DAY TRIPS FROM LUCERNE

Planning a trip to Switzerland comes with one big question: which city should you stay in?

With so many breathtaking places to choose from, it’s no easy decision! When it comes to day trips, Lucerne might just be the top choice. Thanks to its central location and beautiful lake-and-mountain views, Lucerne offers easy access to many of Switzerland’s most iconic destinations, making it the perfect base for day-tripping.

The city itself is a blend of medieval architecture, bordered by the beautiful Lake Lucerne and overlooked by towering Alpine peaks. Lucerne is located right in the heart of Switzerland, making it well-connected by train, boat, and bus to other popular destinations, with major cities like Zurich, Bern and Interlaken just one to two hours away.

Lucerne is the gateway to Switzerland’s most famous mountain excursions, like Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, both of which are reachable within an hour. These mountains offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and winter sports. It’s also within close proximity to other iconic peaks like Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn (reachable through Interlaken) making it a prime spot for exploring the Swiss Alps.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through the ultimate day trips from Lucerne. So, grab your Swiss Travel Pass, hiking boots and lets hit the trails through Switzerland’s gems!

Mount Pilatus: The Dragon Mountain

Towering above Lucerne at 2,128 metres, Mount Pilatus offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and surrounding lakes. Wrapped in legends and natural beauty, the mountain has a rich history of myths, including tales of dragons with healing powers who once inhabited this peak, giving it an air of mystery that you can almost feel as you ascend. A trip to Mount Pilatus is a must-visit when in Lucerne, with it’s adventure-packed activities that range from heart-thumping to tranquil, making it a perfect day trip from Lucerne.

Things to Do

Ride the World’s Steepest Cogwheel Railway: In summer, the famous cogwheel train takes you up to 2,132 metre steep ride up the mountain, with views so jaw-dropping you’ll hardly believe they’re real.
Panoramic Cable Car Views: The Dragon Ride aerial cable car gives you sweeping Alpine vistas as you glide up to the top – it’s as close as you’ll get to flying without wings!
Explore the Dragon Path: This easy yet scenic path around the summit introduces you to the legends surrounding Pilatus while offering panoramic views.
The Summer Toboggan Run: One of the most popular toboggan rides in Switzerland, the Pilatus Toboggan run at Fräkmüntegg, stretches about 1.35 kilometers with exciting twists and turns making it a must-try for anyone visiting in Summer.
Winter Wonderland: In the winter months, Pilatus becomes a playground for snow lovers, with sledding, snowshoeing, and cozy alpine lodges to keep you warm.
Guided Tour: Take a private tour with a local guide from Lucerne to Mount Pilatus and take the stress out of planning a day trip. Check out this day tour option here.

Getting There

Golden Round Trip – Begin with a boat cruise across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, followed by a ride on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (a thrilling 48% gradient!) up to the summit. Descend via the aerial cableway and gondola to Kriens, then take a bus back to Lucerne. This round trip is a favorite for those who want to experience the mountain from every angle. Alternatively, you can take the shorter route by catching a train from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then head up the mountain by cogwheel railway.

Mount Rigi: Queen of the Mountains

At 1,797 meters, Rigi may not be as tall as Pilatus, but its gentle slopes, rich meadows and panoramic views of Lake Lucerne offer a more tranquil adventure. Known for its sweeping 360-degree views, Rigi allows you to see as far as Germany’s Black Forest on a clear day. From the summit of Mount Rigi, you can enjoy views of several beautiful lakes in central Switzerland including Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, Lake Lauerz and Lake Aegeri. For those who want to bask in Alpine scenery without the intense climbs, this is one of the best day trips from Lucerne.

Things to Do

Sunrise and Sunset Views: If you’re an early bird (or can stay until late), the sunrise and sunset over Rigi are truly magical, with colors reflecting off Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug.
Hiking Trails Galore: Rigi has dozens of trails suitable for all levels, from leisurely strolls to more challenging routes. Each path winds through stunning landscapes and offers spectacular vantage points.
Rigi Kaltbad: Reward yourself after hiking with a visit to the mineral baths at Rigi Kaltbad. Soaking in thermal waters while surrounded by mountain views is pure bliss!
Cogwheel Train to the Summit: Take a nostalgic cogwheel train from Vitznau to the top of Rigi. It’s one of Europe’s oldest railways and a must-try for its historic charm.
Guided Tour: Explore Lucerne city and Mount Rigi in one day with this private day tour led by a local guide. from Lucerne to Mount Pilatus and take the stress out of planning a day trip. Want to see both? You can visit Switzerland’s two most famous mountains from Lucerne in only one day – Mount Rigi & Mount Pilatus Tour

Getting There

Catch a scenic boat ride from Lucerne to Vitznau and board the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm (summit). Another option is to take the train to Arth-Goldau and catch the cogwheel train from there. Either way, the journey to Rigi is just as scenic as the destination itself.

Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen: The Ultimate Trio

Why settle for one mountain village when you can visit three? The Interlaken-Grindelwald-Lauterbrunnen triangle is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream and one of the most popular day trips from Lucerne. Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll or an adrenaline-pumping activity, this region offers it all.

Interlaken: Between Two Lakes

For those who want to combine alpine scenery with charming Swiss towns, Interlaken is the perfect destination. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this picturesque town is famous for its adventurous vibe and breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. It’s home to some of the most extreme activities Switzerland has to offer, making a day trip from Lucerne to Interlaken a thrill-seeker’s paradise!

