2 Days in Lucerne: The Perfect Lucerne, Switzerland Itinerary

When is the Best Time to Visit Lucerne?

The most popular – and arguably the best – time to visit Lucerne is from mid-June to mid-September. This is when you’ll find the “warmest” temperatures – with highs averaging between 68 to 74°F (20 to 23°C) – but, weirdly, also the most rainy days!

In the winter (December through March), frigid temperatures, snow, and valley fog abound… Which is great, if you love snow sports, hot chocolate, and cozy winter vibes. Often, it can be foggy down in Lucerne and perfectly sunny atop Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus.

My husband and I recently spent a week in Lucerne over Christmas and it was beyond magical. Think: snow-capped mountains, glühwein (mulled wine), Gruyère fondue, jacuzzi sessions on our balcony at the Hotel Montana, snowy adventures atop Mt. Rigi, hot chocolate, and strolls through Old Town… 

I’ve also visited in the summer. Memories of cheese-tasting and apple-juice-sipping at the farmers’ market, lake cruising in the sunshine, and riding the cable car to Mt. Pilatus are seared into my memory forever. 

Whichever season you pick, you can’t go wrong!

Where to Stay in Lucerne

Let’s kick off this Lucerne itinerary with some hotel inspiration. Because, while I loved exploring the Old Town and Mt. Rigi, the splurge-worthy hotels we stayed in were a highlight of my last trip! 

First up, a difficult decision:

• Will you stay in the Old Town (ideally, along the riverfront at the Hotel des Balances) near all of the “action”?
• Or will you stay up in the hills (at the beautiful Art Deco Hotel Montana, perhaps) to soak in the incredible views of Lake Lucerne and the Central Swiss Alps?

Here are my favorite hotels in Lucerne!

Best Hotels in Lucerne

Hotel des Balances ($$$)

The beautiful, historic 4-star Hotel des Balances offers the best location along the edge of the Reuss River, in the heart of Lucerne’s Old Town (Altstadt).

The views from our small but elegant suite and spacious terrace stretched across the Reuss River, to the Chapel Bridge, baroque Jesuit Church, and Mount Pilatus. Those glorious views, coupled with the stylish, modern decor (I loved the gold accents!) and the instant sense of calm I felt here, made this stay a 10/10.

Plus, the friendly hotel staff made us feel right at home. From day trip ideas to restaurant reservations, they helped make our trip to Lucerne unforgettable – and graciously answered our 101 questions!

Between the bountiful breakfast buffet, complimentary afternoon treats (would you like some glühwein?), and the hotel’s Michelin-listed, French-Mediterranean restaurant, you can’t go wrong staying at the Hotel Des Balances.

Click here to book your stay at the Hotel Des Balances.

Art Deco Hotel Montana ($$$)

Nestled into the foothills, the 4-star Art Deco Hotel Montana boasts unparalleled views of Lake Lucerne. Built in 1909, this classical, palatial-style hotel features all of the modern comforts you’d expect, and then some…

We stayed in a Penthouse Junior Suite for two nights – and I’m still dreaming about it. Our suite featured a spacious terrace with a whirlpool overlooking the lake (wow!), a plush king bed, a soaking tub (filled and scented with your favorite essential oils at the touch of a button!), fluffy robes, and a fully stocked, complimentary minibar. 

Here’s a quick room tour from a foggy day in late December…

Sipping carefully crafted cocktails over live jazz at the Louis Bar (stocked with 130+ Scottish malts, by the way!) and the sumptuous breakfast spread were highlights too.

Plus, thanks to good ol’ Swiss engineering, staying up at the Montana is convenient. After a flat 10-minute walk from Old Town, along the lakeside promenade, the Montana’s private funicular transports you to the lobby in 60 seconds.

In other words, the Art Deco Hotel Montana made my Swiss Christmas vacation dreams a reality. And I never wanted to leave. 

Click here to book your stay at the Art Deco Hotel Montana.

Other Top Lucerne Hotels

• Hotel Pilatus-Kulm ($$$): If sleeping in the clouds atop Mount Pilatus sounds like your idea of heaven on earth, consider staying at Hotel Pilatus-Kulm for a night, in addition to two days in Lucerne! Click here to book your stay.
• Hotel Château Gütsch ($$$): Perched in the forested hills overlooking Lucerne, this restored 19th-century castle offers incredible views and endless old-world charm. (I didn’t stay here, but took the funicular up for cocktails at the gilded American Bar.) Click here to book it.  
• Hotel Rebstock ($$): This cozy, historic 3-star hotel (dating back to the 14th century!) is a budget-friendly option, ideally located near the Lion Monument. I stayed here for one night. The hotel is comfortable, but dining at the traditional, rustic bistro downstairs was my favorite part – so good! Click here to book your stay.

