Lucerne In Winter: Full Guide & Best Things To Do [2025]

Lucerne is my favorite city in Switzerland; whether you visit it in summer or winter, you’ll love it, I’m sure. If you’ve been here with me for a while, you know how much I love Switzerland and this city. I lived in Switzerland for 3 years and visited almost every corner.

I’ve been to Lucerne several times and would like to share my insider tips for visiting Lucerne in winter. It’s truly a magical destination, and I want you to get the most out of your time.

So, get ready, and follow my tips with an itinerary to enjoy Lucerne this winter.

What To Do In Lucerne In Winter: 14 Best Things To Do & Day Trips From Lucerne

Here are the best things to do in Lucerne in winter to get the most out of your stay. I’ve also included amazing day trips. I highly recommend making at least 1 mountain excursion, as it will add to the experience:

1. Stroll Through The Old Town
2. Admire The Iconic Chapel Bridge
3. Join A Free Walking Tour
4. Visit Chateau Gütsch
5. Cruise On Lake Lucerne
6. Relax In A Spa
7. Visit The Christmas Markets
8. Take Part At The Lucerne Light Festival
9. Taste Swiss Chocolate & Cheese
10. Visit The Swiss Museum Of Transportation
11. Enjoy A Train Ride To Mt. Rigi
12. Make A Day Trip To M.t Pilatus
13. Go Skiing At Titlis Glacier
14. Visit The Highest Train Station In Europe (Jungfraujoch)

Map Of Lucerne, Lake Lucerne & Day Trip Places

Here is a map of all the places in and around Lucerne I suggest visiting during your visit:

1. Stroll Through The Old Town

Lucerne, to me, has some of the most beautiful Swiss Old Towns. Think frescoed facades, half-timbered and stoned buildings, medieval vibe, and a mixture of Gothic and Baroque architecture.

It’s all surrounded by medieval city walls and towers that once defended the city. Today, you can walk through some parts of the wall. I recommend heading up to Museggmauer and walking up to the historic Zytturm.

Just walk around without using Google Maps for a while and see where it takes you. Soak up the atmosphere, and have fun.

2. Admire The Iconic Chapel Bridge

Lucerne just wouldn’t be the same without its famous Chapel Bridge. It brings the entire city to the next level, seriously.

It was built in 1333 to connect the Old Town with the new part of the city over the River Reuss. It’s Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge, and in the past, it served as a watchtower, prison, and a treasury. The Swiss do such a great job decorating the bridge, too.

Walk through and admire the paintings. It’s usually very crowded as you walk through. So to enjoy it more, I’d recommend sitting for a coffee on the shores of the Old Town and doing some people watching with views of the bridge.

3. Join A Free Walking Tour

If you want to learn more about Lucerne’s history, I suggest joining a free walking tour. It’s always my favorite way to explore any city when I travel.

The guides are super knowledgeable and passionate, nothing boring. And they’ll give you many personal recommendations for your visit at the end as well. You just need to make a free online reservation and then tip the guide at the end, however much you want.

If you don’t want to join a tour, don’t miss the Glacier Garden (free entrance with Swiss Travel Pass) with the Lion Monument, close to the Old Town.

➡ Book a free walking tour of Lucerne here.
➡ Or join this private guided tour of Lucerne (if the free walking tour doesn’t take place).

4. Visit Chateau Gütsch

If you’re up for breathtaking views of the city with Lake Lucerne, Chateau Gütsch is a great place to be.

Take a funicular train from the new part of the city to the top. If you have the Swiss Travel Pass or the Visitor Pass (which you can use for the local public transportation), they both cover this ride.

You can enjoy a coffee/afternoon tea inside the chateau, or even stay there for a night. It was originally built as a watchtower in the 1500s, and later in the 1900s, it was reconstructed into a castle.

Even if you don’t go inside, you can just enjoy the views from the top.

5. Cruise On Lake Lucerne

Another fun and relaxing activity you can do is take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne. The lake is officially called ‘Vierwaldstättersee’ in German, which means ‘Lake Of The 4 Forest Settlements’. It encompasses a large area from Lucerne to Flüelen, flowing towards the 4 forests/Swiss cantons.

Locals consider it the cradle of the Swiss nation, or the birthplace of Switzerland, as it was from here that the 4 cantons (Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden) around the lake founded Switzerland in 1291.

My favorite boat ride is from Lucerne to Vitznau (where you can connect to Mr. Rigi). For a shorter boat ride, it’s worth taking the boat towards Bürgenstock Resort and back.

