Throughout our current month journey to Europe we spent solely 2 days in Lucerne. While it wasn’t very lengthy, it actually gave us sufficient time to take a look at among the greatest issues to do in Lucerne with children – and as you will notice there are many issues to see in Lucerne in at some point.
When you’re going to go to Lucerne with kids and questioning what to do in Lucerne for a day or two, then you definately’re going to seek out this Lucerne journey information useful. On this information, I element all of the locations to go to in Lucerne with kids of various ages, from tiny toddlers to youngsters, together with the most well-liked Lucerne points of interest as effectively ideas for day journeys from Lucerne.
In addition to points of interest in Lucerne for teenagers, this publish covers easy methods to get round in Lucerne and a few suggestions on the place to remain in Lucerne for household pleasant accommodations in Lucerne.
Click on right here if you wish to see our precise Lucerne itinerary.
Discuss to different households about their recommendations on visiting Europe and be a part of our Thrifty Household Travels Fb group or be impressed on our Thrifty Household Journey Instagram Feed.
This publish could include compensated hyperlinks. Please confer with my disclaimer right here for extra data.
The Greatest Issues to do in Lucerne with Children
All through this part I’ve supplied a complete information to all of the Lucerne prime points of interest. I’ve tried to supply as a lot data as potential to make your planning simpler, together with areas, opening hours and ticket costs on your Lucerne household vacation.
You’ll notice that for lots of the Lucerne vacationer points of interest I usually suggest you buy your tickets prematurely from Klook or Get Your Information. Sure, I’ll obtain a small fee if you happen to do buy from these websites – however as you will notice usually you’ll save your self a bit of money in doing so. Different occasions the value will be the identical, however you’ll save time by not having to line up on the for tickets. I take advantage of these websites myself to ebook tickets for our travels all over the world.
Typically it’s cheaper to ebook tickets elsewhere and I’ll let you recognize below every attraction if that’s the case.
Please notice that each one costs talked about had been appropriate on the time of writing and will fluctuate relying upon adjustments to forex conversion and price will increase. And all costs are in native forex.
To verify the speed in your native forex, click on right here.
So let’s get into it – if you happen to’re questioning what to do in Lucerne Switzerland, learn on…
The Chapel Bridge and Water Tower
In terms of the most well-liked issues to see in Lucerne, the Chapel Bridge must be up there. Along with the Water Tower, the wood footbridge that crosses the Reuss River is maybe probably the most well-known landmark in Lucerne.
This bridge dates again to the 14th century, though sadly a lot of it was destroyed in a hearth in 1993, but it surely has been absolutely restored. That is the oldest truss bridge on this planet and spans 170m throughout the Reuss River.
The 34 metre excessive tower beside the bridge known as the Water Tower, named because of its place, it doesn’t really retailer water. This tower was constructed round 1300 as a part of town’s fortifications. It’s been used for a variety of functions together with an archive, treasury and even a jail.
The highest 10 issues to do in Lucerne must be to stroll throughout the bridge, however for the very best images, stroll throughout one of many bridges both aspect of it to seize photographs of one of the crucial well-known Lucerne Switzerland points of interest.
Location: Reuss River
Opening Hours: All the time
Worth: Free
Musegg Wall and the 9 Towers
The Musegg wall was constructed within the 13th century and consists of 9 towers that kind a part of the fortification that protected historic Lucerne. The towers are principally effectively preserved, and you may look inside 4 of them, making it one of many standard Lucerne sights.
The Zyt tower is value a go to because it holds a clock that was in-built 1535. It nonetheless works and strikes the hour a minute earlier than all the opposite metropolis’s clocks. You get a spectacular view from the wall and the towers throughout the mountains and lake.
That is one other one of many Lucerne issues to try this is free. To entry the wall go to Loewendenkmal.
Location: Museggmauer
Opening Hours: 8 am to 7 pm between April and November.
Worth: Free
The Previous City’s Squares
In terms of Lucerne sightseeing, among the finest issues to do is to easily stroll across the Previous City (Altstadt). We simply cherished exploring the slim cobblestone alleyways and charming little city squares, and being car-free meant there was one much less factor to fret about particularly when you’ve gotten kids strolling (working off).
