Walk the city wall climbing several towers for Instagram-worthy panoramic views. Be sure to capture the emotion of the Dying Lion Monument before making your way to the lake for a picnic lunch. Take the world’s steepest cogwheel train up Mt Pilatus for more insta-worthy views. Capture picture-perfect Lucerne Lake with the Swiss Alp background before moving on. Wander the old town and capture as many frescos as possible for the ‘gram. Consider splurging on a cheese fondue or traditional entertainment at Swiss Folklore Restaurant for more moments to show off in your feed.
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Plan Your Trip to Lucerne Switzerland
Switzerland Travel Guide
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Lucerne Switzerland Attractions and Day Tours
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