12 Best Day Trips From Lucerne, Switzerland - Updated 2024

Manjiri
Manjiri 
Updated
| 4 min read

Nestled amid mesmerizing, snow-capped towering peaks on the scenic Lake Lucerne, Lucerne is an enchanting city in Switzerland. The city is an ideal destination for nature lovers to unwind. Mountain scenery lovers can find easy access to magnificent mountains such as Mt. Pilatus, Jungfraujoch, Mt. Rigi, and Mt. Titlis. Impressive medieval-era architecture adorns the city with beautiful historic structures. The 14th-century Musegg Wall outlines the charming, multi-hued Old Town (Altstadt) here. The Chapel Bridge dating back to 1333 is indeed a sight to behold. If you are wondering about where to stay during your vacation, there are plenty of hotels and charming rentals for your accommodation needs. Also, just like Lucerne is home to many attractions, some cities near it boast countless landmarks and spellbinding scenery. Heading out for a day trip from Lucerne can gift you a fantastic experience. Keep reading for the best day trips from Lucerne, Switzerland.

Tip from tour guide

Iuliia

Iuliia
Lucerne

Did you know that the first city to join the Swiss Confederation was Lucerne, a beautiful city in the heart of the country? On August 1, Switzerland will celebrate over 700 years! The date refers to the historical union concluded in 1291 by the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden.

1. Lake Lucerne

Lake lucerne
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ad Meskens used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Take the best route to Lake Lucerne by heading out for a fun-filled day trip from Lucerne. A 29-minute drive covering about 21.9 kilometers (13.6 miles) from the city takes you to the mesmerizing lake. The picturesque lake has four arms radiating at sharp angles, and captivating mountains adorn it on all sides. Connect with nature by unwinding at the shores of the lake. Enjoy a lakeside excursion here by embarking on a boat cruise at this spellbinding lake in Switzerland.

Tip from tour guide

Iuliia

Iuliia
Lucerne

Without a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, an excursion to central Switzerland would be incomplete! You can also take an idyllic hour-long walk along the Vierwaldstättersee.

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2. Bern (from USD 278.0)

One of the best day trips from Lucerne is to Bern, the world-famous capital of Switzerland. A drive of 1 hour and 19 minutes covering 113 kilometers (70.2 miles) leads you to Bern. Enjoy a scenic drive through spellbinding Entlebuch Valley, which is a famous Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO site, and admire the wonders of nature. Impressive medieval architecture dating back to the 12th century is sure to charm you. Take time out of your busy travel schedule and visit Emmental Show Dairy, and watch the workers here produce the well-known cheese.

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Bern Full-Day Small-Group Tour with Dairy Visit from Lucerne

Duration: 8 hours 45 minutes

10 reviews

3. Grindelwald (from USD 175.39)

day trips from lucerne | grindelwald

If you want to enjoy the fun of skiing or hiking in the midst of picturesque mountains near Lucerne, Switzerland, embark on a day trip to Grindelwald. Board a train from Lucerne and reach the charming village in about 2 hours and 41 minutes. The lovely village in the Bernese Alps is a famous retreat, where you can enjoy the thrill of skiing in the cold months of winter and refreshing hiking in the summer. As it’s the base of breathtaking Eiger Mountain, you can attempt a mountain-climbing venture. Do not miss exploring the enchanting glacial gorge called Gletscherschlucht, which boasts limestone walls, mesmerizing waterfalls, and scenic nature.

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Day Trip from Lucerne: Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure

Duration: 10.0 hour

7 reviews

4. Glacier Express (from USD 830.0)

Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Glacier Express, a legendary train journey that traverses the stunning landscapes of the Swiss Alps. Brace yourself for panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and charming alpine villages.

As you settle into the comfortable train car, prepare to be mesmerized by the ever-changing scenery outside your window. Wind through narrow valleys, cross impressive viaducts, and pass through captivating tunnels that weave through the mountains. Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Rhine Gorge and the Aletsch Glacier, as the train winds through these natural wonders.

