What To Buy In Lucerne, Switzerland

what to buy in lucerne
Isha
Isha 
Updated
| 4 min read

With its beautiful setting on the sides of Lake Lucerne and at the foothills of Mt. Pilatus, Lucerne is a very popular destination on any Switzerland traveler’s itinerary. This city in central Switzerland effortlessly combines traditional medieval architecture with all the modern comforts of a thriving city. For the shopaholics, this city is a hidden gem of department stores stocking the latest in women’s fashion, quaint boutiques focused on traditional Swiss handicrafts and the affordable souvenir shops selling everything from cuckoo clocks to Swiss knives. In Lucerne, you can shop to your heart’s content at department stores like Manor or ateliers of luxury watchmakers on Schwanenplatz or even at the pretty Christmas markets. In classic Swiss fashion, Lucerne offers you ample opportunities to indulge in some luxury goods shopping along with some cheap and cheerful souvenir shopping. Shopping for food items like pralines, chocolates and Swiss cakes should also be on your list of items to buy in Lucerne. So, come and take a look at what to buy in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Tip from tour guide

Iuliia

Iuliia
Lucerne

You will probably be very surprised that in Switzerland, ALL stores are closed on Sunday. The fact is that the Swiss prefer to spend their free time with family or friends, walking through meadows, mountains, hills or lakes. By the way, there are more than 1,500 of them here! You can spend your Sundays having a picnic in specially equipped places or even in a winery.

Do you want to take a walk through the meadows and hills? Even without leaving Lucerne, it’s easy! Up by cable car, down with stunning views of the lake and mountains, and finally through the forest to the center of the most beautiful city in the country!

1. Swiss knives

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andrew Toskin used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Swiss knives are legendary for their sharpness, strength and durability. Made famous as ‘Swiss army knives’, these are available at various shops in the old town of Lucerne. The multi-utility versions of Swiss army knives make a great gift for the seasoned traveler or the camping-addict. The Swiss kitchen knives are a must-have in any home. While you’re in Lucerne, why not just get a Swiss knife for yourself from the brand new Victorinox store as a souvenir of your Swiss adventures?

Victorinox Brand Store Luzern

Address: Hirschenpl. 12, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland

Website: Victorinox Brand Store Luzern

Opening hours: 9:30am to 6:30pm

Contact number: +41 41 412 28 30

Price: approximately USD 19.00

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2. Cuckoo clocks

Cuckoo clocks
Source: Pixabay

When it comes to timekeeping, is there any other higher authority than the legendary Swiss watchmakers? Cuckoo clocks are a direct product of this watchmaking expertise. The clocks are uniquely Swiss and should definitely be on your list of things to buy in Lucerne. The quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into making these cuckoo clocks can sometimes put them on the pricier side of things. But you will be taking home a truly artisanal piece. A Swiss-made cuckoo clock will hold a place of pride in our home. If you don’t want to break the bank on a cuckoo clock, have no fear: there are plenty of affordable versions at souvenir shops all over Lucerne.

Schmocker-souvenirs AG

Address: Löwenstrasse 12, Lucerne

Website: Schmocker-souvenirs AG

Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm

Contact number: +41 41 410 32 51

Price: approximately USD 275.00

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3. Cowbells

Swiss Cow Bells
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Maksym Kozlenko used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Cowbells - the ubiquitous Swiss souvenir, something that every tourist picks up in Switzerland, be it a backpacker, a tour group or a bespoke traveler! Cowbells are sold in all sizes in most souvenir shops in Lucerne. Some shops can even customize a cowbell to make it your personal and unique Swiss souvenir. When in Lucerne, make sure you pick up a few small cowbells to gift your friends and family.

Casagrande AG

Address: Grendel 6, 6004 Luzern

Website: Casagrande AG

Opening hours: 9am to 7pm

Contact number: +41 (0) 41 418 60 60

Price: approximately USD 33.00

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4. Women’s fashion

Grieder
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user roland zh used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A quick stroll through the alleys and squares of Lucerne and you’re sure to spot local women wearing the trendiest clothes. Lucerne offers an extraordinary range of fashion boutiques, department stores and high-street brands to cater to every type of shopper. Many niche boutiques like Boutique Mai focus on local designers but showcase a good selection of international designers too. For all the runway fashionistas, the Lucerne outlet of the famous Swiss fashion house of Vögele is a must-visit spot. Department stores like Greider and Manor will satisfy any shopaholic’s needs.

