An ancient city with modern sensibilities, Lucerne is a captivating Swiss city boasting a rich cultural heritage, striking natural scenery, and vivacious atmosphere that enchants myriad adventure-seekers each year with its innate charm and magnetism.
INTRODUCTION
Nestled between the snow-capped peaks of Mount Pilatus and the glistening waters of the rich cobalt lake, the city of Lucerne – the heart of Switzerland – is so enticing with both its natural beauty and intricate cultural history that it exudes a charm irresistible to even the likes of royalty.
With refreshing waters, cool Alpine air, and a city centre that evokes both tradition and modernity, Lucerne is the place of Swiss history and legend.
While the city has a rich tapestry of stories to its name that date back as far as the Middle Ages, it was primarily due to the iconic English monarch, Queen Victoria, that this relatively quiet and peaceful oasis garnered the attention of international travellers over 150 years ago and still attracts millions more to this day.
Having visited in 1868, while still mourning the death of her husband Prince Albert, the city was said to have completely revitalised the Queen’s spirit and psyche, thus inspiring an influx of travellers looking for a small slice of this poetic paradise.
The picturesque city offers a plethora of attractions that entice every genre of adventurer. For history enthusiasts, Lucerne is rife with turn-of-the-century architecture and world-class museums, whilst those looking to embrace the great outdoors are enveloped in a mountainous panorama that boasts countless scenic trails to explore.
Those who find themselves more gastronomically inclined, meanwhile, can indulge in the city’s renowned ambrosial fondue, raclette, and Älplermagronä that make the perfect addition to colder months.
With antique cobblestones lining each street, quaint squares adorned with trickling fountains, and medieval buildings embellished with hand-painted façades, it’s no wonder Lucerne ranks amongst the world’s prettiest cities.
Prepare to be captivated by Lucerne’s effervescent ambience, crystal blue waters dotted with snow-white swans, and vibrant cultural centre chock-full of both modern masterpieces and historical icons.
Q&A WITH LUCERNE TOURISMUS
As the centre of excellence for positioning, public relations, marketing, and guest services, Luzern Tourismus works diligently to ensure the first-class authenticity and sustainability of the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region’s tourist offerings.
With tourism being one of the main economic sectors in the region, Lucerne Tourismus highlights brand positioning, management, and maintenance in the interests of numerous partners who provide top-notch services for the city, its economic presence, and its image as a sought-after touristic destination.
The organisation’s vision is to make Lucerne-Lake Lucerne the first-class adventure region in Switzerland by highlighting the unique charm of the city, the fantastic lake and mountain experiences, and the high-quality variety of offerings in an innovative network.
Marcel Perren, CEO of Lucerne Tourismus, tells us more about the city’s unmissable offerings and the organisation’s goals for the future of this historic location.
Can you talk us through the origins of Lucerne Tourismus and its initial vision?
Marcel Perren, CEO (MP): Lucerne Tourismus is organised as a public limited company and brings together the most important tourism providers within the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region under one roof. Through joint marketing under the Lucerne umbrella brand and the creation of the best possible framework conditions, we endeavour to further develop our destination management organisation sustainably and successfully.
What are your organisation’s current goals?
MP: Our current business plan focuses on creating a digital competence centre for the destination and all tourism suppliers, raising awareness of tourism among the local population, and promoting sustainable tourism development.
How do you market Lucerne as a destination?
MP: As an internationally recognised tourism brand, we serve 18 markets worldwide in the leisure and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sectors. We work closely with Switzerland Tourism representatives worldwide in various areas.
How do you promote off-season travel?
MP: This is a very important strategic issue for us as we want to achieve the best possible annual capacity utilisation, particularly in the hotel industry. Our focus is on developing the MICE business, expanding the Christmas and winter season in the city of Lucerne, and strengthening autumn as an optimal travel season.
Are there any interesting projects you wish to highlight?
