Day Trips and Tours from Lucerne

What can be said about Lucerne that hasn't been said before? With an impressively preserved medieval architecture and offering easy access to many lakes and mountains in the Swiss Alps, day trips from Lucerne are popular with domestic and international tourists all year long.

After you have had your fun on the lake, you can venture further out of Lucerne and into the countryside, exploring picturesque villages and resort towns in the mountains, indulging in the locally produced culinary delights.

For an adventurous twist to your visit, make sure to go on an alpine excursion. After you have taken in the breathtaking views on the cable car rides and viewing platforms, there are many outdoor activities like paragliding, canyoning and hiking to get the adrenaline pumping!

Lake Lucerne

One of the greatest and most convenient ways of getting a taste of what Central Switzerland has to offer is by going on a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne. Whether you opt for a catamaran, a yacht or a traditional steamer, your boat trip will take you to all the major landmarks in style.

On your leisurely cruise, you will get to see the iconic Meggenhorn Castle that juts out into the lake and the majestic Bürgenstock Mountain. On the warm summer days, you can also go for sunbathing or swimming in the lake, with the Old Beach of Vitznau being popular with locals and tourists alike.

During the trip, you may also have the opportunity to explore some of the settlements along the lake and try the locally produced cheeses and chocolate.

Mount Pilatus

Standing opposite Lake Lucerne, lies the legendary Mount Pilatus, one of the tallest mountains in the area. To reach Tomlishorn, the tallest peak, you have to take the world's steepest cogwheel railway in an unforgettable ride.

The dramatic ascent up the mountain offers spectacular panoramic views of the alpine landscape, that are only rivaled by the helicopter tours. Once you reach the summit of the mountain massif and taken in the view, there are many outdoor sports and activities to do.

With hiking trails for beginners and seasoned veterans alike, ski slopes and paragliding opportunities, Mount Pilatus is a favorite of adrenaline-seekers when visiting the city. During the summer months, you can combine your exploration of Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus by going on a comprehensive Golden Round Trip.

Interlaken

Sandwiched between lakes Brienz and Thus is the resort town of Interlaken. Due to its strategic location in the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a very popular destination for outdoor sports and activities throughout the year.

Whitewater rafting enthusiasts will find plenty of thrills in the Lütschine River, while the many gorges and valleys in the area around Interlaken are ideal for a canyoning excursion. More daring visitors can try paragliding and bungee jumping, which are also very popular activities in the summer.

Following a day of outdoor adventures, you can then wind down with a relaxing boat ride in one of the lakes in the area. You can then round off your excursion with a stroll in the village itself, followed by some shopping or a traditional Swiss meal.

Jungfraujoch

Affectionately known as the "Top of Europe," the Jungfraujoch glacier saddle in the Bernese Alps stands tall at over 3,400 meters above sea level. To reach the top, you will have to take the cable car, which is the highest in Europe.

Once you complete the journey to the top, you will be treated to an astonishing view of the Swiss snow-capped landscape. The best vantage point on the mountain is at the Sphinx Observatory, which offers a 360-degree view of the Alps.

The Ice Palace in the Aletsch Glacier features unique ice sculptures and intricate murals in its icy halls, making it a must-see for any visitor. If you are also feeling a bit adventurous and would like to get closer to the natural beauty, there are many signposted hiking routes and trails to explore.

Grindelwald

If you intend to head to Jungfrau, then you are sure to visit the alpine town of Grindelwald, which is located on the North Face of Eiger. Before you take the cable car to ascend the mountains, you can stroll around the picturesque alpine town.

Be sure to pack your hiking boots, as there are many walks and hiking trails to enjoy, with the First Cliff Walk, Eiger Trail, Grindelwald Glacier and Gletscherschlucht Canyon being among the must-visit places.

For a more relaxed and laid-back experience in town, you can walk around and explore the shopping area and enjoy a traditional meal in one of the restaurants. This will give you the energy to scout for areas in and around Grindelwald that have appeared in movies, such as the "Star Wars" and "James Bond" franchises.

Mount Titlis

Peaking through the Uri Alps between Obwalden and Bern, you will find Mount Titlis, one of the most impressive destinations in Switzerland. With an altitude of over 3,200 meters above sea level, Mount Titlis is a mountain of adventure and wonder.

To reach the summit, you will ride the world's first rotating cable car from the village resort of Engelberg. Once there, you can take in the incredible alpine scenery and for the best view, you can cross the Titlis Cliff Walk – the highest suspension bridge in Europe.

Mount Titlis also features an impressive illuminated glacier cave that you can explore. Depending on the time of the year, the cave will be lit in different colors or adorned with a series of intricate ice sculptures.

Should you be looking for something a bit more intense, you can take the Ice Flyer chairlift and hit the ski slopes for some fun in the snow. During the summer months, you can also visit the Glacier Park at Trübsee, for a more family-oriented experience.

Mount Rigi

Located in the heart of Switzerland, the "Queen of the Mountains," as Mount Rigi is known, is one of the most visited destinations in the country. The mountain is surrounded by three major lakes – Lucerne, Zug and Lauerz – which gives Rigi a distinct, lush character.

Easily accessible by cable car or cogwheel train, Mount Rigi is very popular throughout the year. With over 100 kilometers of hiking trails and paths that lead to different vantage points, the Queen of the Mountains will reward visitors with a breathtaking view.

Mount Rigi is also very popular with winter sports enthusiasts, offering many opportunities for skiing, sledging and even paragliding. After you have had your dose of adrenaline, you can round off your excursion at Mount Rigi with a traditional meal and some relaxation at the Rigi Kaltbad thermal baths.