Lucerne Holidays

A quintessentially Swiss city beside a fjord-like glacial lake, holidays to Lucerne are a riot of colour and culture.

Best of both worlds

Lake Lucerne curves around the picturesque city of Lucerne and its surrounding mountains in central Switzerland.

Bucket-list activities

With its unique, finger-like fjords, this is a fantastic lake to explore by steamer. And a trip to Mount Pilatus is a must, either by gondola or by clack-clacking up to the peak on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Like much of this area, it’s steeped in legend – Pontius Pilate is said to be buried at the bottom of the mountain’s tiny lake.

Full of character

The old quarter of Lucerne retains its charm with quaint streets dotted with historical monuments, fresco paintings, fortifications and churches. The most famous historical sites in Lucerne are the 14th-century Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. Sitting comfortably alongside its history is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with plenty of riverside cafés and restaurants to relax in.

Good to know

There won’t be a rep based in Switzerland, but if you’ve got any questions during your holiday, you can call our 24/7 TUI Service Centre at any time.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Lucerne:

• Lakeside promenade
• Lake bathing
• Boat trips
• Cycle routes
• Tennis courts
• Transport museum
• Art gallery
• Fishing

At a glance

Hop on the world's steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, for sensational views and walking trails
Journey through time with trains, planes and automobiles at the Swiss Transport Museum
Cross the 14th-century Chapel Bridge - the most photographed monument in Switzerland

Destinations in Lucerne

Bay of beaches

Lake Lucerne boasts long stretches of sandy beaches around the bay, with pretty views of the city and the distant mountains.
Lucerne Lido

This 300m-long, soft, sandy beach is located on the other side of the bay to the bustling city centre and is backed by a huge sunbathing lawn. Onsite, you'll also find a heated pool and a choice of cafés and bars where you can grab a snack or a spot of lunch.
Lakeside Beach

The Lucerne Nationalquai, situated in front of a row of historic hotel complexes, offers bathing in the heart of Lucerne. You can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear lake, sunbathe on the deck or hire a stand-up paddle board and head out on your own little voyage.

Bargain Buys

Lucerne's markets are amazingly varied, from fruit and veg to clothes and toys - and all at great prices. There are farmers' and flea markets every Saturday, as well as a crafts market on the first Saturday of every month. The Stadt Luzern also holds a monthly market on the first Wednesday of every month.
Mid-Range Buys

There are two main shopping districts in Lucerne - the pedestrianised old town and the busier high streets of the new town. Both districts house a selection of well-known international brands, while the old town also has a mixture of regional boutiques. The Pilatusstrasse, in the new part of town, even has a few big department stores, too.
Designer Buys

Shopping for famous Swiss goods - like watches and jewellery - is in easy reach too. The old town and new town shopping districts are not only home to high-street brands and independent boutiques, but also to top-notch designer names like Rolex and Cartier.

Laid-back evenings

The Sunset Bar at the Hotel Seeburg is a perfect location for a chilled evening. It's in the garden of the property and features sun loungers so you can watch the sun set with a cocktail in hand. There are lots of restaurants and bars on the promenade, too, where you can enjoy a a quiet meal and a post-dinner drink.
Lively evenings

From rooftop bars and casinos to modern lounges and nightclubs, Lucerne is the epitome of swish Swiss nightlife. Louis Bar, on the Adligenswilerstrasse, is named after the legendary trumpeter, Louis Armstrong, and is the place to go for a bit of jazz and soul. The Pilatusstrasse in the old town is also full of lively night spots. If you're looking for something extra swanky, try Nectar - a sophisticated rooftop bar at the Radisson Blue Hotel that has DJs playing on weekends.

Eating out

Lucerne is stuffed with restaurants selling cuisines from all over the world. From lakefront eateries to cafés and bars in the maze of streets slightly more inland, there are loads to choose from. Make sure to try some of Lucerne’s very own pear bread – buttery puff pastry filled with pears, plums, figs, walnuts and raisins.
Swiss specialities at Wirthaus Galliker

On the Schützenstrasse you’ll find Wirthaus Galliker, a traditional tavern run by the Galliker family since 1856. It’s always thriving with locals and the atmosphere is great – friendly waitresses serve Swiss specialities like the Lucerne Chogalipasteli.
Mingle with the locals at Restaurant Drei Konige

A short walk from the railway station is Restaurant Drei Konige - a high-ceilinged, retro restaurant offering a mixture of European dishes and Swiss classics. Despite being part of the Drei Konige hotel, it’s a place that locals love too.
Colourful creations at Grottino 1313

Down the road from the Drei Konige is Grottino 1313, a gorgeous restaurant with rustic décor. The plates from the set menu are colourful, inventive and beautifully presented, and the service is top-class.