MP: We are proud that in June, the International Conference on Peace in Ukraine took place on the Bürgenstock, which is part of our destination. This opens up new opportunities to position ourselves as a prime MICE destination. Some years ago, we successfully launched Lilu Light Festival Lucerne, which generated additional overnight stays in January and positioned us even stronger as a “city of lights”.
In the future, we also want to publicise the event season and, in particular, the wide range of music events in Lucerne with various measures.
Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Lucerne?
MP: There are many reasons, but above all, the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region is the perfect mix of a charming little town and a fantastic lake with the nearby mountains that offer many possibilities for excursions. This makes our destination a “Switzerland in a nutshell”, where you will find everything that makes the country special.
“Switzerland is an extremely popular holiday destination, and our region is a strong and internationally recognised location. We also benefit from a very high density of experiences in our destination and a good mix of guests from all over the world”
Marcel Perren, CEO, Lucerne Tourismus
What are some of Lucerne’s most unique landmarks?
MP: We are proud to hold one of the most iconic sights in Switzerland – Chapel Bridge. The wooden bridge and its water tower can’t be missed and is the perfect photo spot.
Secondly, visitors to Lucerne have the chance to see one of the last remaining fortification walls in Switzerland – Musegg Wall. For all architectural and music enthusiasts, the Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne (KKL Lucerne) is also a must-visit destination. The building is a masterpiece of renowned architect, Jean Nouvel, and the concert hall is well-known thanks to its outstanding acoustics.
Then, of course, everyone coming to Switzerland should experience our great trains. Lucerne’s train station is in the heart of the city, just next to the boat pier from where excursions on the lake occur, with connection to the local mountains.
What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Lucerne, and how are you utilising them?
MP: At the moment, it is particularly important for us to have a good relationship between the local population and our guests. We want to strengthen the welcoming culture and involve the local population more actively in tourism development.
What challenges does the tourism industry in Lucerne face?
MP: We are currently focussing on increasing the length of stay of our guests. The average length of stay in Lucerne is currently 1.9 nights. With the high density of experiences in our tourist region, this value is not sufficient for us, and we would like to increase it.
Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Lucerne?
MP: We are very positive about the future. Switzerland is an extremely popular holiday destination, and our region is a strong and internationally recognised location. We also benefit from a very high density of experiences in our destination and a good mix of guests from all over the world.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
Eat:
FOR A MOUTHWATERING ADVENTURE…
Often considered the national dish of Switzerland, fondue and raclette have a tasty history dating back centuries.
Long established as one of the most important staple foods for farmers and herdsmen, raclette has been traced back as early as the 12th century to the shepherds of the original cantons of the country who would warm the spicy cheese over the fire during the winter months.
Meanwhile, fondue was first described in a 1699 Zurich manuscript and became promoted by the Swiss Cheese Union in the early 20th century.
Today, the warm and mouthwatering cheeses are an iconic part of everyday life, particularly revered during the chilly winter season, with one such restaurant – Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern – offering not only the most rich and decadent menus but cheese-themed experiences that will leave you wanting more.
Located in a beautiful, frescoed building on the riverbank of Lake Lucerne, Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern hosts the yearly winter forest event, Unter der Egg, an enchanting outdoor fairytale that offers over 100 different fondue variations to be tasted, either individually or as a three-course meal.
Additionally, during the winter months, Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern offers fondue carriage rides for those looking to explore the city in style and with warm, full stomachs.
In parallel to the winter forest and carriage ride, the Fondue and Raclette Ship, which runs from October to December each year, provides cheese lovers with the opportunity to take in the city skyline at night while enjoying all-you-can-eat fondue and raclette.
Do:
FOR AN AFTERNOON OF TREASURES…
Stroll, feast, and discover Lucerne’s many enticing local markets and stalls.
Find yourself drifting between stands as you are drawn in by the tantalising scent of freshly baked bread, hand-picked flowers, and newly hauled-in fish. Treat yourself to vintage jewellery pieces you can’t find anywhere else, porcelain dolls dressed in traditional clothing, and so much more at Lucerne’s markets.
