Lucerne - 5 Days

Tanya@SwissFamilyFun - (swissfamilyfun)
Itinerary created by
Tanya@SwissFamilyFun
What you’ll do

The Lake Lucerne region is our favorite part of Switzerland, with so many gorgeous lakes, dramatic hikes, and fun activities for families.

At each destination, I've included a options for hikers, families, and non-hikers so you can organize your itinerary to suit your particular needs.

Most of the mountains here are not quite as well know as Zermatt and Jungfrau Region, so you more of an authentic Swiss vibe and less English-speakers.

Lucerne is also a good choice for spring, since some of the mountains are lower elevation and open earlier for summer hiking season.

Have fun out there!

Mt Pilatus

To visit this tall mountain peak near Lucerne city, we suggest the Golden Round Trip which includes a boat ride, mountain train and cable car.

There are optional short hikes to three viewpoints. This mountain has fun amusements including a summer toboggan, ropes park, and playground.

Note: Best to make a seat reservation on the cogwheel train from Alpnachstad a few days before your visit to avoid long waiting times.

1

Pilatus Golden Round Trip
Pilatus Golden Round Trip
Boat & Mountain Excursion near Lucerne
Category
Activity
Est. Price
$$$
Est. Duration
3-4h

Sample itinerary:

  1. Boat ride from Lucerne to Alpnachstad.

  2. Transfer to cogwheel mountain train up mountain to Pilatus Kulm.

  3. Enjoy views from main terrace and optionally from the Esel and Oberhaupt viewpoints accessed by stairs.

  4. Optional hike to Tomlishorn viewpoint (1h round trip).

  5. Ride cable car down to Frakmuntegg for summer toboggan and ropes park.

  6. Ride gondola down to Kriens, then bus back to Lucerne.

Add ons:

  • summer toboggan, ropes park and Dragon Glider at Frakmuntegg station

  • playground at Krienseregg station.

2

Pilatus Boat: Lucerne to Alpnachstad
Pilatus Boat: Lucerne to Alpnachstad
Lake cruise for Pilatus "Golden Round Trip"
Category
Public Transport
Est. Price
$$$
Transport Type
ferry

14.6 km (9 mi)

15 min

3

Pilatus Alpnachstad Mountain Train
Pilatus Alpnachstad Mountain Train
Steepest cogwheel train in Europe
Category
Public Transport
Est. Price
$$$
Transport Type
train

11.6 km (7.2 mi)

18 min

4

Mt Pilatus Viewpoint
Mt Pilatus Viewpoint
Rocky peak near Lucerne
Category
Sightseeing
Est. Price
$$$

Optionally visit one or more of these viewpoints, accessible by stairs and hikes.

5

Choose the option that fits you the best

Esel Viewpoint at Pilatus
Esel Viewpoint at Pilatus
Scenic peak for tourists
Category
Sightseeing
Est. Price
$$
Oberhaupt Viewpoint on Pilatus
Oberhaupt Viewpoint on Pilatus
Scenic peak with panoramic views
Category
Sightseeing
Est. Price
$$
Tomlishorn Peak Hike
Tomlishorn Peak Hike
Short hike along cliffs to peak viewpoint
Category
Hike
Est. Price
$$
Est. Duration
1-2h

11 km (6.8 mi)

18 min

Ride down north side

When you are done at the top of Pilatus, you can ride the cable cars down the north side of the mountain. Total journey time about 25-30 mins.

You can optionally stop at the middle stations for various amusements:

Frakmuntegg - summer toboggan, ropes park, Dragon Glider, tree tents

Krienseregg - PILU-Land playground

6

Pilatus Kriens Cable Car
Pilatus Kriens Cable Car
Mountain experience above sea level
Category
Public Transport
Est. Price
$$$
Transport Type
other

15 m (0 mi)

7

This one is optional

Pilatus Summer Toboggan
Pilatus Summer Toboggan
1.3 km alpine slide near Lucerne
Category
Activity
Est. Price
$$
Est. Duration
0-30m

12.8 km (8 mi)

22 min

8

This one is optional

Pilatus Ropes Climbing Park
Pilatus Ropes Climbing Park
Fun parkour and zip lines with mountain views
Category
Activity
Est. Price
$$
Est. Duration
2-3h

18.5 km (11.5 mi)

40 min

9

This one is optional

PILU-Land Playground
PILU-Land Playground
Dragon-themed playground near Pilatus
Category
Activity
Est. Price
$$
Est. Duration
1-2h

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