Summary of Tours:
- Lucerne’s Best Walking and Boat Combo Tour
- Private Guided City Tour of Lucerne
- 2-Hour Gourmet Lunch Cruise on Lake Lucerne
- 2-Hour Walking Tour to Old Town and Chapel Bridge
- E-TukTuk City Tour
- 1-Hour Must-See Express Lucerne Tour
- 3-Hour Essential Photography Tour
- Wine Tasting at a Traditional Lakeside Winery
- Lucerne and Engelberg Tandem Paragliding Flight
- Chocolate Tasting with Lake Trip and City Tour
- 1-Hour Historical Tour with Night Watchman
- Mount Pilatus Day Photo Tour from Lucerne
- City Biking and Walking Tour
- Art and Culture Tour with a Local Guide
- Architectural Walking Tour
With approximately 80,000 residents, Lucerne may not be one of Switzerland’s largest cities; however, it compensates for its size with an abundance of charm and vitality.
The city is situated in the central part of the nation, approximately 30 miles south of Zurich, in a region renowned for its picturesque lakes and breathtaking natural landscape.
Despite its modest dimensions, Lucerne serves as an economical, cultural, and historical epicenter, attracting both business and leisure travelers from across the globe.
Listed below are 15 premier tours of Lucerne and its surroundings that are highly favored by numerous visitors.
1. Lucerne’s Best Walking and Boat Combo Tour
Offering one of the most breathtaking mountain backdrops of any city in the region, Lucerne captivates nature enthusiasts with remarkable views of the nearby Swiss Alps.
The city is also dotted with scenic lakes and pedestrian-friendly avenues, which provide enjoyable ways to experience the sights from various viewpoints.
This three-hour tour allows guests to visit numerous historical landmarks, delve into Lucerne’s impressive architecture, and enjoy close encounters with some of the city’s most iconic attractions.
The itinerary includes a one-hour boat trip on the lake, a leisurely stroll through Old Town, and a lift ticket to Lucerne Castle.
2. Private Guided City Tour of Lucerne
For those newly arrived in the city, private small-group tours offer an excellent opportunity to gain a quick orientation without incurring excessive costs or getting lost amid a larger group.
Following a meeting with their guide, participants will embark on an exploration of Lucerne’s most celebrated landmarks, including bridges, historic fortifications, churches, and public squares.
Meetings occur at a centrally located point, and at every stop, guests gain insights from their guide regarding history, culture, and recommendations for additional places to explore while in the area.
3. 2-Hour Gourmet Lunch Cruise on Lake Lucerne
Beautiful Lake Lucerne is among the region’s most exemplary natural attractions. For those who enjoy being on the water, there is an abundance of guided boat excursions available.
This 2-hour gourmet lunch and cruise combination tour offers an upscale experience.
Departing just prior to lunchtime, it provides guests with unobstructed views of the lake, the city, and the distant Alps, followed by a memorable three-course meal crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Boat routes and availability may vary based on the season and weather conditions, and guests can choose between indoor and outdoor seating.
The relatively short duration of the tour allows plenty of time for additional city activities on the same day.
4. 2-Hour Walking Tour to Old Town and Chapel Bridge
Due to its compact size and the proximity of many iconic attractions, Lucerne is a city best explored on foot.
Initiating in the charming Old Town area, guests will accompany their guide as they visit several key sites, including the Chapel Bridge and its striking octagonal water tower, the Culture and Congress Center, and several picturesque public squares.
While particularly noted for its historical points of interest, Lucerne also boasts contemporary architecture, exclusive shopping districts, and a vibrant art and culinary scene— all of which are easily navigable for pedestrians, encouraging visitors to seek recommendations from their guide.
5. E-TukTuk City Tour
From the comfortable backseat of an electric tuk-tuk, visitors can experience many of Lucerne’s significant attractions in under two hours.
Tours commence at the Culture and Congress Center, one of the city’s most architecturally prominent edifices.
Accompanied by their guide, guests will visit additional nearby sites such as Seebrücke and Chapel bridges, the Church of St. Leodegar, and the Lion Monument, also known as Löwendenkmal.
Note that entrance fees are not included in the tour; however, many guests choose to revisit certain sites independently once the guided portion concludes.
6. 1-Hour Must-See Express Lucerne Tour
What might one expect to see in just one hour on a guided tour of Lucerne?
Surprisingly, a considerable amount. A guided walking tour provides an excellent avenue to immerse oneself in local culture and view the surroundings from a ground-level perspective.
Beginning with a brief meeting at the city’s train station, guests participating in this value-driven one-hour tour will wander through several of Lucerne’s notable attractions.
Participants will encounter parks, monuments, historical sites, and architecturally distinctive buildings, all while gaining insight into the city’s history, its inhabitants, and some delightful neighborhoods for dining and shopping.