Wochenmarkt, open on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is known for its bread, tangy mountain cheese, vibrant flowers, crisp vegetables, homegrown food, and local delicacies for you to try.
Elsewhere, at Monatsmarkt, you can expect to find an eclectic mix of stalls selling textiles, accessories, toys, food, and decorative items for you to bring home as an authentic and well-crafted memory.
For those who are more craft-oriented and have an eye for more out-of-the-ordinary trinkets, the craft market located inside Old Town’s Weinmarkt is the perfect place to talk to local artists and find unique pieces of jewellery, ceramics, leatherware, pictures, and more.
Finally, one of the most popular and extensive marketplaces is Markthalle Lucerne, open 365 days a year with fresh, regional, and seasonal shopping options. Located centrally at the city’s railway station, everything purchased comes exclusively from Switzerland and is produced as locally as possible. The never-ending range of products offers everything from breakfast and takeaway to lunch and aperitifs to recipe inspirations and desserts. One of the most enchanting concepts is that each product is labelled with how many kilometres it has travelled to reach the marketplace.
FOR A DAY OF TIME TRAVELLING…
From the technological wonders of transportation to artistic treasures from the likes of Picasso and Klee, archaeological finds from the Stone Age, and a plethora of amazing and unique exhibitions, Lucerne is a museum lover’s paradise.
With its extensive range of museums and galleries, making the most of the city’s historical and cultural offerings is best achieved through the Lucerne Museum Pass.
With the pass, which can be purchased from Tourist Information Lucerne via the Lucerne Tourism online shop and all participating locations, museum connoisseurs are able to visit 10 museums for two consecutive days at the price of just CHF39.
The pass is valid at the Swiss Museum of Transport, Museum of Art Lucerne, Rosengart Collection, Glacier Garden, Richard Wagner Museum, Bourbaki Panorama, Museum Luzern (consisting of History and Natural History Museum), and Gameorama.
The former has been welcoming visitors since 1959 and provides a comprehensive overview of the history of transportation and communication alongside a planetarium and space travel hall.
Glacier Garden, meanwhile, was first opened in 1873 and is a unique combination of a natural monument, a park, and a museum. The main attraction is the Million Years Show, an immersive experience that transports visitors to an era where the land was covered by massive glaciers.
Bourbaki Panorama, a panoramic circular painting recognised as a European monument, a powerful denunciation of war, and a testament to the first humanitarian actions of the Red Cross, is also not to be missed as part of the Lucerne Museum Pass. The painting is not only historical but a museum and cultural centre that is significant to the city’s natural heritage.
Sleep:
FOR A TRADITIONAL ART DECO STAY…
More than just a hotel, Montana Art Deco Hotel Lucerne is the epitome of outstanding hospitality, individuality, and lifestyle.
With the aim to create a feel-good atmosphere where people are happy, the hotel is committed daily to being the best possible host for every guest, the optimal colleague for each employee, and to generate sustainable success that enables it to create flexible and attractive employment conditions.
Art Deco Hotel Montana does everything with innovation, intuition, authenticity, dynamism, and enthusiasm, putting cost-effective business management and the well-being of staff centre stage.
Switzerland’s Hotel of the Year 2018/2019 – the first 4-star hotel in the country to have earned this honour – boasts a long history of being a premier location for visitors across the world to experience and a shining example of traditional art deco decor and architecture.
With panoramic views over the rooftops of the city centre extending to the sparkling lake and snow-capped mountains beyond, the hotel is located on the hillside above the bustling Old Town. It offers a private lift, allowing guests to access both the city and the waterfront to explore at their heart’s desire – that is if they can tear themselves away from the hotel’s enviable luxury first.
This beautiful city retreat has also recently won Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award, a further testament to its dedication to quality and guest satisfaction.
EXCURSIONS:
Lucerne is the perfect hub to explore the region. From the city it‘s only a short hop to some of the highlights of Switzerland. The Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region combines
captivating landscapes with rich culture and offers a variety of unforgettable excursions. From majestic mountains to sparkling lakes, discover a wealth of activities and sights to delight every visitor.
