Last Updated on March 28, 2026 by Adrienne
Lucerne was my favorite of all the cities we visited in Switzerland (we also went to Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich). The city is incredibly charming, and has something for everyone, from history buffs to foodies to those who love pretty scenery. That said, I think we made the right decision to just visit for the day from Zurich. Lucerne is very small and easy to see in a day (or even a half day) and Zurich makes more sense as a home base. Lucerne is also really the only place we went in Switzerland (in June) where we saw large groups of tourists, but putting up with the tourist crowds here is worth it – the city really is a delight.
Getting to Lucerne
Lucerne is a quick 40 minute train ride from Zurich on the IR70 express train, which leaves every hour. There are also other trains that take a bit longer. The Lucerne train station is very centrally located, and everything described in this post is within easy walking distance.
Things to Do in Lucerne
Chapel Bridge and Water Tower
Lucerne’s most iconic attraction is its covered wooden ‘Chapel Bridge’, believed to be Europe’s oldest covered bridge. You don’t need to spend a lot of time here, but it’s a can’t-miss sight in Lucerne.
Musegg Walls and Towers
Possibly my favorite thing in Lucerne – and an attraction that’s very appealing to kids as well – is the Musegg Wall, an old stone defensive wall dating back to the 1400s that is still very well-preserved. Walking these walls is a fun way to step back in time, and rewarding too, with scenic views of Lake Lucerne. There are towers along the way you can climb for an even more panoramic view of the city and lake. And it’s all free! Some of the climbing is quite steep, so it’s probably best for kids age 5 & up.
Jesuit Church
Don’t miss Lucerne’s Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche), which dates back to the 1600s. From the outside, it looks almost Russian with its distinctive onion domes. It’s free to enter and the inside is very ornate, and well worth a quick visit.
Old Town (Altstadt)
Like other towns we visited in Switzerland, Lucerne has a charming Old Town (Altstadt) which is filled with shops and restaurants. The cobblestone streets are mainly for pedestrians, so you can explore here with ease. One of the best known sights in Old Town is the Rathausturm, the Town Hall clock tower.
Chocolate Shops
This wouldn’t be a post about Switzerland without a mention of chocolate. 😉 While not a major chocolate destination, Lucerne has outposts of many of the best known chocolate shops in Zurich, including Max, Läderach and Sprüngli. I’m especially partial to Sprüngli because in addition to chocolate candy, they sell their signature Luxemburgerli cookies, which are like mini-macarons and are absolutely delicious.
Where to Eat in Lucerne
Lucerne is known for its traditional Swiss cuisine, including many fondue houses. We had a great meal at Fondue House du Pont, which overlooks the river and has lovely views as well as incredible food.
Have you been to Lucerne? What would you add to my list?
