We are thinking of spending ~1 week in Lucerne as part of a months-long European vacation next summer. We are already doing beach, Tuscan countryside, so Swiss lake region feels like a good change of pace. It would be a hub and allow for day trips to other cities.
Aside from its beauty seen through pics, I haven’t done a ton of research on the area to know what to expect in terms of activities, food, shopping, etc
Appreciate any info/feedback from folks that have visited
Only spent a couple of days there. The town is beautiful and fun to walk around and the Chapel Bridge is worth some time
We did a relatively short (4km) hike on the Stoos Ridge Trail (funicular to the base camp, lifts to and from the ridge). Gorgeous views, meadows with cows and their bells). Be careful though. After the hike and back in the flat parking lot,The meniscus on my right knee tore and I was in crutches for the wear of my two week trip
Bumping this thread, going to be in Lucerne for a few days this fall and looking for recommendations
The classic trip from Luzern is up Mount Pilatus, the cable car goes up a short bus ride from the city centre, then you get a cogwheel railway back down to Alpnachstad and then the boat back to central Luzern.
Storchen in Luzern is a wine bar and restaurant - I’ve not eaten in the restaurant, but the wine bar has a really good varied selection of Swiss wines.
Old Swiss House is the go to traditional Swiss style restaurant in Luzern, famous also for its Wienerschnitzel. Popular tourist spot but retains its character
There are plenty of nice coffee and cake shops in Luzern.
Let me know if there is anything specific you are looking for, whether you’d look to take day trips further afield into Switzerland and I’ll see if I can add more.
Luzern is right where the alps meet the rolling plains add on a beautiful glacial lake. Any mountain you go up will have views galore. The Pilatus goldenpass trip(gondola/cogwheel train/boat) is terrific. Any mountain you go up(Rigi, Stanserhorn, etc) has hikes and views and many alpine activities. It really depends on what you like to do
Definitely doing the Pilatus golden pass, may add Stanserhorn the next day.
Any other dinner recommendations gladly accepted
I’ll be in Luzern in 2 weeks and can provide some current updates (currently in Antibes, making the rounds here in Europe).
We do have reservations at Colonnade (2 star) which I’m very excited to try. Also on the docket is the Harden Kulm restaurant at the top of Interlaken, where we plan to take a day trip. Will report back
Mt. Rigi is a nice hike too. And absolutely love the Werkershaus (transportation museum) just up the harbor from Lucerne.
Was wondering when you would chime in. We went to the Transportation museum years ago and plan to go this summer again. Do you knw if it would be appropriate for my father in law who is now in his 80s?
I feel like it is exciting for anyone interested in many aspects of transportation. The exhibit they opened on the new Gotthard Tunnel alone is so cool!
That transportation museum looks great
On the restaurant front, we have had a few meals over the years at the restaurant in the KKL center. Formerly called RED and now Lucide. It has always been pretty stunning.
I remember liking it. They had great exhibits on trains. They had a small ride that was the equivalent of a car crash at 7 mph. My thoughts afterward was why would anyone want to experience this?
That sounds wonderfully, literally, amazingly Swiss!!!
Checking in to see what your experiences were
Just finished the write up of our trip, including the Lucerne leg here