➡ Check out the boat timetable on Lake Lucerne here.
Or join this 1-hour panoramic cruise on Lake Lucerne.

6. Relax In A Spa

Imagine relaxing in a hot outdoor pool while gazing out at the Swiss Alps. There is nothing quite like it, right? If you’re looking for a relaxing and /or romantic getaway, head to some of the hotels that offer such a spa experience, or book a stay in one of them.

You can also enjoy a Finnish sauna experience at the lake in Löyly Sauna.

My favorite hotels with spa in the area are:

📍 Park Hotel Vitznau
📍 Spa Rigi Kaltbad
📍 Wellness at the Bürgenstock Resort

7. Visit The Christmas Markets

I love European Christmas markets; it’s one of my favorite times to travel. The pure magic: lights, local flavours, mulled wine and hot chocolate, Christmas music in the background… it melts my heart. So, it’s a great idea to visit Lucerne in December to experience the Swiss Christmas markets.

The main markets are at Franziskanerplatz, and my favorite markets are at Inseli-Park next to the lake.

Try local specialities such as Swiss Fondue & Raclette cheese, Älplermagronen (a Swiss alpine dish – like mac & cheese with apple sauce), roasted chestnuts, grilled lamb skewers, and mulled wine.

8. Take Part At The Lucerne Light Festival

To experience even more charm in Lucerne, come in January. That’s when they organize the famous Lilu Light Festival. They install lights all over the city, and you can enjoy a spectacular show in the evenings with illuminated buildings.

You can also book a guided tour to see the operations and behind-the-scenes organization of the festival. It’s pretty cool.

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9. Taste Swiss Chocolate & Cheese

What would be a visit to any place in Switzerland without taking local chocolate and cheese, right? The chocolate here is truly amazing, just as everyone says. So, hop into the local shops to sample different pralines and chocolates.

Or you can also join a guided tour to learn more about the chocolate and cheese, and taste them with a local.

Here are my favorite chocolate/cheese shops in Lucerne if you want to do a self-guided tour:

📍 Läderach – best for all Swiss chocolate
📍 Confiserie Sprüngli – great choccolate & bakery goods
📍 Confiserie Bachmann– great choccolate, bakery goods, and gelato
📍 Cheese Store – Cheese Barmettler

➡ Join this chocolate & cheese tasting tour in Lucerne.

10. Visit The Swiss Museum Of Transportation

This might be a great activity for all the engineers out here or families with kids. The Swiss Museum of Transportation showcases over 300 objects, including cars, real-size vintage vehicles, trains, airplanes, ships, and even a submarine.

As you know, Switzerland has the most efficient train system in Europe – it’s truly impressive how they are able to construct steep railways to the tops of the mountains or even carve pathways through them. You can learn about their techniques inside the museum.

There is also a cinema to hear more stories. And the entrance is free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

➡ Get tickets to the Swiss Museum Of Transportation Here.

11. Enjoy A Train Ride To Mt. Rigi

As I mentioned before, a visit to Lucerne almost isn’t complete without making at least one mountain excursion. Being at the top of a mountain overlooking the Swiss Alps is an experience unlike any other.

One of the closest and easiest excursions you can make is to Mt. Rigi. I suggest taking a boat from Lucerne to Vitznau. Then change to the funicular train to the top of Mt. Rigi. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Lucerne and even stop at the Rigi Kaltbad Spa for a relaxing afternoon.

NOTE: You can also ski here – it’s a great resort for beginners.

➡ Check out the funicular departures to Mt. Rigi via the SBB website.

12. Make A Day Trip To Mt. Pilatus

If you’re not afraid of heights and cable cars, a mountain excursion to Pilatus is spectacular. You’ll need to take a bus from Lucerne (at the main train station) to Kriens.

Then walk for about 10 minutes to the Pilatus cable car station. Take the cable car up and lastly change to the ‘Dragon Flight‘ panoramic cable car to the top.

There is a platform to enjoy the views, a cafeteria with a restaurant (though I don’t recommend eating here – it’s very average), and you can walk around for a while.

NOTE: Check the weather forecast beforehand, as it’s not worth it if it’s too cloudy or visibility is poor.

➡ Join this guided tour to Mt. Pilatus from Lucerne.

13. Go Skiing At Titlis Glacier

Are you up for an adventure as much as I am? You can enjoy one of the best Swiss ski resorts just an hour away from Lucerne. Head on the train to Engelberg town and visit the nearby Titlis glacier. It’s a great ski area (best suited to intermediate/advanced skiers).

