Beginner’s Guide to Lucerne Switzerland in the Winter

Visiting Lucerne soon and don’t know where to start? We have your back! Below are some of our suggestions for an amazing time in Lucerne that won’t break the bank. 

If reading isn’t really your thing, check out our video of this trip here!

Where to stay?

• We definitely recommend the Bellpark Hostel. First of all we traveled with some of our friends and were able to book a six persons room with a private balcony, granted it was winter but still nice to have access to. They were very friendly, also willing to answer our questions. They had some very nice perks, including bus passes and discounts trips to Mt. Pilatus. This was great for people who are trying to travel to Switzerland on a budget. Also the breakfast was included! I love trying different breakfasts at different hostels and this was a new one. But I guess to find out, you will have to go and try it!

What to do?

• My favorite activity that we did in our time in Lucerne was taking a ride into the mountain. Mt. Pilatus is only of the most beautiful mountains I have ever visited. You can take a gondola ride up the mountain which gives you stunning views of the city of Lucerne, the mountain, and the surrounding bodies of water. Or for the more adventurous traveler, many people snowshoe up the mountain as well!
  
  Then when you reach the top you have the most beautiful views of the mountain range as well as a nice restaurant to grab a glass of wine and enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery. We got this amazing photo of a bird enjoying the view too!

• The other big recommendation I have is to really spend a half of day walking around Lucerne. Lucerne has beautiful architecture, and natural scenery (from gorgeous mountains to lovely lakes) and really taking the time to enjoy that splendor was such a wonderful part of the trip. There are so many murals, fountains, and sculptures scattered all around the city. There is excitement on every corner! While you explore the city on foot, definitely take some time to explore Chapel Bridge. 

• We were in Lucerne during New Years Eve and we were lucky enough to find a boat tour to watch the fireworks on! Watching the fireworks reflect off the lake on a boat in the middle of the Swiss Alps will go down as one of the coolest New Years experiences of my life. BUT even if you aren’t their for New Years, the boat tour have many different options, including dinner cruises, informational cruises, and more!

Where to eat?

• First, if you are in Switzerland and didn’t get fondue…did you even go? The Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern had delicious Swiss cheese fondue served in the traditional style and it definitely did not disappoint. 

• Rathaus Brauerei was my favorite place. From the outdoor seating (yes it was mid-winter but it was a beautiful day) to scrumous craft beer this place had it all. I loved their light beer and Aaron loved there seasonal beer.

These are just a few of our favorites but we would love to know yours!

Interested in traveling somewhere else? Check out our other travel tips for Prague and Ukraine!