Boutique Mai

Address: Waldstätterstrasse 19, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland

Website: Boutique Mai

Opening hours: 12pm to 6:30pm; Sunday, Monday closed

Contact number: +41 41 210 13 51

Price: approximately USD 300.00

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Lucerne Tour Guide

Iuliia Solodenko

Iuliia Solodenko

Learned to read at the age of five. Loved fairy tales.For 11 years I studied the cello at the school that Oistrakh graduated from ( I am from Ukraine).My favorite lesson at school is history, it is my only passion.I dreamed to became an archaeologist, but I graduated from the acting faculty and worked as an actress in the theater.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!In 2015, in Venice, I received a guide license.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.I promise not to torment you too much with dates and names.See you!

5. Pralines and chocolates

what to buy in lucerne | pralines and chocolates
Source: Maxpixel

Have you even been to Lucerne if you don’t show up back at the office with a box of Swiss chocolates for the team? Luckily, you don’t have to try too hard to find some delicious pralines and chocolates in Lucerne. Choose from a bar of rich dark chocolate or melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffles or delectable pralines at the various chocolatiers in Lucerne. You can even buy customized gift boxes containing a mix of different pralines and chocolates. Max Chocolatier in Lucerne seems to be a favorite with locals and tourists alike. A quick stop at the store and you’re guaranteed to walk out with a bagful of chocolate goodies!

Max Chocolatier

Address: Schweizerhofquai 2, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland

Website: Max Chocolatier

Opening hours: 10am to 6:30pm; Sunday closed

Contact number: +41 41 418 70 90

Price: from USD 10.00

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6. Swiss cakes

Linzer tart
Source: Pixabay

Swiss cakes like the Wassertürmli, Lebkuchen, Lucerne Torte, and Linzer Tart are specialties of Lucerne, their recipes passed down through generations among the bakers. Strolling through the city, it is impossible to escape the aromas of these baked-goodies. When in Lucerne, do sample these special cakes or opt for the yummy Swiss chocolate cakes at bakeries, cafes, and restaurants all over Lucerne.

Confiserie Bachmann AG

Address: Chocolate World Schwanenplatz 7 6002 Lucerne

Website: Confiserie Bachmann AG

Opening hours: 10am to 5:30pm

Contact number: +41 41 227 70 70

Price: from USD 2.10

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7. Swiss handicraft

 Music Box swiss
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bjoertvedt used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The craftsmen at the ateliers in Lucerne are masters of traditional handicraft. Some of the finest Swiss handicraft items like music boxes, nativity scenes, toys and hand-carved decorations are lovingly made at these workshops. And you won’t have to go too far to buy these Swiss handicraft items in Lucerne; they’re available in almost all the souvenir shops and specialty shops in Lucerne.

Schweizer Heimatwerk

Address: Kapellgass 3, 6004 Luzern

Website: Schweizer Heimatwerk

Opening hours: 9am to 7pm

Contact number: +41 41 266 07 36

Price: approximately USD 100.00

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8. Swiss crosses

Swiss cross souvenir
Source: Pixabay

Another uniquely Swiss item is the Swiss cross. You might recognize the cross on the flag of Switzerland, the logo of the Red Cross and Victorinox Swiss Army knives. In Lucerne, you can buy many souvenir items like fashion accessories, toys, bells, books, mugs, and fondue sets with Swiss crosses on them. These Swiss crosses can also be seen on a range of home essentials like cushion covers, napkins, rugs, etc. Take home some fun Swiss crosses to remind you of your time in Lucerne.

Swiss Corner Fresco GmbH

Address: Löwenstrasse 13, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland

Opening hours: 10am to 6pm

Contact number: +41 41 410 30 06

Price: approximately USD 50.00

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The best of shopping in Lucerne, Switzerland

Luxury stores, boutiques and department stores are not the only spots to shop at in Lucerne; there are also many Christmas markets and handicrafts markets that offer excellent local shopping opportunities. Keep the above list handy and you’re all set to go shopping in Lucerne, Switzerland!

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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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Isha is a former corporate employee who now leads a tranquil life centered around travel, writing, and minding her own business.

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