Zurich to Lucerne train

How to make the most out of a short stay in Lucerne

Planning an escape from the hustle and bustle of Zurich? The central Swiss city of Lucerne is a dream destination. Known for its lakeside location and majestic Alpine backdrop, it’s one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities. Perfect for a city break, Zurich to Lucerne train services take as little as 0h 41m. Need a departure time that works around your schedule? With 38 services departing Zurich daily, finding a journey that suits you shouldn’t be a problem.

Discover Lucrene’s famous landmarks and best-kept secrets

After catching the train from Zurich to Lucerne and disembarking at the city’s main railway station, you’ll be rewarded with one of Lucerne’s most majestic sights. The train station is located just off the shores of the picturesque Lake Lucerne, one of the largest bodies of water in Switzerland. After admiring the view, it’s time to get your bearings and discover the rest of what the city has to offer.

Despite being a relatively small city, there are plenty of local landmarks, iconic monuments, and famous attractions to discover in Lucerne. One of the most popular destinations in Lucerne is the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower. A picturesque landmark that links other must-visit destinations like St. Peter’s Chapel and the Lucerne Theatre, it’s one of the most sought-after backdrops for photo ops.

Other essential stops on any sightseeing tour include the Musegg wall. Work began on these centuries-old fortifications in the 13th century, with the wall finally completed in 1400. Spanning more than 800 metres, it’s one of the longest defensive walls in the country. Today, much of the original structure still stands, with its nine towers standing proud over the city it once protected.

You’ll also want to make time for a visit to the Lion Monument, otherwise known as the Lion of Lucerne. One of the city’s most popular attractions, more than a million visitors flock every year to soak up the sight of this impressive stone carving.

In the mood for some live music? The Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre should deliver. A favourite with locals and tourists alike, this cultural centre opened in 2000, with its concert hall boasting some of the best acoustics around. Playing host to a busy slate of live musicians and music festivals, it’s definitely worth checking out the performance schedule ahead of time.

Enjoy the great outdoors and explore Lucerne's stunning mountainous surroundings

If you’re boarding the Zurich to Lucerne train to get away from it all, you’ll be well rewarded in Lucerne. This is one of Switzerland’s greenest and most beautiful destinations, with a generous pick of city parks, green spaces, and outdoor oases.

If you’re after a pitstop after exploring Lucerne’s many landmarks, head to the Ufschötti. This expansive stretch of green space overlooks Lake Lucerne, with a sandy strip that’s perfect for sunbathing. Just a short stroll from Lucerne’s main train station, you can be here mere minutes after your arrival into town. Popular with sunseekers and water sports enthusiasts, it’s the closest thing you’ll find to the beach in Switzerland.

Another must-visit lakeside park is the Richard Wagner Museum Park. Named in honour of the German composer and theatre director who used to live here, this park is substantially larger than the Ufschötti, providing you with plenty of space to escape if you’re keen to avoid the crowds. Enjoy a dip in the water, explore the Richard Wagner museum and its unique exhibits, or kick back and take in some stunning mountain scenery.

Alternatively, there’s Dreilindenpark. The largest park in the city, this green space not only offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life but also serves as a stage for culture. Enjoy a stroll through more than 35,000 square metres of greenery, grab a photo op at one of several historic villas, or get up close and personal with breathtaking sculptures.

If you’re a lover of the great outdoors and want to explore the Central Swiss mountains, Lucerne is the perfect starting point. Sightseers looking for an al fresco adventure can ascend peaks like Pilatus Kulm via the cogwheel railway or escape to Rigi via the oldest mountain railway. If you’re a keen skier, you can also think about heading to the summit of the Titlis. With its high altitudes, it’s your best bet for year-round snow, making for plenty of ski and snowboard action.

Where to dine and what to eat in Lucerne

Feeling hungry after a long day exploring? Whether you’re in the market for a late lunch or a big dinner, you’ll find plenty of delicious dining options waiting for you in Lucerne. Traditional Swiss dishes include an array of soups, stews, and salads, with standout dishes including fondue, Alpine macaroni, and zuppa di zucca, a classic pumpkin soup that’s often rolled out to menus come autumn. Being part of the German-speaking corner of the country, Lucerne’s Swiss cuisine is heavily inspired by German recipes, so expect generous portions and hearty recipes aplenty.

Away from Swiss cuisine, Lucerne enjoys a relatively cosmopolitan culinary scene. Here, you’ll find dishes celebrating the best in Italian, French, and German cooking. Looking for upmarket menus to commemorate a special occasion? Whether it’s an anniversary surprise or proposal dinner, Lucerne isn’t short on award-winning restaurants and premium eateries.

Enjoying a longer stretch in the city and looking to cater for yourself? The city has several regular food markets bursting with delicious produce from local vendors. Head to the Wochenmarkt every Tuesday and Friday to stock up on artisan breads, freshly-baked breads, and just-picked vegetables. Prefer seafood? Every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, the city’s fish market is open for business.