Nestled amongst snow-capped mountains, Lucerne is the gateway to central Switzerland. It’s perched on the banks of Lake Lucerne, which means its scenery is second to none. Anchored by a medieval Old Town, the compact city is peppered with historic attractions. Spend your day people watching in sunny plazas, strolling along lakefront promenades or escaping to the surrounding mountains.

Things to do

Start your exploration in Lucerne’s pedestrianised Old Town, dotted with cobblestone squares, medieval churches and bubbling fountains. Then stroll across Chapel Bridge, an enclosed wooden catwalk that links the Old Town to the right banks of the Reuss River.

To the north, the mighty Musegg Wall looms above the city. Built in the 14th century, it’s almost entirely intact and is open to the public. To get a real feel for Lake Lucerne, why not sign up for a steamship cruise?

Towering over the lake, Mount Rigi features Europe’s first cogwheel railway. Stanserhorn offers 360-degree panoramic views, while Pilatus is the highest of Lucerne's three local mountains. You can access all three summits by cable car, or work up a sweat on one of the scenic hiking trails.

Lucerne may be small, but it boasts some of Switzerland’s best shopping opportunities. If you’re in search of a classic Swiss timepiece, the Old Town is home to a string of luxury jewellers and watchmakers.

Getting around

Much of Lucerne’s Old Town is pedestrianised, which means the easiest way to explore the city is on foot. Local buses connect the rest of the city, with taxis also available. When the sun’s shining, bicycles are a great way to get around. Lucerne’s central train station sits just outside the Old Town, offering connections to Switzerland and other European destinations.