Night time time offers an entire different perspective with the beautiful fairy lights throughout and for us it even snowed which was completely magical.
Among the squares it is best to try are Weinmarkt, the Muhlenplatz, Hirschenplatz and the Kornmarkt. Even when you have simply at some point in Lucerne, you’ll want to stroll across the Previous City, it’s undoubtedly one of many locations to see in Switzerland.
Location: Altstadt, Lucerne
Opening Hours: All the time
Worth: Free
Lion Monument
This monument of the enormous dying lion is a memorial of the mercenary troopers from central Switzerland, who misplaced their lives whereas serving the French king Louis XVI in the course of the French Revolution. It’s sheer dimension and the truth that it’s carved out of rock makes it fairly spectacular and one of many Lucerne Switzerland issues to do when visiting.
Because the Lion Monument is likely one of the nice Lucerne Switzerland tourism points of interest chances are you’ll discover massive teams milling round, nonetheless teams disperse fairly rapidly and also you received’t be ready too lengthy, as after you have a photograph you have a tendency to maneuver alongside.
Location: Within the English Backyard at Denkmalstrasse 4, Lucerne
Opening Hours: All the time
Worth: Free
Swiss Museum of Transport
No doubt one in all our Lucerne highlights was our go to to the Swiss Museum of Transport. Whether or not you’ve gotten little children, large children and even no children, this museum is a should do in Lucerne.
While we solely spent half a day right here because of time restraints, you may simply spend your entire day right here, there may be simply that a lot to see. The museum is principally constructed across the idea of showcasing all types of transport and its historical past. Right here you will see that trains, automobiles, buses, motorbikes, rockets, boats, planes – if you happen to can consider some kind or transport little question it’s right here.
And it’s so interactive! Myla drove a ship, diggers, bike and airplane. She performed video games, watched motion pictures, took quizzes and on a regular basis studying concerning the historical past of transport.
Additionally inside the grounds of the museum are a variety of different points of interest together with the Swiss Chocolate Journey, Planetarium, Media World and a 3D movie theatre.
The museum is slightly out of city so you’re greatest to catch a bus or practice. Or when you have time you possibly can take a stunning stroll by the Lake Lucerne Promenade to get there.
Location: Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, Lidostrasse 5, CH-6006 Lucerne
Opening Hours: From 10am to 6pm in summer time and 5pm in winter.
Worth: 32 CHF per grownup | 14 CHF per little one (6-16) | Below 6s are free – Click on right here to ebook discounted tickets on-line.
Additionally, when you have a Swiss Journey Go, you’ll obtain a 50% low cost.
Click on right here to learn extra about how we saved cash with the Swiss Journey Go.
Day Journey to Mount Rigi
Among the best Lucerne day journeys goes to Mt Rigi. Myla and I did this journey while in Lucerne and completely cherished it! What’s even higher is that when you have the Swiss Journey Go – your entire day journey is totally free!!
Lucerne to Mt Rigi is simple and begins with a cruise throughout Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. The boat leaves from the dock simply throughout from the Lucerne practice station. See the timetable right here.
The cruise alongside Lake Lucerne is effectively value it alone, so if you happen to don’t have time – take the cruise anyway. Alongside Lake Lucerne you’ll see a number of little villages, rolling inexperienced pastures, cows grazing and naturally beautiful snow-capped mountains within the background.
From Vitznau you are taking the cogwheel railway (Europe’s first mountain railway) as much as the highest of the mountain. This practice trip is like no different practice trip I’ve ever carried out earlier than! It’s simply superb because the cogwheel practice goes up via the clouds after which emerges on the opposite aspect – it’s such as you’re on prime of the world.
There are a few totally different stations on the mountain the place you may get off – however be sure to a minimum of go all the best way to the highest at Rigi Kulm. At Rigi Kulm there are superb 360-degree panoramic views throughout the Swiss Alps – it’s severely stunning!
At Rigi Kulm there’s a restaurant in addition to a couple of totally different walks you possibly can take. Nevertheless on the day we went, the bottom was tremendous icy and we may barely stroll with out and slipping and sliding everywhere.
