Lucerne
Canton Lucerne

Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, sited on Lake Lucerne, is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to its attractions, its attractive shopping offer, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland.

About Lucerne

Complete with gable paintings, the covered, medieval Chapel Bridge forms the centrepiece of Lucerne’s townscape and is considered to be one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe. A further landmark of the town is the Museggmauer, a wall which, with the exception only of one of its towers, has been preserved in its original, well-fortified state.

Historic houses decorated with frescoes line the picturesque town squares as they do the ‘Weinmarkt’ square in the car-free old town. Lucerne is a city of town squares and churches. The Jesuit church dating from the 17th century is regarded as Switzerland’s first sacral Baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the townscape. The figure of a dying lion which was hewn from the face of rock in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792 is one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland. And with its 112-metre-long Bourbaki panorama, Lucerne possesses one of the world’s few maintained, mammoth circular paintings

Tradition and modernity stand side-by-side with ease in Lucerne, as the town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention Centre (KKL), designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, is one the architectural highlights of the town. The KKL is also a landmark of «Lucerne: Festival City» and venue for a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year.

Lucerne is the ideal starting point for many excursions to the highlights of central Switzerland. A trip up one of Lucerne’s regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi – the queen of mountains – is a must. But excursions up onto the Stanserhorn, the Bürgenstock or a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many bends and arms are certainly no less worthy. The Gotthard Panorama Express originates in Lucerne and ferries its passengers to the foot of the Gotthard pass via Lake Lucerne and then continues by rail into Ticino, south of the Alpine ridge. The «cherry road» leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheery trees and kirsch.

Winter

Lucerne has a picturesque lakeside setting, against an impressive mountain backdrop. Architectural gems, such as the celebrated KKL Luzern by Jean Nouvel or the famous Chapel Bridge.

Summer

Lucerne has a picturesque lakeside setting, against an impressive mountain backdrop. Architectural gems, such as the celebrated KKL Luzern by Jean Nouvel or the famous Chapel Bridge.

Our personal highlights

Explore Suisse Selection’s unmissable places of interest and top things to see and do during your stay.

Preferred hotels

Browse Suisse Selection’s favored luxury hotels, carefully chosen for their unmatched excellence in architecture, service, gastronomy, and comfort.

Park Hotel Vitznau

Park Hotel Vitznau features accommodation suites and junior suites, individually designed with great attention to detail and furnished with state of the art amenities. Guests can enjoy outstanding culinary experiences in the hotel’s two gourmet restaurants or in one of the private dining rooms, accompanied by one of the 32000 bottles from six exclusive wine cellars. The hotel spa, featuring outdoor pools, sauna, steam room and ice grotto is exclusively reserved for hotel guests and offers relaxation and privacy. The Park Hotel Vitznau is the ideal starting point from which to discover the breathtaking scenery of central Switzerland, Mount Rigi as well as Lucerne and Zurich.

Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern

The Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern is located right on the banks of the picturesque Lake Lucerne with a stunning view of central Switzerland’s mountains. The hotel's sophisticated rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms with luxury bath amenities, Nespresso machines and working desks. Some accommodations feature balconies or terraces with beautiful views of the city. Guests can enjoy delicious gourmet meals at several on-site restaurants. Additional amenities include a spa and meeting/event facilities.

Hotel des Balances

With a prime location in the heart of the old town of Luzern, Hotel Des Balances is an ideal destination for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel houses 56 tastefully appointed rooms each equipped with a bath or shower or both, a minibar, TV, radio and direct dial telephone. Coffee and tea facilities are available upon request. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant and drinks at the unique bar. Great conversations can be enjoyed in the lounge and riverside terrace. Each morning begins with a breakfast buffet featuring freshly baked bread, market-fresh fruit and other local specialities.