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Glacier Express Private One-Day Guided Train Tour from Lucerne

Duration: 12 hours

3 reviews

Lucerne Tour Guide

Iuliia Solodenko

Iuliia Solodenko

<p>Learned to read at the age of five. Loved fairy tales.</p><p>For 11 years I studied the cello at the school that Oistrakh graduated from ( I am from Ukraine).</p><p>My favorite lesson at school is history, it is my only passion.</p><p>I dreamed to became an archaeologist, but I graduated from the acting faculty and worked as an actress in the theater.</p><p>In 2008 I moved to Venice. Experience since 2011 in travel companies hosting tourists throughout Italy, as well as France and Switzerland. Thats why even before I moved in Lucerne, I knew Switzerland very well!</p><p>In 2015, in Venice, I received a guide license.</p><p>In 2020 I moved again, this time and Switzerland and now is my home: here I have my family and I continue to work as a guide.</p><p>I promise not to torment you too much with dates and names.</p><p>See you!</p>

5. Mount Stanserhorn (from USD 83.0)

Of the many scenic places to visit in Switzerland, Mount Stanserhorn features at the top. Rising majestically in the heart of Switzerland, Mount Stanserhorn beckons adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Ascend to new heights and immerse yourself in a world of breathtaking beauty and unparalleled vistas.

Board the iconic open-air cable car that offers a thrilling journey to the summit. Feel the wind in your hair and marvel at the unfolding panorama as you ascend to 2,320 meters (7611.55 feet) above sea level. Once atop Mount Stanserhorn, prepare to be captivated by the 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps, shimmering lakes, and picturesque valleys below. Take in the awe-inspiring sight of snow-capped peaks, carpeted meadows, and forests stretching as far as the eye can see.

Tip from tour guide

Iuliia

Iuliia
Lucerne

Stanserhorn Stanserhorn

Stansenhorn, thanks to CabriO, has repeatedly been included in the ranking of mountains with the most amazing cable cars in the world. Just 30 minutes from Lucerne, you can take a ride on a vintage train (opened on August 23, 1893) and a “flight” in a convertible to a height of 1,898 meters (6,227 feet).

It was on Stansenhor that Rondorama, the first revolving restaurant in central Switzerland, was opened in 2001. Two years later, an observation deck was built, so we can enjoy stunning views of mountain peaks, alpine villages and 10 lakes, including, of course, the lake of the four cantons.

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CabriO Mt Stanserhorn Railway Ticket

Duration: 2 to 6 hours

66 reviews

6. Mount Rigi (from USD 154.0)

Are you a mountain adventure lover visiting Lucerne for a thrilling experience? If yes, plan a day trip to Mount Rigi, which is just 21.8 kilometers (13.54 miles) from Lucerne. A 42-minute drive will take you to this mesmerizing mountain in Central Switzerland. Watch sweeping views of three lakes that surround this mountain massif, namely Lake Lauerz, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Zug. Rejuvenate yourself by visiting the Mineral Baths at Rigi Kaltbad here and taking a dip in the mineral-rich water.

Tip from tour guide

Iuliia

Iuliia
Lucerne

Known as Queen of the Mountains, Rigi is a must-visit attraction. Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, really liked Lucerne, the lake of four forest cantons and mountains. According to the legend, in 1837, he climbed Rigi where he picked an alpine rose for his beloved wife. Having dried it, he brought the flower to Victoria. She always carried it with her.

And in 1868, she traveled to Lucerne where she spent five weeks. Naturally, she also climbed Rigi. They say the trip did her good, and the city became popular with the British! Victoria's name played a very important role in the development of the Swiss national tourism industry.

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Independent Mount Rigi Tour, Lake Lucerne Cruise

Duration: 4 to 8 hours

67 reviews

7. Jungfraujoch (from USD 313.0)

Travel to the mesmerizing Jungfraujoch which is home to the topmost railway station in Europe on your day trip from Lucerne by train. A ride of about 3 hours and 59 minutes takes you to Jungfraujoch. Enjoy a cogwheel ride to this destination from Kleine Scheidegg. Admire the sweeping views of the Swiss Alps from the Sphinx Observation Terrace. Also, take time out to explore the incredibly glaciated Ice Palace.

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Jungfraujoch Day Trip with Eiger Express Ride from Lucerne

Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes

688 reviews

8. Mount Titlis (from USD 171.0)

Set on the border amid the regions of Bern and Obwalden, Mount Titlis is one of the most famous destinations in Switzerland that you should explore during your sabbatical in Lucerne. A 49-minute drive by covering 40.7 kilometers (25.28 miles) from Lucerne takes you to this enchanting mountain. Have fun by going for an aerial cableway from Engelberg to the peak of Mt. Titlis. Experience the thrill of snow tubing at incredible Titlis Glacier Park. Sit in the Ice Flyer chairlift and have a spine-chilling experience. Gaze at the ice crystals at fascinating Glacier Cave.

