If you have not been to Switzerland, this post is for you. Lucerne is centrally located in Switzerland so no matter where you are in the country, you will be close to this beautiful city. It is home to many historical and cultural sites and is definitely worth a visit. Before you go, make sure to take a look at some of the best day trips from Lucerne.
Lucerne is the perfect place to be when visiting Switzerland. It is centrally situated and offers some of the best day trips, with the city as a starting point.
Whether you visit Lucerne during the cold winter months, hot summer months, or autumn, its surrounding landscapes and mountains are just as majestic and breathtaking, and many other picturesque destinations are simply within easy reach from here.
1. Mount Pilatus
Just a stone’s throw away from Lucerne, Mount Pilatus stands majestically. It is a great day trip destination because of its ease of access, and the views from here are breathtaking.
Visiting Mount Pilatus from the city is one of the must do activities for tourists. If you do not have much time, you can visit this location in just one-half or a couple of hours of your day from Lucerne. Visitors can visit Mt Pilatus in winter, spring, summer, or autumn – the views are amazing regardless of the time of the year.
It is easy to get here. You can take the direct road from Kriens and the gondola or the scenic Golden Round Trip, which features a boat trip, train, and a fun gondola descent ride.
2. Lake Lucerne
A boat trip to the great Lake Lucerne is a must and a perfect starting point for any visitor to Lucerne. You need not plan much to get here, just hop on a boat and depart from the jetty at Lucerne just next to the train station, and that’s it!
Just have your camera ready for the beauty that you are about to unfold here. Boat trips on the amazing Lake Lucerne can be done in any season of the year. You can do it even on a winter! In fact, there are less crowds and the air is very crisp coming from the beautiful snow-capped mountains at Lake Lucerne during winter months.
If you are short in time, you can tour the place in under one hour.
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3. Stanserhorn Viewpoint and Panorama Trail
Another day trip from Lucerne that you can make is the Stanserhorn Viewpoint. The highest point spans up to 1,898 meters above sea level!
You can dine at a panoramic restaurant here during lunch or have snacks to enjoy and relax as you take in the fantastic 360-degree view of the mountains and lake surrounding the area. Moreover, you will find here the ancient and recently restored railway that can take you up and out of the village towards the Kalti Middle Station.
Take the CABRIO cable car and enjoy the view from a high altitude. It is the first cable car with an open deck, which provides an exhilarating and one-of-a-kind view of the scenic place. In addition to having access to spectacular views, you can dine at a restaurant here and see the peaks of Stanserhorn, which is a must when you visit.
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4. Mount Rigi the Queen of the Mountains
Mount Rigi is known as the Queen of the Swiss Mountains, a name it truly deserves, as it stands amidst beautiful surroundings.
A day trip here unravels quite a lot of fun activities, depending on your visit date, Rigi is a 100% great travel destination all-year round, no matter the season. You can come to Weggis by car and then get to the cable cars up the Rigi Kaltbach. You can change to a train to Rigi Kulm, the mountain’s summit here.
5. Klewenalp
You will enjoy your day trip here if you allot a full day at this fabulous Lake Lucerne Region. Klewenalp is known as the Swiss Canton of Nidwalden. The entire family will surely enjoy the Gold Safari trip, which is a must for first-time visitors.
This is a very wholesome tour that includes many various transportation modes. You can have a boat cruise and pass by scenic lakeshore villages here. While at Beckenried, the gondola or Klewenalp-Bahn can bring you to the tourist spot at 1,600 meters above sea level. So, brace yourself for an amazing view from this height.
Visitors will take the 2-hour hike from Klewenalp to Stockhütte, or you can do this via a pushchair-friendly trail for easy access. When you arrive at Stockhütte, you and your family can enjoy a picnic at their barbecue station while enjoying the amazing landscape and views.
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6. Interlaken: Adventure Capital of Switzerland
A day trip to Interlaken is a must for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. This charming town is nestled between two crystal-clear lakes and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Bernese Oberland. You can access some of Switzerland’s most iconic attractions, like the Jungfraujoch (the “Top of Europe”) and the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
One of the best ways to experience Interlaken is by taking a scenic train ride through the Alps. The journey from Lucerne to Interlaken is a feast for the eyes, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque villages. Once you arrive in Interlaken, the possibilities are endless – from hiking and biking to paragliding and skydiving, there’s an adventure for every taste.
7. Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe
Speaking of the Jungfraujoch, this is a one-day trip from Lucerne that you simply can’t miss. Known as the “Top of Europe,” the Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station on the continent, perched at a dizzying 11,332 feet above sea level. The journey to the top is an experience, with a cogwheel train ride through the heart of the Eiger mountain.
Once you arrive at the summit, you’ll be greeted with a winter wonderland, even in the middle of summer. Explore the Ice Palace, a magical world of ice sculptures and tunnels, or brave the cold and step outside onto the observation deck for panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. And don’t forget to send a postcard from the Top of Europe’s post office!
Where To Stay In Lucerne
Planning your day trips from Lucerne? You must plan. It is vital that you get a nice accommodation where you can return and have a peaceful rest after a great day of exploring the great Lake Lucerne Region. Check Booking.com for the best possible price on vacation rentals or hotels in Lucerne.
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