Things To Do

Paragliding or Skydiving: Soar above the lakes with the Alps as your backdrop. It’s an unforgettable (and surprisingly peaceful) experience, even if you’ve never done it before.
Cruise the Lakes: If you’d rather keep your feet firmly on the ground, hop on a boat and cruise across Lake Thun or Lake Brienz for some seriously relaxing vibes.

Getting There

Take a train from Lucerne to Interlaken, which takes about two hours, and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.

Grindelwald: The Glacier Village

From Interlaken, head up to Grindelwald, a village that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard, nestled beneath the towering Eiger. Known as the Glacier Village, Grindelwald is perfect for hikers, skiers, and anyone who loves a good mountain view.

Things To Do

First Cliff Walk: For those with a head for heights, take a gondola to Grindelwald First and walk along the suspended First Cliff Walk, offering unreal views over the valley.
Hiking to Bachalpsee: A must-do hike that leads you to the stunning Bachalpsee, where the reflections of the mountains in the lake are picture-perfect.
Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe: No visit to Grindelwald would be complete without a journey to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe.” You can reach this breathtaking destination by train, starting from Grindelwald Terminal and taking the Eiger Express cableway followed by the iconic Jungfrau Railway. At an elevation of 3,454 meters (11,332 feet), Jungfraujoch offers year-round snow, an ice palace, panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier (the longest in Europe), and access to various snow sports activities. It’s one of Switzerland’s most iconic experiences and a must-see while you’re in the area.

Getting There

A 35-minute train ride from Interlaken will take you straight to Grindelwald.

Lauterbrunnen: The Valley of 72 Waterfalls

Lauterbrunnen is, without a doubt, one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking valleys, with cliffs towering over a lush green valley and waterfalls cascading down. The village itself is small and charming, but the real star here is the landscape.

Things To Do

Staubbach Falls: Visit one of Switzerland’s highest free-falling waterfalls. It’s best viewed in late spring or early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak.
Trümmelbach Falls: Hidden inside a mountain, these are the only glacier waterfalls in Europe that are accessible underground. A short walk (or lift ride) takes you right into the heart of the roaring cascades.

Getting There

Lauterbrunnen is a 20-minute train ride from Interlaken, or you can take a bus if you prefer to see more of the valley.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, start early and combine Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen into one epic day trip.

Engelberg and Mount Titlis: A Snowy Wonderland

For true Alpine magic, Engelberg and Mount Titlis offer some of Switzerland’s best high-altitude adventures. Engelberg, a charming mountain village, is the gateway to Mount Titlis, famous for its eternal snow and year-round glacier activities. It’s an epic day trip from Lucerne that lets you experience winter – even in summer.

Things to Do

Rotating Cable Car to Titlis: Take the rotating Rotair cable car to the summit of Titlis. The 360-degree view will give you a perfect look at all the surrounding peaks.
Titlis Cliff Walk: Europe’s highest suspension bridge offers mesmerizing views. Brace yourself for a bit of a thrill!
Explore the Glacier Cave: This shimmering ice tunnel leads you deep into the glacier, with surreal blue walls that make it feel like you’ve entered another world.
Snow Fun Park: Try snow tubing, skiing, or snowboarding available year-round. Or just play around in the snow!

Getting There

Take a direct train from Lucerne to Engelberg, which takes just under an hour. From there, hop on the Titlis Rotair cable car, and you’ll soon find yourself at the peak, surrounded by snow and breathtaking views.

Stanserhorn: Home of the Open-Air Cabrio Cable Car

Stanserhorn may be smaller than some of the other peaks, but it has something truly unique – the world’s first open-air double-decker cable car, the Cabrio. If you want to experience fresh mountain air with the wind in your hair as you ascend, this is one of the most unforgettable day trips from Lucerne.

Things to Do

Ride the Cabrio Cable Car: The top deck of the Cabrio cable car is open-air, so you can feel the breeze as you glide up to the summit. It’s an exhilarating way to take in the scenery.
Panorama Restaurant: Enjoy a meal at the Revolving Restaurant Rondorama, which rotates to give you views in every direction while you dine.
Hiking Trails: Stanserhorn has beautiful hiking trails suitable for all levels. You can take a short walk to enjoy the views or embark on a longer trek to get closer to nature.

Getting There

Take a short 20-minute train ride from Lucerne to Stans. From there, hop on a vintage funicular train dating back to 1893, followed by the Cabrio cable car, to reach the summit. The journey up is truly unique and thrilling!

Which Day Trip From Lucerne Will You Choose?

Lucerne is the perfect starting point for exploring some of Switzerland’s most beautiful and diverse regions. Whether you prefer the thrill of mountain adventures, the tranquility of lakeside villages, or the charm of historic towns, there’s a day trip from Lucerne that will suit your style. Plus, Lucerne’s lakeside atmosphere and medieval Old Town provide a perfect retreat after a day of exploring.

While Switzerland’s efficient public transport system makes it easy to explore on your own, you may prefer the ease and local insights of a guided tour. Riccardi Travel, based right in Lucerne, offers a range of day and multi-day trips throughout Central Switzerland to help you make the most of your adventure. Take your experience to the next level and check out their private guided tours here!