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Mount Titlis Eternal Snow Half-Day Trip from Lucerne

Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes

458 reviews

9. Mount Pilatus (from USD 183.0)

Embark on a mountain adventure by heading out for a day trip to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne. Reach Kriens by an 11-minute drive from Lucerne and then take a gondola ride and a breath-taking cable car’s aerial ride from here to reach Mount Pilatus. The jaw-dropping gondola ride to Fräkmüntegg terminus is sure to enchant you. Capture the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps from the mountain. Board the steepest cogwheel train on the globe and descend from Mt. Pilatus.

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Iuliia

Iuliia
Lucerne

Summer Swiss entertainment involves tobogganing at the foot of Mount Pilatus. You can also take a ride or you can just relax, especially if you don’t go up by cable car. Simply admire the views of the Vierwaldstättersee and the Alps.

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Iuliia

Iuliia
Lucerne

Mount Pilatus Mount Pilatus
The views from Esel, Oberhaupt, and Tomlishorn are especially impressive. Viewpoints, paths, and caves from which you can admire breathtaking views of Switzerland. From Säntis to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, through the Jura and to the Black Forest, lakes - including those in the shape of a cross - are symbolic here. It was on their banks in 1291 that the Swiss Confederation was born. It was only with the rise of alpine tourism in the 19th century that the mountains gained the interest of travelers. The first person to conquer Pilatus in 1518, to whom we owe the documents on climbing the mountain, was the humanist Joachim Vadian. His name is associated with the famous St. Gallen Library. After his death, he bequeathed his books to the city, making them the core of the current cantonal library.
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Mount Pilatus Summer Tour from Lucerne

Duration: 5 hours 15 minutes

803 reviews

10. Interlaken (from USD 284.0)

Tucked on a narrow strip of valley amid the spellbinding Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, Interlaken is a lovely destination to explore by planning a day trip from Lucerne. A drive of one hour and four minutes covering 67.5 kilometers (41.94 miles) takes you to this mesmerizing traditional resort getaway in Central Switzerland’s mountains region. Gaze at the captivating views of alpine meadows, scenic hiking trails, glaciers, skiing grounds, and pristine forests that surround it. Enjoy the exciting activities, such as canyoning, windsurfing, sailing on the pleasant waters of the lakes, playing tennis, and parasailing.

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Canyoning in Interlaken from Lucerne

Duration: 10 hours

1 review

11. Klewenalp Region (from USD 115.27)

klewenalp region

Visit Klewenalp Region for a rejuvenating day trip from Lucerne. It’s just 32.2 kilometers (20 miles) from Lucerne. You can take a cruise on scenic Lake Lucerne to reach Beckeried and then head out to Klewenalp by a spectacular cable car ride. The destination is best known for enjoying winter and summer sports. Get into your hiking boots in the summer and explore scenic trails. If you are visiting it in the winter, experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding here.

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From Lucerne: Day Trip to Klewenalp with Lunch

Duration: 8.5 hour

2 reviews

12. Kleine Scheidegg (from USD 141.44)

kleine scheidegg

Take the winding route to Kleine Scheidegg from Lucerne by planning a refreshing day trip here. A train ride of about 3 hours and 11 minutes takes you to this enchanting mountainous destination. Nestled amid the Lauberhorn and Eiger peaks, Kleine Scheidegg is a scenic mountain pass in the mesmerizing region of the country. Marvel at the jaw-dropping peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch. Enjoy a hiking excursion and explore a picturesque hiking trail called Jungfrau Eiger Walk.

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Lucerne: Day Trip to Kleine Scheidegg - Center of the Alps

Duration: 10 hour

5 reviews

Enhance your sabbatical in Lucerne with day trips

Lucerne is indeed a spellbinding destination in Switzerland and home to several fascinating landmarks. Cities and regions surrounding Lucerne also boast plenty of enchanting and incredible attractions. Thus, exploring cities near Lucerne during your excursion here is sure to enrich your travel experience. So, gear up for these best excursions near Lucerne and make the best of your time in Switzerland.

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Frequently asked questions about day trips from Lucerne


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Manjiri Kochrekar is a travel blogger from India. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Writing is her passion, which means she enjoys...Read more

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