Even if you don’t want to go skiing, you can enjoy a stunning cable car ride to the top on a rotating cable car and walk inside an ice cave. And even walk on the highest suspension bridge in Europe. It’s one of the best mountain excursions in Switzerland.

After, head to the Engelberg town to enjoy a Swiss Fondue and hot chocolate in a cosy chalet restaurant.

➡ Book this guided trip to Mt. Titlis & its glacier with a local.

14. Visit The Highest Train Station In Europe (Jungfraujoch)

Last but not least, you can make a full-day trip to the Jungfrau region. Do you picture yourself in a Swiss mountain town that truly feels like a winter wonderland?

You can take a panoramic train, the Luzern-Interlaken Express, to Interlaken and from there, a regional train to Grindelwald. Wander around the town, enjoy a fondue, and the stunning views.

From there, you can make it up to the highest train station in Europe (Jungfraujoch) and see the largest Swiss glacier. Walk through an ice cave, enjoy a stunning cable car ride and a train ride through the mountains, and admire the scenery.

➡ Join this guided tour from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch.

Lucerne In Winter: Itinerary For 3 Days

Here is a quick itinerary and suggestion for how I’d plan my stay in the city if you have 3 days:

DAY 1.

On the first day, I suggest staying in the city and exploring all its highlights. Wander around the Old Town, the medieval city walls with the Zytturm Tower, visit the Lion’s Monument with Glacier Garden, and take a funicular up to Chateau Gütsch.

Try local Fondue or any other restaurant I recommended, and taste some delicious chocolate in the shops. Take it easy and soak up the city’s vibe.

DAY 2.

Today, I suggest enjoying a cruise on Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. You can walk around Vitznau and take the boat back to Lucerne, or add a mountain excursion to Mt. Rigi from there.

If you want, you can stop at the Rigi Kaltbad Spa and enjoy an afternoon in a hot outdoor pool overlooking the mountains.

DAY 3.

On the last day, make one of the mountain excursions. I’d recommend heading to Engelberg and visiting Mt. Titlis, which has a glacier. You can also go skiing or just have fun at the top of the mountain. It’s the best way to experience the Swiss winter wonderland.

👉 READ ALSO: 3 Days In Switzerland: 11 Itineraries For All Travelers & Seasons

Practical Tips For Visiting Lucerne In Winter

I’ve also got some tips for your visit to Lucerne that will help you plan your stay. Check them out below:

Where Is Lucerne Located?

Lucerne is located in the middle of Switzerland, just an hour train ride from Zurich. It’s at the foot of the Swiss Alps, making it a beautiful gateway to mountain excursions.

Getting To Lucerne

The best way to get to Lucerne is by train from major Swiss cities like Zurich or Geneva.

If you’re flying, I recommend flying to Zurich Airport and then taking a direct train to Lucerne (about a 50-minute ride).

From Geneva, there is a direct train ride that takes about 3 hours (from the airport and/or the city).

➡ Check out the train connections via the SBB website.

Getting Around Lucerne

Lucerne is a small city and very walkable, so I recommend walking everywhere. You can easily see the major sights that I mentioned above on foot.

If you’re staying in a hotel in Lucerne, you’ll get a so-called Visitor Card that lets you ride public transportation (buses) free of charge, which is amazing. You can use it to get to Kriens (for the excursion to Mt. Pilatus), to the Swiss Transportation Museum, Loyly Sauna, or nearby towns at the lake.

Where To Stay In Lucerne

I suggest staying in the Old Town of Lucerne at the River Reuss, overlooking the Chapel Bridge. It’s one of the most beautiful locations. Just imagine waking up and enjoying your breakfast and a cup of tea/coffee from your balcony with that view.

If you want to enjoy some high-end luxury hotels or hotels away from the city crowds with an amazing spa, I’ve also got great recommendations for you below.

These are my favorite hotels in Lucerne and in the area of Lake Lucerne:

🏰 Hotel des Balances – my favorite hotel in the Old Town
🏰 Hotel Des Alpes – in the Old Town
🏰 Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern – luxury hotel at the lake
🏰 GLANDON Rooms Haldenhof – great apartments
🏰 Capsule Hostel Lucerne Old Town – amazing budget-friendly option
🏰 Park Hotel Vitznau – amazing wellness hotel
🏰 Rigi Kaltbad Swiss Quality Hotel – great wellness hotel with ski-to-door access
🏰 Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa – luxury hotel overlooking Lake Lucerne

Best Places To Eat In Lucerne

If you’ve read some of my other articles, you know that I am not the biggest fan of the Swiss food industry. Well, it depends on where you go, but you need to be careful about restaurant choices. Some serve you a basic potato with sausage, and it would cost over 30 CHF.

