Lucerne tours and tickets
Lucerne is a short, walkable city where nothing sells out far ahead. The decisions are about the mountains. Pilatus, Rigi and the lake boats are bought the day before, once the forecast is clear. The Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the old town are free. A table at a traditional restaurant is the one thing to book in peak season.
Book these first
- A table at a traditional restaurant
- 1 to 2 weeks ahead in peak season. The old-town rooms fill at weekends and in December.
- Mountain and boat tickets
- The day before, once the forecast is clear. Views depend on the cloud, and flexible tickets save a wasted trip.
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Outdoors
Mount Pilatus
A mountain above the city reached by the steepest cogwheel railway in the world on one side and a cable car on the other. A round trip combines both with a boat ride. At the top there are viewpoints and paths.
Which to pick. Go on a clear morning and use the railway up and the cable car down. Check the weather the evening before.
The day before, if the sky is clearVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorRigi
A mountain known as the queen of the mountains, reached by cogwheel railway from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau. Walking paths and a thermal bath are at the top and halfway up.
Which to pick. Go by boat to Vitznau and take the railway up. Return on the other side for a loop.
The day before, if the sky is clearOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
On the water
Lake Lucerne cruise
Sightseeing boats, including historic paddle steamers, cross the lake to villages and mountain stations. Short cruises last an hour, and longer ones take half a day or more. Dinner cruises run in summer.
Which to pick. Take a short cruise for the first look and a long one if the weather is clear. Check the timetable, since service changes by season.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorPaddle steamer lunch
A historic paddle steamer cruise with lunch served on board, on set days in summer. Seats in the dining room are limited. The trip lasts a few hours and has views of the shore.
Which to pick. Book a table by the window a few days ahead. Pick it for a slow day, since it is a meal first and a cruise second.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Museums and galleries
Swiss Museum of Transport
A large museum of trains, planes, cars and ships, with a planetarium and a film theater. Tickets are sold at the door. It suits families and wet days. Allow three hours.
Which to pick. Buy at the door, and arrive when it opens. Pick two or three halls rather than trying to see everything.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorLion Monument
A huge carving of a dying lion in a rock face, set above a small pond in a park. It honors the Swiss guards who died in 1792. Entry is free, and it is best seen in the morning.
Which to pick. Go early to avoid crowds. No ticket is needed, and it takes about ten minutes to see it.
Not needed, entry is freeVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMuseggmauer
A medieval city wall with nine towers, three of which can be climbed for a view over the roofs and the lake. Entry is free, and the towers are open in the warm months.
Which to pick. Walk the wall in the late afternoon. Check the dates, since the towers are closed in winter.
Not needed, entry is freeOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Zurich
Switzerland's largest city, about an hour by train, with a lake, an old town and museums. Day returns are easy, and the Swiss Travel Pass covers the train.
Which to pick. Take the train and spend the day on foot. Book a museum slot only for a special exhibition.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBürgenstock
A resort high above the lake with a cliff-side lift and a path with views. Reached by boat and funicular, it makes a quieter day than the larger peaks.
Which to pick. Take the boat from the city and walk the path. Go on a clear day only.
A day aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Lucerne
- Swiss Travel PassA pass for unlimited travel by train, bus and boat across Switzerland, with free entry to many museums and discounts on mountain railways. It pays off with several long train days. It does not remove the need for seat reservations on scenic trains. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Lucerne
When should I buy the Pilatus ticket?
The day before, once the forecast is clear. Tickets are sold at the station, so there is no need to buy far ahead. Early starts give you the best views.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
It is if you travel by train on several days or want free entry to many museums. For a short stay in Lucerne alone, single tickets may be cheaper.
Do boats run in winter?
Yes, on a reduced timetable. Some lines close for the season. Check the schedule before you plan a long trip, and take warm clothing for the deck.
Is the Chapel Bridge free?
Yes. The covered wooden bridge is a public footpath, open at all hours. The paintings under the roof are worth a look, and the evening light is lovely.
Should I book a restaurant?
In peak season, yes, a week or two ahead for a traditional restaurant at dinner. Casual places and lunch can be done without a booking.
What can wait until I arrive?
The bridges, the Lion Monument, the museum, the lake boats and the old town can be done on the day. Book a dinner table first, and the mountains the day before.