Lucerne Travel Guide

Lucerne Travel Guide (1-2 days) Lucerne (also known as Luzern) is one of the most popular tourist towns in Switzerland. Personally, I think compared to Interlaken, Grindelwald, and other places, this is a more cost-effective place to stay. Hotel prices are slightly cheaper than Interlaken, and the train ride to Interlaken and other attractions takes about two hours, which is acceptable. The town itself is picturesque, with many attractions close together, and life is very convenient. All supermarkets, shops, and restaurants are very concentrated, making the living and travel experience excellent! Transportation: If you book a local hotel, the hotel will provide a free city transport ticket, including buses, trams, etc. Attractions: Relatively concentrated, 5-6 are close by Kapellbrücke + Wasserturm (Chapel Bridge + Water Tower): Pictures 1-2, the famous Water Tower and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne town center, historically significant, built in the 13th and 14th centuries respectively. Inside the bridge’s roof are over 100 wooden paintings from the 17th century. 2. Lucerne Old Town: Pictures 3-6, the old town itself has very good cultural sights, suitable for city walks, and there are many unique shops to browse. There is a nice ice cream shop by the river. 3. Swan Square: Picture 7, a small dam by the river, not far from the Water Tower and Chapel Bridge. Many swans and wild ducks stay there, waiting for visitors to feed them. Remember to bring some dry food when you go; the swans will come very close. 4. Musegg Wall: Pictures 9-11, built around the late 14th century, one of the best-preserved medieval city defense systems in Europe. The clock towers on the wall display some ancient clocks. From the wall, you get a great panoramic view of the town and the distant Mount Rigi. Free admission, open 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Lion Monument: Picture 12, this statue is located in a quiet small park and commemorates the Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution. Free admission, open all day. 6. St. Leodegar im Hof Church: Pictures 13-15, Lucerne’s iconic twin-spired church, also one of Switzerland’s most representative Renaissance churches. Free admission, open 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. 7. Lake Lucerne Boat Tour: An absolute must-do, the scenery along the way is stunning (Pictures 15-17). The pier is opposite the train station. There is some discrepancy about whether it is pier 1 or 2, so when you inquire, be sure to confirm if it is the public SGV boat. Only the public boats accept the Swiss Pass (free rides with the pass) and half-fare cards. Boat Tour Option 1 (widely recommended): Take a 1-hour boat ride from Lucerne pier to Vitznau, then transfer to the red cogwheel train for a 30-minute ride to the summit of Mount Rigi (Rigi Kulm). Descend by cable car from Rigi Kaltbad to the town of Weggis, then take a boat from Weggis pier back to Lucerne. This way, you can enjoy both the lake and the mountain. Boat Tour Option 2: We didn’t fully plan and didn’t know about option 1, so we chose option 2, which is a 2-hour round trip boat ride from Lucerne to Vitznau and back, only by boat. The downside is you can’t go up the mountain, but the upside is it’s relatively relaxed and leisurely, saving time to explore the town more.