FOR AN ALPINE ADVENTURE…
The mountains of Central Switzerland are famous for record-breaking feats of engineering designed to provide wonderful visitor experiences, including the world‘s
steepest cogwheel railway (Mount Pilatus), Europe‘s first mountain railway (Mount Rigi),
the world‘s first double-deck open-top aerial cableway (Mount Stanserhorn), the world‘s steepest funicular railway (Mount Stoos), and the world‘s first revolving cable car (Mount Titlis).
FOR AN AQUATIC PANORAMA…
Like a fjord, Lake Lucerne stretches out its arms in all directions. The impressive mountain backdrop makes a cruise a unique experience. A trip aboard one of the five historic paddle steamers or 15 elegant saloon motor vessels is one of the highlights of the region. Dating from the Jugendstil period, the paddle steamers sail between Lucerne and Flüelen through some fabulous scenery, and the Panorama Yacht Saphir a particular highlight. With its unique water terrace and panoramic windows, it is ideal for enjoying the sunset from the boat.
LILU LIGHT FESTIVAL LUCERNE IN FOCUS
At the start of January, after all the excitement that accompanies the holiday festivities has died down and people begin to return to the humdrum of the winter season, a bright light appears in the city centre of Lucerne, or rather, a multitude of lights emerge like a canopy of fireflies or a cascade of shooting stars.
This glowing display, offering light and warmth during the chilly season, is Lilu Light Festival Lucerne, an annual event where artists all over the world enchant the streets, squares, and façades of the city with jaw-dropping artistic displays of light.
This luminous meeting place consists of over 20 light installations around the Lucerne Lake basin, which can be explored free of charge, alongside indoor light and music shows and guided walking tours, allowing you to take a look behind the scenes of the popular festival and learn more about the artistic endeavours accompanying each display.
More than just pretty lights shining on the city’s main buildings, the festival consists of a variety of talented artists who tell a story through the medium of diverse and fascinating facets of light art. Selected squares, buildings, and sights are illuminated and brought to life through a colourful roller coaster of emotions, with some installations even inviting visitors to directly participate.
Initiated in 2018 with the aim of making the city even more appealing during the cold winter months, the sixth edition of Lilu Light Festival Lucerne will take place from 9th – 19th January 2025 and is projected to expand the light exhibitions and shows even further, creating an experience that truly appeals to all the senses.
The light shows of the Lilu Light Festival Lucerne offer an impressive interplay of light, music, and colour. The audiovisual performances in Lucerne‘s beautiful churches take place daily at selected times during the festival.
Beams of light dance across the walls and ceilings, merging into figures and patterns, each telling an exciting story. All shows are accompanied by music and some even have live organ music. These shows are very popular, and there are also exclusive concerts. Every year, a number of Swiss and international musicians perform a unique live concert in the middle of the light show.
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
Lion Monument
A poignant yet beautiful display of loss, Lucerne’s internationally revered Lion Monument is an imposing stone lion that is more than just a towering statue.
Nestled in a rocky grotto in a quaint park setting, the 10 by six-metre work was created to honour the Swiss Guards slaughtered during the Storming of the Tuileries in Paris in 1792. This proud landmark may be carved in stone, but it is deceptively alive and visited by approximately 1.4 million people each year.
KKL Lucerne
KKL Lucerne is an architectural masterpiece that has been an integral feature of the lakeside since 2000, serving to further the region’s status as Switzerland’s music city.
A unique civic amenity designed by Jean Nouvel and American acoustician, Russell Johnson, the building enjoys international acclaim thanks to its exceptional architecture and world-class concert hall. The 1,840-seater concert hall was primarily designed for classical repertoires with specific materials used to create an incomparable acoustic environment.
Old Town
Peppered with historic, fresco-adorned buildings, the Old Town is home to a wealth of architectural, elaborate, and culturally significant details that make it perfect for those looking to take a colourful step back in time. Located in the heart of Lucerne, this well-preserved medieval area reflects the very essence of Switzerland and boasts countless authentic markets, unbeatable views of the water and surrounding mountains, and phenomenal restaurants ready for travellers to explore and indulge in.
