Day Trips in Lucerne: A Comprehensive Guide

Lucerne, nestled amidst the Swiss Alps, serves as an ideal base for exploring various day trip destinations. Here’s some helpful information to plan your excursions.

Mount Titlis

• Location: Approximately 80 km (50 miles) from Lucerne
• Transportation: Take a bus or join a guided tour, which typically includes the Swiss Transport Pass in the ticket price.
• Highlights: Enjoy the breathtaking views, glacier park, and the world’s first revolving cable car restaurant - Titlis Xpress. Don’t forget to wear warm clothing!

Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) Cruise

• Location: Within Lucerne city and its surroundings
• Transportation: Boats depart from various piers in Lucerne, including the main pier at Bürgenplatz.
• Highlights: Explore charming towns like Flüelen, Vitznau, and Stansstad. Spot historic sites such as Castle Brunnen and the Lion Monument along the way.

Pilatus Mountain

• Location: Approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Lucerne
• Transportation: A cogwheel train departs from Alpnachstad, or join a guided tour that includes transportation.
• Highlights: Marvel at the panoramic views of Central Switzerland, visit the Pilatus Kulm Hotel for refreshments, and explore the ancient ruins of the Hermit’s Chapel.

St. Gallen

• Location: Approximately 100 km (62 miles) from Lucerne
• Transportation: Take a train from Lucerne station; the journey takes around one hour.
• Highlights: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Abbey of St. Gallen, which boasts an impressive Baroque library with over 160,000 books. Explore the Old Town and its colorful patrician houses.

Interlaken and Jungfrau Region

• Location: Approximately 130 km (81 miles) from Lucerne
• Transportation: Take a train or join a guided tour, which may include transportation in the ticket price.
• Highlights: Enjoy scenic views of the Jungfrau massif, experience thrilling activities like paragliding and skydiving, or visit the charming towns of Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen.