Attractions Nearby Lucerne, Day Trips and Excursions

(Lucerne, Switzerland)

Many interesting towns and cities are extremely close to Lucerne and make for ideal day trips. The Swiss capital of Berne is within easy striking distance of Lucerne and features many notable attractions, such as the Münster and the Bundeshäuser (Houses of Parliament), which is located on the Bundesplatz and home to the Swiss Federal Assembly.

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is extremely close to Lucerne and ideal for a mini-break or short excursion. Literally dozens of museums fill the streets around central Zurich, while the country's financial heart is based around both the Bahnhofstrasse and also the Paradeplatz.

Berne

Famed for its medieval town centre, which has rightly become listed as a World Heritage Site, Berne has a population of roughly 140,000 and may not be Switzerland's biggest city, but it is the capital. Central Berne is fully contained within a sharp bend of the Aar River and it is here that a number of its best attractions can be found, such as the Zytglogge clock tower and the Orge Fountain (Kindlifresserbrunnen).

Stans

The small town of Stans is actually the capital of the Nidwalden region and just a mere 14 km / 9 miles south of Lucerne. Most people visit Stans for no more than a day or even just an afternoon, often choosing to take an excursion to the Stanshorn mountain. The top can be reached by a combination of funicular railway and cable car, and when reached, visitors will be greeted by a revolving restaurant at the very top.

Zurich

Switzerland's famous city of Zurich is just 61 km / 38 miles to the north-east of Lucerne and therefore provides an extremely popular day out. The Swiss National Museum (Schweizerchises Landesmuseum) is just one of the many quality attractions in Zurich. Others include the city's two cathedrals, the Fraumünster and the Grossmünster, Käferberg Mountain and the much-loved Sprüngli Chocolate Factory, where traditional Swiss chocolate is at its very finest.

Weggis

The municipality of Weggis is only small and barely has a population of 3,000 people, but is quite famous for one important fact, it was the birthplace of the important 'Moderner Bund' art movement. Weggis is around 21 km / 13 miles to the east of Lucerne and its lakeside attractions are only just over half an hour away. This is a friendly town, with boat trips to and from Lucerne, cable car rides to Rigi Kaltbad, and a number of notable waterfront hotels. The mountainous backdrops are really like something in a book and worth bringing your camera to snap.