On foot

Lucerne is a city of opposites, with lots to see and do. History buffs can stroll through the old quarter, admiring historic buildings and architecture, while those who prefer things a little more modern can head to the cosmopolitan heart of the city. A walk along the lakeside promenade is always a must, as is crossing the famous Chapel Bridge.
Ferries

There are five ferry routes on the lake – to Fleulen, Alpnachstad, Kussnacht, Burgenstock and Meggenhorn. Most of the boats have an onboard bar as well as separate first and second class seating, though only the Fleulen route uses the iconic paddle steamers. Your Region Visitor’s Card will give you discount on the late night boat to/from Weggis and Vitznau. If you just want to see the sights, there's also a 1-hour round-trip cruise that won't take up too much of your day.
Trains

With typical Swiss efficiency, you can catch trains to loads of places around the country, including Bern (1 hour), Zurich (50 minutes), Lugano (2 hours), Interlaken (2 hours), Montreux (3 hours) and Lausanne (2 hours 30 minutes). Your Swiss Transfer Ticket Combi will get you discounts too. There are also plenty of mountain railways, including the world's steepest cogwheel up Mount Pilatus. And take advantage of your Swiss Half Fare Card that you get as part of your holiday for up to 50% off Swiss train journeys during your stay.
Buses

A good system of post buses runs in the area, and you can get discount with your Swiss Transfer Ticket Combi. And your Swiss Half Fare Card that you get as part of your holiday for up to 50% off the buses too.
Summer lifts

Your Ticket Combi will also give you discount on the summer lifts. It’s well worth riding to the peak of Mount Pilatus, to get the best views in the area.

Walking

Strolls along the lakeside promenades of Lucerne and the surrounding villages can be enjoyed by all. For fabulous views over the region, both Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus offer some excellent walking, along Alpine trails and through lush green meadows. Take the steepest cogwheel railway to the top of Pilatus - it's worth the 10-minute walk up the path to the summit at 2,118m. You can also take the cable car down to Frakmuntegg and enjoy mountain moorland and crystal-clear streams on the walk down to Krienseregg.
Dietschiberg & Adligenswil

Discover the beautiful Alpine meadows surrounding Lucerne with this easy walk. Catch the no. 14 bus to the St Anna Clinic and walk past the school complex to the Restaurant Schlossli Utenberg. A meadow trail will take you to the Dietschiberg viewpoint, where the views are spectacular. Carry on following the trail through the fields to Adligenswil, where you can stop for something to eat. Buses will bring you back to Lucerne.
Krienseregg nature reserve

Take the Krienseregg lift to the middle station on Mount Pilatus and follow the signposted route through the forest to Dragon Moor. There are various platforms to stop at along the way, each with different flora, fauna, history and myths to explore - In the Realm of Moss, Water Moves Mountains, A Forest Tour, Purple Moor Grass, and On Track to the Ice Age. The loop takes from 1-3 hours, depending how long you spend at each platform.

SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

Where we go in Lucerne

Hotel Seeburg

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Lucerne Holidays

Best of both worlds

Bucket-list activities

Full of character

Good to know

Out and about

At a glance

Destinations in Lucerne

Top things to See and Do in Lucerne

Bay of beaches

Lucerne Lido

Lakeside Beach

Bargain Buys

Mid-Range Buys

Designer Buys

Laid-back evenings

Lively evenings

Eating out

Swiss specialities at Wirthaus Galliker

Mingle with the locals at Restaurant Drei Konige

Colourful creations at Grottino 1313

On foot

Ferries

Trains

Buses

Summer lifts

Walking

Dietschiberg & Adligenswil

Krienseregg nature reserve

SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

Where we go in Lucerne

Hotel Seeburg

Popular holidays

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