7. 3-Hour Essential Photography Tour
Lucerne presents a particularly photogenic environment, and during this three-hour tour, eager photographers will follow their knowledgeable guide to capture some of the city’s most striking landmarks.
Tour highlights include Chapel Bridge and the Culture and Convention Center, along with lesser-known locations that often escape the attention of larger tours.
These hidden gems typically prove to be the most memorable; at every stop, the guide will offer descriptions of the sights and provide useful tips to enhance each photograph.
This tour commences late in the morning and concludes by mid-afternoon.
8. Wine Tasting at a Traditional Lakeside Winery
Few experiences are as unforgettable as a tranquil cruise on Lake Lucerne, followed by a wine tasting with views of the lake and the Swiss Alps.
After a 30-minute cruise filled with fresh air and breathtaking vistas, participants will take a brief stroll to one of the city’s cherished wineries.
This winery offers a selection of both traditional and modern varieties, catering to a diverse array of tastes.
The tour includes a local guide, who will also provide participants with professional photographs to commemorate their experience.
Overall, the tour spans about four hours.
9. Lucerne and Engelberg Tandem Paragliding Flight
Although it may challenge the faint-hearted, paragliding remains one of the most exhilarating and lasting experiences for many visitors.
No need to worry if you lack prior paragliding experience, as each participant is paired with a trained pilot who manages the technical aspects, including take-offs and landings.
From the sky, guests will gain a unique perspective that those on the ground can only imagine.
Depending on weather conditions, tandem flights may occur at accessible sites between Lucerne and Engelberg.
Packages often include video and photographs to allow participants to relive the adventure with friends and family.
10. Chocolate Tasting with Lake Trip and City Tour
In their continuous quest to exceed expectations, tour providers have incorporated a chocolate tasting as part of both guided lake and city tours.
Commencing with a 45-minute tasting at one of Lucerne’s distinguished chocolate boutiques, guests will not only indulge but also gain insights into chocolate production and its cultural relevance.
Following the tasting, participants will embark on a one-hour boat cruise and a walking tour of the city, which includes a lift ticket to Lucerne Castle, perched atop a hill with sweeping views over the city.
Prepare to witness attractions such as Chapel Bridge and enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Lucerne and the Alps.
11. 1-Hour Historical Tour with Night Watchman
In centuries past, night watchmen once patrolled Lucerne’s streets during the dark hours. For those seeking unique evening experiences, this tradition continues.
Starting near Chapel Bridge, guests will join their guide for an exploration of the city.
In addition to viewing the city’s significant landmarks, attendees will learn about prominent historical figures and intriguing, eerie events from the past that might have them glancing over their shoulders for the remainder of the night.
The tours cover approximately a mile and proceed regardless of weather conditions, so it is advisable to wear suitable clothing and footwear.
12. Mount Pilatus Day Photo Tour from Lucerne
Ascending nearly 7,000 feet into the invigorating Swiss air, Mount Pilatus is one of the region’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
This all-day tour from Lucerne commences with a cruise on Lake Lucerne, after which guests will venture into the countryside, traveling by rail, cableway, and gondola to absorb Switzerland’s spectacular vistas.
For photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this tour serves as a fantastic option as it traverses a variety of landscapes.
Participants may have the opportunity to engage in a brief hike to a mountaintop viewpoint before descending and returning to Lucerne.
13. City Biking and Walking Tour
For energetic visitors seeking to combine exercise with sightseeing, the city biking and walking tour is an ideal choice.
Participants can opt for a mid-morning or early afternoon start, enjoying the convenience of meeting their guide at their hotel.
Following a brief walk to collect their bicycles, guests will receive a safety briefing alongside a preview of the landmarks they will encounter.
The tour includes stops at centrally located attractions such as Chapel Bridge, a 17th-century Jesuit Church, and a palace designed to resemble an Italian palazzo.
14. Art and Culture Tour with a Local Guide
While renowned for its natural beauty and historical sites, Lucerne also stands out as one of the country’s art hubs, showcasing a variety of cultural offerings.
The KKL serves as the city’s artistic core, hosting numerous events each year that attract visitors from across the continent.
This tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide, introducing participants to lesser-known sections of the city that are often overlooked by tourists, allowing for the discovery of galleries, museums, and artists’ studios.
Attendees will also uncover local venues for events, trendy dining spots, and hangouts popular with the bohemian crowd.
15. Architectural Walking Tour
Lucerne is celebrated for its striking architecture that harmoniously integrates historical and modern elements.
This insightful and educational walking tour focuses on the city’s architectural depth, featuring numerous well-known sites and some lesser-known treasures.
Participants will learn about Swiss culture and gain a thorough understanding of the city’s layout, which will aid in future independent explorations.
Key highlights include the KKL Lucerne building and the iconic Musegg Wall.
These tours generally last about 90 minutes and convene at a central location.