Budgeting in Lucerne: Free Lucerne Card

We all know Switzerland is expensive. I adore the fact that every overnight hotel or vacation rental guest receives a Lucerne Visitor Card at check-in, valid for their whole stay! This card grants you free use of buses and trains in the local area, along with discounts on museums and other activities.

Day 1: Explore Lucerne’s Old Town + Indulge in Swiss Cuisine

One Day 1, you’ll explore Lucerne’s charming Old Town, or the Altstadt. You’ll cross the medieval wooden bridges, leisurely stroll along the medieval ramparts, see the Lion Monument, sip cocktails in a castle, admire the beautiful architecture, taste Swiss chocolate, and more… Let’s get started!

But First, Coffee (and Chocolate!)

After a fabulous breakfast at your hotel (ideally, the Hotel Montana or the Hotel des Balances!), it’s time to grab specialty coffee to-go and explore Old Town!

My top pick for an oat latte, but especially a mocha latte or hot chocolate, is Four Hundred (MG) Coffee Corner, housed inside Lucerne’s very own artisanal chocolatier, Max Chocolatier. Another great option is SiP Café.

NOTE: If you want to dive into the world of Swiss Chocolate, check out this guided Cheese, Chocolate, Chapel Bridge & Château Experience. It covers many of the highlights included in my 2-day Lucerne itinerary. Click here to learn more!

Wander Lucerne’s Old Town

As you wander Lucerne’s pedestrian-only Altstadt, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the 15th century – if you just ignore the crowds and souvenir shops!

Spend two or three hours wandering the charming cobblestone streets and quaint squares; checking out the perfectly preserved medieval buildings adorned with detailed frescoes and colorful shutters; and taking plenty of photos! 

Within Old Town Lucerne, you’ll see the 17th-century Rathaus (town hall) – marked by the Swiss flag and Lucerne’s blue and white banner – and you’ll wander the various plazas, like Weinmarkt, Hirschenplatz, and Kornmarkt (aptly named after the medieval-era corn market that took place here!).

You’ll notice statues like the Fritschibrunnen, a colorful water fountain decorated in masks, with a medieval nobleman, Fritschi, standing atop the column. 

And, as you explore, pop into a few shops. Stylish boutiques, jewelry shops, chocolatiers, bakeries, and shops selling premium Swiss Army and kitchen knives are sprinkled throughout.

Browse the Wochenmarkt (Farmers’ Market)

If you’re lucky enough to visit Lucerne during the Wochenmarkt, then you’re in for a treat!

This weekly farmers’ market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6 AM to 12 PM along the Reuss River (yes, even in the winter!).

Stalls feature fresh bread, local alpine cheeses, seasonal flowers, fresh-pressed apple juice, local produce, and pastries. Don’t miss it! 

Stroll Across the Medieval Bridges

Two ancient bridges remain on the Reuss River in Lucerne’s downtown: the Chapel Bridge and the Chaff Bridge. 

Walking these unique medieval bridges is a must on any Lucerne itinerary. My advice? Go early to have the bridges all to yourself! (This is one of the most popular things to do in Lucerne, so there will be crowds mid-day!)

The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)

The Kapellbrücke is downtown Lucerne’s darling attraction. Built around 1360, the bridge was originally part of the city’s fortifications. It’s now considered the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge, spanning 672 feet. 

During the summer, the bridge is decorated with hundreds of flower boxes – a tradition since the 1940s. It looks beautiful – and smells divine!

As you stroll through the covered bridge, you’ll notice that 62 hand-painted triangular panels are set into the ceiling’s support beams, depicting Swiss history and Lucerne’s heritage. Pretty special!

The Water Tower (Wasserturm)

Lucerne’s octagonal water tower was built before the Chapel Bridge, sometime in the 13th century, as part of the city walls. Over the centuries, this 4-level, 111-foot tower was used as a city archive, treasury, prison, and torture chamber.

Today, it’s home to the Lucerne Artillery Association – and therefore, not open to the public.

Chaff Bridge (Spreuerbrücke)

Walk five minutes downriver and you’ll find the Spreuerbrücke – the Chapel Bridge’s younger, smaller sister. 

