Lucerne is the Perfect Urban Winter Getaway in Switzerland

Sponsored by Luzern Tourismus and Alpine Adventures

Switzerland, without question, is one of the world’s most iconic winter destinations. And located within the heart of Switzerland is one of Europe’s most picturesque cities, Lucerne. Each winter Lucerne turns into an enchanting winter wonderland, full of unique activities and events, and surrounded by majestic, snow-capped mountains where you’ll find incredible ski resorts and adventures aplenty. It all combines to make Lucerne the perfect urban winter getaway. Use our Lucerne travel guide to plan a trip this winter. 

What To Do In Lucerne 

While November typically marks the beginning of the winter ski season, it also marks the beginning of the advent season, when Christmas markets, lights, and the holiday spirit take over Lucerne. The city’s holiday season kicks off in late-November with figure skating shows, live music, and the arrival of Christmas markets that dot the town.  

Franziskanerplatz, located in Lucerne’s Old Town, is transformed into one of the city’s most traditional and magical Christmas markets for most of December, featuring festive music and holiday-adorned wooden stalls serving up treats and selling gifts. Other highlights of the holiday season include Ice Magic Lucerne, where visitors can go ice skating at the Europaplatz, and enjoy views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. 

The festiveness of Lucerne continues after Christmas. In January, Lilu Light Festival Lucerne brings artists from around the world to brighten up Lucerne’s beautiful buildings, Water Tower, and historic streets. Take a self-guided stroll after dinner or enjoy a public or private tour. Then in February, Lucerne Carnival brings festive parades, art, and music performances that fill the streets of Lucerne. Old Town Lucerne turns into one big festival for the city’s largest annual event. 

Eat your way around Lucerne when you’re ready to warm up inside. Experience the magic of Swiss-made chocolate by shopping for chocolate at Max Chocolatier, or for something more interactive, visit Swiss Chocolate Adventure, an immersive museum that introduces visitors to the world of chocolate. The Swiss Chocolate Adventure is located at the Swiss Museum of Transportation, the most visited museum in Switzerland. Other highlights include one of Europe’s most extensive collections of transportation memorabilia, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and more. 

A trip to Switzerland isn’t complete without a cheese tasting, and there are plenty of opportunities around Lucerne, including the waterfront Fondue House Du Pont, which pairs wonderful alpine cheese with beautiful views of the Reuss River. Just around the corner is Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern, one of Lucerne’s most historic and iconic restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional Swiss food in the heart of Lucerne’s old town. Lucerne is also home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants. 

Day Trips From Lucerne 

Skiers and riders can enjoy fresh tracks less than an hour away from Lucerne on the slopes of Mount Titlis. Mount Titlis’ summit ski station, at nearly 10,000 feet high, coupled with its glacier skiing, makes for a long season from October to May. One of the most unique experiences, however, is a ride on the first revolving cable car. A ride on it, plus a visit to the glacier grotto and cliff walk, is included in your ski pass. 

Several of Europe’s most renowned ski resorts are a short drive or train ride away from Lucerne. Andermatt, located an hour away by car, boasts an astonishing 180 kilometers (111 miles) of skiing and 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) of vertical drop. Two of Switzerland’s most famous resorts, St. Moritz and Crans-Montana, are three hours away, and therefore better for a weekend or week-long trip to take in the magic of a couple of the world’s top ski destinations. Let Alpine Adventures plan your custom-designed ski trip.

Tons of mountain adventures are accessible right outside of Lucerne. The Dragon Ride, a three-and-a-half-minute cableway ride from Fräkmüntegg to the summit of Mount Pilatus, is a can’t-miss experience with stunning views in every direction. Mount Rigi is another nearby mountain that beckons outdoor enthusiasts. Adventurous travelers can take the 4-mile (7 km) Rigi-Panorama hike from Rigi Kaltbad to Rigi Scheidegg through the snow for incredible views of the Alps and Schwyz basin. 

For a more low-key, but no less beautiful experience, take a cruise along the shores of Lake Lucerne, or enjoy a cruise to Mt. Rigi. Lake Lucerne Navigation Company offers a variety of different experiences year-round. Among the headliners is their two-hour lunch cruise on Lake Lucerne.  

Plan Your Trip To Lucerne 

• Getting there. Lucerne is less than an hour from Zurich, and is a short train ride from Zurich Airport. Lucerne Station is in the heart of the city, next to Lake Lucerne, making it easy to get to your accommodations once you’ve arrived to the city. Additionally, there’s bus service, while it’s also a quick drive from Zurich to Lucerne.  

• Getting around Lucerne. Generally, Lucerne is a walkable city. Nonetheless, it’s easy to get around Lucerne and beyond via bus, train, cableways, and boat. It’s not difficult to find taxis in town, although like most European cities, you’ll be paying more.  

• Take advantage of the Lucerne Visitor Card. The Lucerne Visitor Card gives overnight guests in city hotels free use of buses and trains within zone 10 of the city, and offers discounts for cableways, mountain railways, museums, and other activities. It’s your ticket to some of the best that Lucerne has to offer. 

• Where to stay. Some of Lucerne’s top hotels include the five-star Schweizerhof Luzern and four-star Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora. 

• Book a custom-designed Lucerne vacation with Alpine Adventures. Let Alpine adventures take the hassle out of planning your trip. Learn more about Alpine Adventures’ custom-designed trips.