We noticed heaps of individuals with sleds and strolling between among the mountain practice stations which I believe could be completely superb, nonetheless we simply weren’t ready within the climate. The individuals we noticed had trekking poles which we didn’t have – which might have helped with all of the slipping and sliding.
About half means down the mountain is Rigi Kaltbad, a small village which has outlets, eating places, a playground and walks. When you go to with younger kids, you’ll want to go to the playground right here because it’s nice and has among the finest views I’ve ever seen at any playground! There may be even an open air heated pool right here with views to simply die for!
From Rigi Kaltbad you possibly can select to take the cable automobile right down to Weggis and take the ferry again to Lucerne from right here if you happen to favor, slightly than cogwheel.
Actually relating to what to see in Lucerne, you possibly can’t go previous a day journey to Mt Rigi – it’s completely sensible and a Lucerne mountain it’s a must to see!
As I discussed when you have the Swiss Journey Go your entire day is roofed, nonetheless if you happen to don’t you possibly can simply buy tickets as you go or on-line, particulars under.
Location: The boat departs from the dock, throughout from the Lucerne practice station.
Opening Hours: Full day tour to soak up all of the websites will probably be from approx. 9am to 6pm
Worth: 120 CHF per grownup | 15 CHF per little one (6-15) | Below 6s are free – Click on right here to ebook tickets on-line.
For one thing much more particular, you possibly can even keep right here at Mt Rigi as there fairly a couple of accommodations too. Click on right here to take a look at the lodging obtainable.
Day Journey to Mount Titlis
There’s no scarcity of mountains close to Lucerne and so if you happen to’re in search of day excursions from Lucerne, a day journey to Mount Titlis is one other excellent possibility. Snow and ice are assured all yr spherical, making it among the finest day journeys from Lucerne.
It’s straightforward to get from Lucerne to Mt Titlis. Merely take the direct practice from Lucerne to Engelberg which takes 43 minutes. From right here it’s a 10-minute stroll to the cable automobile station. Right here you’ll take the 40-minute cable automobile trip to the highest of the mountain.
When you attain the highest of Mount Titilis you’ll take pleasure in implausible panoramic views. There’ additionally loads of different actions together with:
- Superior views of the glacier’s deep crevasses and gigantic ice boulders from the revolving cable automobile Rotair as you attain the summit at 3020m;
- Go to the Glacier Cave: a 150-metre-long walkway which descends 20 metres under the floor of the glacier;
- Trip the Ice Flyer: a contemporary chairlift which offers views into glacier crevasses and ice falls;
- Cross the Cliff Stroll: at 3041 metres above sea stage, that is Switzerland’s highest suspension bridge; and
- Check your sledding abilities on the Glacier Park: the place you possibly can go snow tubing even in Summer season!
Please notice that among the actions could also be closed because of climate circumstances.
Return tickets for the cable automobiles as much as Mount Titlis are 92 CHF and kids 6-15 years outdated price 46 CHF. When you’ve got the Swiss Journey Go, you’ll obtain 50% off the cable automobile to Mount Titlis, however the practice to Engelberg is free. And bear in mind children on a Swiss Household Card journey free, making the Swiss Journey Go so value it!
You are able to do a guided tour if you happen to favor. This tour will take you to Mt Titlis from Lucerne.
Location: The tour departs from Frankenstrasse 2-4 (on aspect stroll), 6003 Lucerne
Opening Hours: Half day tour to soak up all of the websites will probably be from 12.30pm to 6pm
Worth: 137 CHF per grownup | 68.50 CHF per little one (6-15) | Below 6s are free – Click on right here to ebook tickets on-line.
When you resolve to remain near Mount Titlis, there are fairly a couple of charming alpine accommodations in Engelberg – Click on right here to take a look at the lodging obtainable.
Day Journey to Jungfraujoch
Probably the most standard mountain day journeys in Switzerland is a Jungfrau tour to the High of Europe. You possibly can take the highest of Europe practice to Europe’s highest practice station at 3500 m above sea stage which is nestled amongst ice, snow and rocks.
