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About Lucerne

Including tips for the best time to visit Lucerne

Split in two by the River Reuss, the charming city of Luzern is easily among Switzerland’s prettiest cities. Connected by two covered wooden footbridges, both sides of the city offer plenty of things to do, such as exploring medieval architecture or sampling classic Swiss cuisine.

Thanks to its compact size, Luzern is best explored on foot. One of the nicest walks is along the Nationalqaui – a lakefront path beginning at the Grand Hotel National and ending up at the Swiss Museum of Transport – distinguishable by its facade filled with road signs. If you take a stroll through the cobbled old town, you can admire picturesque squares surrounded by 15th-century buildings. Be sure to look up, as many are decorated with beautiful murals depicting medieval life. It’s also worth venturing out of the city to the nearby mountains of Pilatus and Rigi. You can take a paddle steamer cruise across Lake Lucerne before riding on the cogwheel train of the Vitznau–Rigi Railway. Once at the top, you can take in 360-degree views over central Switzerland.

Typical snacks in Luzern include freshly roasted chestnuts and the world-famous Swiss chocolate which comes in all shapes, sizes and flavours. You should also try a classic cheese fondue at the historic Pfistern restaurant which dates back to 1578. This national dish consists of Swiss cheese melted slowly over a small portable burner, accompanied by potatoes and bite-sized chunks of bread to dip in the gooey goodness.

Tonight

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From $529 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency CHF 1 = $1.10
Language German
Average weekend price $207 per night
Average weekday price $209 per night
Average stay 1 night

Points of interest in Lucerne

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Lucerne reviews

What other travelers say about Lucerne

10

Lucerne was exceptional but DONT stay at Hotel Himmelrich as...

May 24, 2024

Lucerne was exceptional but DONT stay at Hotel Himmelrich as their service is terrible. They told us that breakfast was included and two days later when we checked out they charged us…. They never disclosed the cost and hit us with CHF32 per person per breakfast. In other countries they call this robbery

Maurice
Maurice Australia
10

Luzern is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland.

May 10, 2024

Luzern is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. There, you have many possibilities to keep yourself busy. Long walks around the lake, after you have a drink at Art Museum or in any other dozens of cafés and restaurants. Don't skip a visit to Pilatus!

Vânia
Vânia Netherlands
10

Ameron hotel was great - it was clean and the room was...

April 6, 2024

Ameron hotel was great - it was clean and the room was comfortable. The location was fantastic - you could almost walk everywhere in the old town and just 5 mins from the train station and chapel bridge. Very convenient, and highly recommended esp for those thinking of visiting Rigi, Pilatus or Titlis. Go to these mountains early to avoid the crowd.

Leong L
Leong L Singapore
10

Beautiful old city.

February 19, 2024

Beautiful old city. Local people are very friendly for the lost and wandering tourist. If you’re into luxury shops, ornately decorated buildings and atmosphere, Luzern has it all. Fine dining restaurants but you can eat cheaper in a lot of smaller establishments. Close to the Pilatus, Titlis, Vierwaldstaettersee and those picturesque wooden bridges over the Reuss.

Sandy
Sandy Australia
10

Lucern is one of the most beautiful city in Switzerland.

February 17, 2024

Lucern is one of the most beautiful city in Switzerland. Occasionally we stayed there during a Carnival (Luzern Fastnacht) . We enjoyed the show. The city itself is amazing. If you visit Lucern , don’t forget to visit also the Verkehrshaus.

Desbele
Desbele Switzerland
10

Beautiful city, very friendly people and amazing public...

February 15, 2024

Beautiful city, very friendly people and amazing public transports! Nature here os breathtaking! A bit expensive but so is all of Switzerland. Always ask your accomodation for Luzern Card, it gives discounts on some activities, restaurants and gives you free transportation in the center of Luzern!

Vasco
Vasco Portugal

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