This wooden covered bridge features a series of 45 painted panels depicting the “Dance of Death” (Totentanz) – the idea that every human’s life is a journey, a dance, to the grave…

Halfway along the bridge, there’s also a cute little chapel called Maria auf der Reuss (Mary on the Reuss).

Visit the Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche)

The iconic Jesuitenkirche is Switzerland’s oldest baroque church, built in 1666. Standing tall along the Reuss, overlooking Old Town, this church is worth admiring inside and out for its two beautiful twin towers, baroque and rococo stucco, treasury, and organ.

Enjoy Lunch Along the Riverside

Ready for lunch? Name a more idyllic lunch situation than dining al fresco along the Reuss with the majestic Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church in view! Any of these options will do the trick…

Choose between Restaurant Schiff (for fondue and other traditional Swiss fare – pictured above), Bierliebe & Friends (for excellent craft beer and gourmet burgers), or Rathaus Brauerei (for seasonal, local beer, traditional specialty meats, and Lucerne-butcher-made sausages).

Or, for an elevated lunch experience, book a table at the Michelin-listed Des Balances.

Take the Funicular up to Château Gütsch

Next up, a must-add to your 2 days in Lucerne itinerary! Walk to this location to take the 90-second funicular to Hotel Château Gütsch, a restored 19th-century castle.

With your Lucerne Visitor Card, the funicular is free, so just press the button to call it down (like an elevator), and hop on! 

The panoramic views of Lucerne from the hotel’s terrace will take your breath away. After your photo op, head inside to find the elegant, gold-leaf-covered American Bar for a (albeit, pricey) cocktail with an equally fabulous view. 

HOT TIP: Book this guided Cheese, Chocolate, Chapel Bridge & Château Experience. It includes a visit to the château, along with a few other essential Lucerne activities. Click here to check it out!

Stroll Along the Musegg Wall (Museggmauer)

As one of the lesser-known things to do in Lucerne, strolling along the Museggmauer is a must-do! The Musegg Wall was erected around the 13th century to safeguard the city from invaders – and today, it’s considered Switzerland’s longest and best-preserved defensive wall.

The 2600-foot-long wall boasts nine built-in watch towers and guards a lovely garden park – the perfect place for a nature walk amongst local flora and fauna, like jackdaws, goosanders, alpine swifts, and bats. 

Each tower’s design is entirely unique; some feature spires or sculptures, and others clocks, murals, and turrets.

In the summer, you can walk atop the walls, climb the towers, and admire the epic views for free!

Check out the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal)

Surprised to read that one of Lucerne’s top attractions is a war memorial of sorts?

Even more surprised that it memorializes the Swiss guards who died bravely defending the tyrant King Louis XVI during the Storming of the Tuileries in Paris in 1792? 

No matter your take on that, this somber monument, featuring a lion dying on his shield, with the Latin words Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti (“To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss”) inscribed above him, is worth a quick look as you explore more of Old Town.

Sculpted into the side of an imposing rocky grotto, he’s equal parts beautiful and striking. For extra wow effect, as you approach, you’ll see him mirrored in the pond below.

Stop by the Church of St. Leodegar (Hofkirche)

Over on the other side of town, a stone’s throw from Lake Lucerne’s shoreline, the Church of St. Leodegar is considered Switzerland’s most important Renaissance-style church – and, if you ask me, the façade is quite beautiful.

The church’s impressive history dates back to 735, when Southern Alemanni noblemen founded a monastery there. Inside, you’ll find a treasury (only accessible by guided tour) and an imposing 17th-century organ. 

Savor a Traditional Swiss Dinner

Ever heard of Lucerne’s signature mushroom, sausage, and puff pastry dish, chügelipastetli? No? I hadn’t either – but now I’m convinced that trying it is an important part of your Lucerne itinerary!

For dinner, head to the Hotel Rebstock for a simultaneously rustic and charming atmosphere and delicious, seasonal, and locally sourced Swiss cuisine. (And obviously, order the chügelipastetli.)

A few other Swiss dinner options include Rathaus Brauerei, Old Swiss House, and Restaurant Schiff. Or, for European cuisine (but not Swiss), consider Mill’Feuille, Brasserie Bodu, Des Balances, and Restaurant Scala. 

Wherever you go, make a reservation! Especially in the summer, on the weekends, or during any holiday period.

Day 2: Cruise Lake Lucerne + Explore the Swiss Alps

Ready for an adventure where the journey is just as spectacular as the destination?