So, I’ve put in extra effort to research and visit local restaurants so you can see which ones are really worth it. And here they are:

📍 Rathaus Brauerei – Swiss restaurant with local beer
📍 Karls Kraut – Swiss Restaurant
📍 FONDUE HOUSE DU PONT – for Swiss Fondue
📍 Tibits Luzern – vegetarian restaurant (inside the train station)
📍 Made in Sud Italienisches Restaurant – Italian food
📍 Indian Restaurant Luzern – Indian food
📍 Majorelle – Moroccan restaurant
📍 Marti Gras – great breakfast spot
📍 Two Hands – great breakfast spot

How Many Days In Lucerne Are Enough?

1 day in Lucerne is enough if you only want to visit the Old Town and its center. If you want to enjoy some day trips and mountain excursions with the lake cruise, 4 days is a perfect amount of time in Lucerne.

Best Time To Visit Lucerne In Winter

December and January are the best months to visit Lucerne in winter. December is extra charming thanks to its Christmas markets. And in January, you can experience the iconic Lucerne Lights Festival.

These are also the coldest months, so you can enjoy the cold temperatures with some snow, and even go skiing in the nearby mountains.

Lucerne In Winter: Weather & Temperatures

Lucerne in winter is really cold. So, seriously, pack your warmest clothes – think warm sweaters, good shoes/boots, a winter hat with gloves, and a nice winter jacket.

Winter temperatures usually range from about 5°C (41°F) to -10°C (14°F), depending on the season. It doesn’t rain a lot, but fog and clouds are frequent visitors. The upside? When the skies are clear and the sun is shining, the view of Mt. Pilatus and the lake is stunning.

Here’s what each winter month feels like:

NOVERMBER is often gloomy and foggy, with more rain than other winter months. Temperatures hover around 5°C (41°F), and the city feels a bit moody.

DECEMBER brings the real cold, with temperatures dropping to 0°C (32°F) or below. Rain is less frequent than in November, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch some beautiful sunny days.

JANUARY is usually the coldest month, with temperatures around -5°C (23°F). It’s freezing, so layer up! This is also the month when snow is most likely to appear.

FEBRUARY sticks close to January’s chill, with similar temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and occasional snowfalls.

MARCH finally teases spring, with temperatures climbing back to around 5°C (41°F). Snow is mostly gone, and you can start to feel the city waking up again.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Time To Visit Switzerland: Monthly Guide By A Local & Tips

Is Lucerne In Winter Worth Visiting?

Yes, Lucerne is 100% worth visiting in the wintertime. The atmosphere is magical with the lights on, and the winter just makes everything super cozy. I sometimes think it’s even more beautiful than in the summer, if the weather isn’t gloomy and the sun shines.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about Lucerne in winter, so check my answers below:

Does Lake Lucerne Freeze In Winter?

No, the lake in Lucerne doesn’t freeze. It’s a huge lake and you can still enjoy boat rides on it, even during the wintertime. You might see some ice at the shores in nearby towns, but the entire lake doesn’t freeze.

Is Lucerne Good In Winter?

Yes, Lucerne is amazing in winter. It has a magical atmosphere, you can do all the activities and enjoy nearby mountain excursions. It’s 100% worth visiting.

Is It Worth Going To Switzerland In Winter?

Yes, it’s 100 worth visiting Switzerland in winter. It’s a true winter wonderland. You can enjoy the mountain excursions, go skiing, hop on the panoramic trains, and get cozy in the romantic cities. Switzerland is a great destination year-round, especially in winter.

What Is The Best Place To Visit In Switzerland In Winter?

Lucerne, Grindelwald, Zermatt, Andermatt, and St. Moritz are the best places to visit in Switzerland in winter. The mountain towns usually have a lot of snow and offer a wide range of activities for everyone. And it’s a true winter wonderland.

Does It Snow In Lucerne?

Sometimes. The highest chances of snow in Lucerne are in December and January. These are the coldest months.

Even if there isn’t snow in the city center, there is usually snow in the nearby mountains around Lake Lucerne, so you can enjoy the winter scenery even from the city.

WRAP-UP: Lucerne In Winter

This is Lucerne in winter, at its most beautiful. I hope my tips will give you a lot of inspiration and help you plan your visit. As I mentioned, definitely make at least one of the day trips/mountain excursions, because that’s where you can experience the authentic Swiss winter wonderland.

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip to Switzerland, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll be happy to design your travel itinerary.

Happy Travels!