With a view to get to Jungfraujoch you’ll first must get to want to Interlaken Ost which is 2 hours by practice or one hour by car from Lucerne. From Interlaken Ost station you possibly can then go both to Lauterbrunnen on to Kleine Scheidegg, or go to Grindelwald after which on to Kleine Scheidegg. From Kleine Scheidegg you’ll take the cogwheel practice to Jungfraujoch.
The journey on the cogwheel practice to Jungfraujoch is spectacular in itself. It doesn’t matter what time of the yr, winter or summer time the views are superb. I’ve been at each occasions of the yr and was simply in awe of the views.
When you attain the highest there may be loads of issues to do in Jungfraujoch together with:
- Snow Enjoyable Park: take pleasure in numerous actions equivalent to snow tubing, sledding, flying fox, snowboarding and snowboarding. The whole lot you want might be employed proper right here;
- Alpine Sensation: Exhibits the historical past of the Jungfrau Railway in addition to a memorial to the miners who misplaced their lives in constructing the railway;
- Sphinx Commentary Terrace: Take the carry to the summit and expertise out of this world panoramic views throughout the Aletsch Glacier – Europe’s longest glacier in addition to snow-capped mountain peaks from neighbouring international locations and the world-famous triple peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau; and
- Ice Palace: stroll via the ice tunnels which had been first created in 1930 by mountain guides with nothing greater than ice picks. These tunnels go proper via the Aletsch Glacier and have numerous ice sculptures.
Please notice that among the Jungfraujoch actions could also be closed because of climate circumstances.
After we went not too long ago in winter it didn’t take us too lengthy to undergo all of the points of interest, as issues just like the Snow Enjoyable Park are closed. I believe we spent round 2 hours exploring the points of interest. Nevertheless after I went some years in the past in the course of the summer time months we simply spent a couple of hours simply taking part in within the snow park.
The bus trip takes three hours to get to the mountain via some superb Swiss countryside.
Tickets to Jungfraujoch will not be low cost! From Interlaken Ost an grownup ticket will set you again 210.80 CHF and a baby ticket is 20 CHF – which is why it’s a must to get a Swiss Journey Go as you’ll obtain 50% off the adults tickets and bear in mind children on a Swiss Household Card journey free, making the Swiss Journey Go so value it!
You are able to do a guided tour if you happen to favor. This tour will take you to Jungfraujoch from Lucerne.
Location: The tour departs from Frankenstrasse 2-4 (on aspect stroll), 6003 Lucerne
Opening Hours: Full day tour to soak up all of the websites will probably be from 8.45am to 7pm
Worth: 249 CHF per grownup | 124.50 CHF per little one (6-15) | Below 6s are free – Click on right here to ebook tickets on-line.
When you resolve to remain near Jungfraujoch, there are fairly a couple of accommodations within the surrounding cities – Click on right here to take a look at the lodging obtainable.
Click on right here to examine our journey to Jungrfrau from Wengen.
Day Journey to Mount Pilatus
One other one of many nice locations to go to close to Lucerne is Mount Pilatus. Piltaus is claimed to be a sledding paradise, so excellent for households that aren’t skiers.
Attending to Mt Pilatus from Lucerne is fairly straightforward. Merely take bus number one from Lucerne Prepare Station to Zentrum Pilatus in Kriens. From right here it’s solely a 5-minute stroll to the cable automobiles to go as much as Pilatus. The trip up through the panoramic gondolas are an expertise in themselves! Try the timetable right here.
There are three totally different levels to the gondola trip to the highest of the mountain with totally different actions at every:
- Krienseregg: the very first cease, right here there may be an journey playground and restaurant, nice for teenagers to let off some steam.
- Frakmuntegg: the second cease, there’s a rope exercise park which is appropriate for youngsters of all ages. There may be additionally a restaurant right here too.
- Pilatus Kulm: the very prime, right here you possibly can take within the beautiful views. You possibly can climb greater to one of many peaks and there are one other two eating places.
There are additionally a number of strolling and sledding trails throughout the mountain. You possibly can lease sleds, snow footwear and helmets on the rental station at Krienseregg.
When you go to in the course of the months of Might to November, you’ve gotten the choice of taking the world’s steepest cogwheel railway down or up the mountain to Aplnastad and from right here take an hour boat cruise again to Lucerne.