Your Lucerne itinerary would be incomplete without spending a day cruising the lake and peaking in the local mountains!

Whether you want to visit magnificent Mt. Rigi (my top choice!) or mythical Mt. Pilatus (do the “Golden Round Trip”) – or travel further to Mt. Titlis or Jungfraujoch – the choice is yours.

The good news is, all of these options involve a scenic lake cruise and one-of-a-kind cogwheel train and/or cable car. Plus, incredible views, delicious Swiss Alpine cuisine, and fun nature activities once you arrive – like hiking, skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, thermal spas, etc.

Let’s go over the options now…

Take an Adventurous Day Trip to Mount Rigi 

I searched high and low for the best way to explore Mt. Rigi (and asked Hotel Des Balances reception one million questions). And I finally landed on this adventurous self-guided day trip to Mount Rigi. It seemed like the most fun, unique, and customizable option for the best price… And it was.

This is exactly what we did during our epic day trip… (Feel free to steal our itinerary!)

• Lucerne > Vitznau: From Lucerne, we took a scenic lake cruise over to Vitznau.
• Vitznau > Rigi Kulm: We hopped on the cog railway (Europe’s 1st mountain railway!) from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm.
• Exploring on the mountain: Since this was a self-guided day trip, we decided to trek the designated snow hiking trails atop Mount Rigi. But we also could’ve chosen to ski, snowshoe, or go sledding/tobogganing. The choice is yours! Here’s the all-seasons interactive trail map so you can make a plan.
• Alpine lunch: We had raclette, goulash, and beer on the sunny deck at Restaurant Bahnhöfli. (We really wanted to go to Kessiboden for fondue but it was cash-only and we didn’t have any.)
• Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad: We continued hiking until we reached Rigi Kaltbad, where we went to the thermal spa and relaxed for about two hours.
• Rigi Kaltbad > Weggis: From Rigi Kaltbad, we took the cable car down to Weggis.
• Weggis > Lucerne: And finally, we took the scenic lake cruise back to Lucerne. We had dinner at Brasserie Bodu in Altstadt and it was fabulous!

Trust me, the beauty of 6,000-foot Mt. Rigi (A.K.A. “The Queen of the Mountains”) will take your breath away. This self-guided day trip was a highlight of my last trip to Switzerland… Other than the part where my husband lost his wedding ring in the snow. If you find it up there, let me know!

To experience this exact day trip (or similar – you can customize it as you like!), you need to book this Mt. Rigi Self-Guided Tour: Lake Lucerne Cruise and Mountain Spa.

It includes tickets for the scenic lake cruises, cable cars, cogwheel trains, and the thermal spa! Click here to book it!

Other Day Trip Options from Lucerne

If you want more of a guided experience and/or if you’re more interested in incredible panoramic views than anything else (A.K.A. you don’t want to hike, ski, etc.), then choose one of these options: 

• Mount Pilatus Summit with Lake Cruise from Lucerne
• Mount Titlis Half-Day Trip from Lucerne 
• Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe!) Day Trip from Lucerne

How to Get to Lucerne

Getting to Lucerne is easy, thanks to Zurich Airport and Switzerland’s sophisticated train network. Here’s everything you need to know…

Flying into Lucerne

Zurich Airport (Zürich Flughafen) is the most popular international hub for accessing Lucerne. Why not spend two days in Zurich, then hop on a direct 1.25-hour train to Lucerne’s train station (Luzern Bahnhof)? Tickets usually cost 10 to 20 CHF. I recommend booking your tickets directly with SBB.

Alternatively, you can fly into Bern Airport (Bern Flughafen). There’s no direct train to Lucerne, so the journey will take at least 1.75 hours.

Catching the Train to Lucerne

The Swiss rail system is very well connected! If you’re traveling around Switzerland by train, you’ll have no problem catching one to Luzern Bahnhof (Lucerne train station). If traveling extensively by train, you should consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare card from SBB to save money. 

Once you arrive at Luzern Bahnhof, you can easily access your hotel on foot (Old Town is just steps away!) or take the bus.

Driving to Lucerne

Road-tripping around Switzerland? You can easily explore Lucerne on foot or via buses and boats. You won’t need a car at all!

However, if you want to get off the beaten path, book a rental car to easily access the many beautiful towns, hiking trails, lakes, and scenic spots surrounding Lucerne. If needed, there are several paid parking garages in downtown Lucerne. Some hotels (but not many!) offer free overnight parking for guests.

This is the website I use to find great deals on rental cars.

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