Christmas Markets
When the scent of mulled wine and sweet temptations fills the air, the Advent season has begun. Every year, various Christmas markets and Advent events in Lucerne and the surrounding area invite you to stroll, sample and linger. A fondue in a festive atmosphere, a cup of warm mulled wine and special handmade gifts for your loved ones: the city‘s most beautiful Christmas markets can be found on Franziskanerplatz, in Inseli Park and along the lakeside promenade.
Lucerne Carnival
The Lucerne Carnival is the largest annual event held in the city of Lucerne. It‘s the highlight of the year for many Lucerne residents. For six days, people celebrate, laugh and enjoy a wide variety of traditions. Lucerne‘s old town is transformed into a festival area. Bizarre characters in imaginative masks and costumes parade through the streets. Big Bang, Fat Thursday, Brother Fritschi and Monster Corso are just some of the expressions you will hear during these crazy days.
Tell-Pass
Whether by bus, train, boat or mountain railway, with the Tell-Pass you can travel flexibly and easily from highlight to highlight. With the mountains Stoos, Pilatus, Rigi, Titlis, Stanserhorn and Brienzer Rothorn, the most spectacular mountain railways are included in the summer and winter edition of the Tell-Pass ticket. Choose between two, three, four, five, or 10 consecutive days and various bonus partners offer additional discounts.
Guided City Tours
The best way to discover the hidden corners, narrow alleys, and historic buildings of Lucerne is on a city tour. Whether it‘s a guided excursion or a themed tour, you‘ll hear lots of insider tips and funny stories. Discover the world-famous sights such as the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church or get to know unknown corners of the city. Dive into Lucerne in the Middle Ages, learn interesting facts about the carnival and the city‘s
beautifully painted houses – all this from a local.
Official Audio Tour Lucerne
With the Official Audio Tour Lucerne app, you always have your personal city tour in your pocket. Have the sights explained to you via headphones and learn exciting background information, funny anecdotes, and discover hidden treasures in the old town. Learn more about the architecture, discover the vibrant and colourful neighbourhood or immerse yourself in a world full of rhythm and melody.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Having been a hotspot for travellers across the world for centuries, getting to and exploring the city of Lucerne is straightforward and easily navigable via plane, train, boat, bike, and even foot.
If arriving by plane, travellers will either pass through the global gateways of Zurich Airport, the country’s largest international airport and principal hub of Swiss International Airlines, or Geneva Airport, located four kilometres northwest of Switzerland’s second-most populous city. From both locations, arriving in Lucerne is affordable and swift, with trains and buses as primary transportation options.
If you choose to utilise the vast and comprehensive train system, Tourist Information Lucerne is located inside the station on platform three ready to offer advice on the city’s many varied excursions and city tours. Not only does the office provide information on current events and the most scenic sights, but it also sells tickets for cruises from Lake Lucerne Navigation Company, alongside mountain railways and cableways.
No matter what your query may be, the office is ready to help guide you to the most memorable and enjoyable trip of a lifetime!
One of the most favoured ways to traverse the city is via boat. With options including private vessels, cruises, and ferries, the opportunity to view the city skyline from an aquatic perspective is not to be missed. If you are looking for an extra special experience, there are a variety of themed cruises and even boats that can be chartered for events such as weddings.
Once in the city, take advantage of affordable and sustainable transportation options, such as rental bikes or embarking on a walking tour for a more intimate experience. The historic Old Town is car-free and provides optimal strolling opportunities for those looking to have a leisurely lakeside lunch or afternoon filled with casual window shopping.
Finally, once you are fully enveloped within the city limits, utilising a Lucerne Visitor Card provided freely to tourists staying in a local hotel is highly recommended. The card provides overnight visitors in city hotels with free use of buses within Zone 10 of the city network, as well as a range of discounts for cableways, mountain railways, museums, and excursions in the region, allowing you to make the most of your trip.
