Episode 61 – Discover Lucerne Switzerland: Top Five Things to Do [+ Hidden Gems and Insider Tips]
In episode 61 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy once again welcomes Switzerland travel expert Carolyn (of Holidays to Switzerland) back to the show for a deep dive into the enchanting city of Lucerne. Drawing on Carolyn’s decades-long affinity for the country, the duo unveils Lucerne’s unique blend of medieval ambience, lakeside beauty, and nearby alpine adventures.
Discover Carolyn’s top five unmissable experiences, from strolling the flower-adorned Chapel Bridge and cruising Lake Lucerne to sampling Swiss chocolate from artisan makers. The conversation unpacks practical travel tips, including money-saving strategies for iconic mountain excursions like Mount Pilatus, and encourages wanderers to lose themselves in Lucerne’s historic lanes.
Hidden gems, seasonal highlights, and stories of unexpected discoveries round out this immersive city guide, ensuring you’ll feel equipped – and inspired – to plan your own Swiss getaway.
Click the blue button below to listen:
Episode 61 – What you’ll learn in this episode
- 📍 How to navigate Lucerne’s Old Town, lakefront, and medieval bridges for the quintessential Swiss experience
- 📅 Strategies for timing your visit, building an itinerary, and why Lucerne deserves more than just a pit stop
- 🚄 Options for getting to and around Lucerne using Switzerland’s seamless public transportation, including tips on passes for mountain and boat excursions
- 🛏️ Insights on Lucerne’s city feel—big enough for amenities, small enough for a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
- 🥢 Where to find local Swiss chocolate (beyond big-name brands), lakeside cafes, and the best spots to soak up Lucerne’s ambience
- 😲 Hidden gems and insider advice, from lesser-known mountain and chocolate adventures to the joys of unplanned exploration in the city’s winding alleys
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Lucerne (Luzern): A picturesque city in central Switzerland known for its lakeside location, mountain views, and medieval Old Town atmosphere.
- Lake Lucerne: The sprawling lake is adjacent to the city, offering scenic cruises and easy access to nearby villages.
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): Lucerne’s iconic 14th-century wooden bridge, renowned for its flower displays and historic paintings (many restored after a 1992 fire).
- Old Town (Altstadt): A charming district filled with frescoed buildings, oriel windows, artisan boutiques, and cosy cafes.
- Mount Pilatus: The “house mountain” of Lucerne, accessible via cogwheel railway or cable car and famed for panoramic views and high-altitude hiking.
- Mount Rigi: A classic day-trip mountain with lake-to-summit cogwheel train connections, offering a different alpine perspective.
- Mount Titlis: Another nearby peak, notable for glacier experiences, accessible from Engelberg.
- Mount Stanserhorn: A less-crowded mountain excursion with a historic funicular and unique open-air double-decker cable car.
- Brunnen, Gersau, Beckenried: Quaint lakeside towns reachable by boat, each offering a peaceful alternative to Lucerne’s city bustle.
- Mooseg Wall (Museggmauer): Remnants of Lucerne’s medieval fortifications, featuring towers with panoramic city and lake views.
- Jesuit Church: A striking church famed for its beautiful pink marble and gold interior, located near the Chapel Bridge.
- Lion Monument (Dying Lion of Lucerne): A poignant rock-relief sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who died in the French Revolution.
Foods
- Swiss Chocolate:
- Max Chocolatier: A boutique Lucerne chocolatier offering tastings, gifts, and local specialities.
- Aeschbach Chocolatier (near Lucerne): A local chocolate factory where you can taste, tour, and even make your own chocolate bar.
- Chocolate at the Swiss Museum of Transport: Includes the “Swiss Chocolate Adventure” interactive exhibit.
- Cafe fare: Quiche, salad, and espresso in Old Town cafes—ideal for a meal with a view..
Words/Concepts
- Golden Round Trip: A popular circuit route combining boat, cogwheel train, and cable car to experience Mount Pilatus from all angles.
- Swiss Travel Pass: A money-saving rail and transport pass that grants discounted or free access on many mountain, rail, and boat journeys.
- Eurail/Interrail Pass: Regional and international train passes offering discounts across Switzerland, making them helpful for planning multi-country trips.
- Cogwheel Train: A mountain railway with toothed racks for steep ascents, used on routes like Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi.
- Funicular: A cable railway for steep slopes, part of the journey up Mount Stanserhorn.
- Dragon Ride: The dramatic panoramic cable car connecting Fräkmüntegg to the Mount Pilatus summit.
- Light Festival: An annual January event in Lucerne featuring creative illuminations of city landmarks.
Links
Podcasts
- Episode #6: Discovering Switzerland with Swiss travel expert Carolyn Schönafinger
- Episode #57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Episode 45 – Germany Travel Guide: Expert Tips for first-time visitors
Articles
Links from Holidays to Switzerland
- Mount Pilatus, Rigi or Titlis
- How to visit Mt Titlis
- How to visit Mt Rigi
- How to visit Mt Stanserhorn
- Podcast
- Switzerland Travel Planning
- Switzerland Bucket List (24 best places to visit in Switzerland)
- Traditional Swiss food not to miss
- 10 beautiful cities to visit in Switzerland
- Things to do in Lucerne, Switzerland
- Guide to the Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus
- 15 most beautiful towns in Switzerland to visit
- 8 of the Best Switzerland Scenic Train Trips
Guest Bio – Carolyn Schönafinger
Carolyn Schönafinger is the founder of the Holidays to Switzerland website and podcast.
Her love affair with Switzerland started way back in 1988 when she first visited the small village of Lauterbrunnen. It was love at first sight and her love for Switzerland gets stronger each year on her annual visits.
Carolyn’s passion is helping travellers to plan their dream trip to Switzerland. She shares her extensive knowledge and experience of Swiss travel on both HolidaysToSwitzerland.com and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast.