Location: Lucerne – Alpnachstad – Pilatus Kulm – Kriens – Lucerne
Opening Hours: Verify timetable for working hours in your journey dates
Worth: 117.60 CHF per grownup | 59.20 CHF per little one (6-15) | Below 6s are free – Click on right here to ebook tickets on-line.
Alternatively, for cable automobile solely choices:
Location: Cable Automobile: Kriens/Alpnachstad–Pilatus Kulm–Kriens/Alpnachstad
Opening Hours: Verify timetable for working hours in your journey dates
Worth: 72 CHF per grownup | 36 CHF per little one (6-15) | Below 6s are free – Click on right here to ebook tickets on-line. Please notice that these ticket costs don’t embody transportation from Lucerne to Kriens.
When you’ve got the Swiss Journey Go, you’ll obtain 50% off the cable automobiles and practice, however the bus to Kriens is free. And bear in mind children on a Swiss Household Card journey free, making the Swiss Journey Go so value it!
Metropolis Strolling Tour
When you solely have 1 day in Lucerne, a Lucerne metropolis tour is an effective technique to see all the primary websites. Throughout this guided strolling tour, you’ll hear tales of the historical past of metropolis whereas strolling the streets and visiting the well-known landmarks. Alongside the best way you’ll go to the Chapel Bridge with the water tower, the Jesuit Church and discover hidden alleys.
Location: Meet at Vacationer Data (railway station)
Opening Hours: Excursions depart each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10.15am
Worth: 20 CHF per grownup | 5 CHF per little one (6-15) | Below 6s are free – Click on right here to ebook tickets on-line.
Greatest Place to Keep in Lucerne
By way of the very best space to remain in Lucerne Switzerland, I might suggest staying both in or near the outdated city, or across the practice station. Nevertheless, like something in Switzerland, relating to accommodations in Lucerne, they’re very costly. I believe the very best place to remain in Lucerne is in a lower than handy space, however near public transport so you may get round to all of the totally different locations of curiosity in Lucerne simply. The buses in Lucerne are excellent, so that you received’t have any dramas getting round even in case you are out of town slightly bit.
After we had been in Lucerne, it was solely Myla and I, so we didn’t keep in a household room. Nevertheless, I’ve carried out the analysis for you and under I’ve listed three totally different accommodations that I imagine to be among the greatest locations to remain in Lucerne. I’ve really useful them primarily based on their skill to adequately accommodate a household of two adults and a couple of kids, with non-public toilet amenities in addition to being in a fairly central location.
For cheaper lodging you will want to maneuver additional out from town and / or take into account getting a room with shared toilet amenities.
Roesli Visitor Home
Roesli Visitor Home is situated near the Spreuer Bridge, only a quick 5-10-minute stroll from the practice station and inside straightforward stroll to a variety of outlets and locations to eat within the outdated city.
The Roesli is nice for these with bigger households as it will possibly accommodate as much as 8 company in rooms with a mixture of bedding together with beds, bunks and couch beds. For these travelling with 4 company you can be accommodated in in a quadruple room with a double mattress and a set of bunk beds.
Rooms are easy and on the smaller aspect, nonetheless nonetheless embody a TV and free WiFi. Company are additionally in a position to make use of the pool at their sister resort throughout the road and when you have a automobile there may be public parking round 100 metres from the resort.
All in all a terrific resort to relaxation your head after a day of sightseeing, and excellent for bigger households who have to be accommodated within the one room (particularly these with youthful kids).
Click on right here for the most recent costs or to make a reserving at Roesli Visitor Home.
KoBi Flats Hirschenplatz
Situated within the coronary heart of Lucerne, the KoBi Flats are solely a 600 metre stroll from the Lucerne Station and solely 300 metres from Chapel Bridge.
The beauty of the residences shouldn’t be solely the self-service amenities, however additionally they can sleep households of as much as 8 in 3-bedroom residences, excellent if you happen to’ve obtained a giant group and all have to be within the one place. Households of 4 can comfortably match right into a 1-bedroom residence in a big double mattress and couch mattress.
The residence facilities are all the pieces you may need for final comfort when travelling with a household and embody a full service kitchen with fridge, stovetop, oven, espresso machine, toaster, kettle and all of your kitchenware. There’s a eating desk to take pleasure in meals, and to wash up afterwards there’s a dishwasher. Talking of cleansing, there’s a washer and dryer to refresh the entire households travelling gear.
For households wanting the comfort of a central location with a great deal of in-room facilities to assist handle your funds, and don’t neglect free WiFi, then the KoBi Flats are value testing.
Click on right here for the most recent costs or to make a reserving at KoBi Flats Hirschenplatz.
Barabas Lodge Luzern
Barabas Lodge is situated on the outskirts of the outdated city, only a quick 5-10-minute stroll from the practice station and inside straightforward stroll to a variety of outlets and locations to eat within the outdated city.
Households of 4 are greatest accommodated in a quadruple room which has two units of bunk beds and a personal however exterior toilet. The rooms are primary and small (round 11 sqm) with no extra furnishings or facilities within the rooms moreover what’s talked about. Included is free WiFi and each day free continental breakfast.
The children (and historical past buffs) will love that this resort is a former jail, renovated in 2018. So your room is a former cell, which has been preserved in it’s unique kind – which is why they’re so small.
So if you happen to’re after someplace slightly quirky to remain and someplace easy to put your head at evening on a funds, then the Barabas Lodge is value a glance.
Click on right here for the most recent costs or to make a reserving at Barabas Lodge Luzern.
Attending to Lucerne
The closest airport to Lucerne is in Zurich, so you’ll most probably be attending to Lucerne by practice.
The IR75 practice leaves from Zurich Airport and goes direct to Lucerne practice station and takes slightly below one hour – though the quickest trains can journey the space in 41 minutes. The trains operates between 5.35am to 12.08am every single day. On common, there are round 63 trains per day travelling between Zurich and Lucerne, departing roughly each 25 minutes. So if you happen to miss one, you received’t be ready lengthy.
Lucerne is fairly small and from the practice station you possibly can simply stroll, it received’t take you greater than 5-10 minutes to stroll to any of the accommodations I recommended above.
We arrived in Lucerne by practice from Munich however through Zurich. We had been touring round Switzerland with Swiss Journey Passes which I extremely suggest as it would prevent a tonne on transportation in addition to present entry to a variety of points of interest. Click on right here to learn our publish on why we suggest the Swiss Journey Go.
Alternatively click on right here to see the vary of Swiss Journey Passes obtainable.
Getting Round Lucerne
Getting round Lucerne is simple as Lucerne is pretty small, so you possibly can simply stroll between many of the points of interest. Nevertheless, if you happen to do must get someplace additional afield, the primary type of transportation is by bus.
When you do some day journeys from Lucerne although you’ll most probably use both a ferry on Lake Lucerne or the practice.
Like anyplace in Europe it’s tremendous straightforward to get round Lucerne. In truth, we discovered Switzerland has among the greatest public transportation and you may get to probably the most off monitor locations with ease. When you’ve got the Swiss Journey Passes, like I discussed above (do your self a favour and purchase these!!!) you possibly can journey anyplace you want with these passes without cost.
Alternatively, if you happen to don’t have a Swiss Journey Go and you’re staying at a resort in Lucerne you can be given a Lucerne Customer Card which provides you free journey on the buses and trains inside zone 10 of town.
Whether or not you’ve gotten a Swiss Journey Go or use the Lucerne Guests Card, obtain the SBB Cell App and use this to plan your journey’s round Lucerne.
Lucerne: Our Verdict
Lucerne is such a stunning city! With it’s slim cobblestone laneways, vibrant buildings lining the lake and snow capped swiss alps within the background… it’s simply magical.
It’s not a very large place, so that you solely want a couple of days to see the primary points of interest, however there are many nice day journeys from Lucerne was effectively.
We completely cherished Lucerne and might’t suggest it sufficient!
____________________________________________________________________________________
We hope you discovered this information on all the highest issues to do in Lucerne useful, another nice locations to go to in Switzerland are Wengen and Montreux. And if you happen to’re after a spherical up of all of the greatest issues to do in Switzerland try this information.