Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!
While in Lucerne, there are no shortage of amazing day trips that one can do in the great outdoors. After spending a full day hitting up all the sights to see in Lucerne, you’ll want to get out into wide open spaces and take in the surrounding views and that fresh Alpine air! While researching, I found so many options, it was hard to chose. For example, you could go up Mount Pilatus, ride the world’s first rotating cable car on the Titlis up Engelberg or you could do what we did!
While it would have been really awesome to ride the rotating Titlis cable car, we were, however, looking for the cheapest option to go up any mountain, we spent hours researching the best solution. Switzerland is expensive and can break the bank if you’re not careful. So, after much consideration and breaking down and buying tickets, we spent a little more than we wanted, but it was the best and most affordable option for us, which included a boat tour across Lake Lucerne and a ride on Europe’s first BergBahn up to Mount Rigi-Kulm, nicknamed “Queen of the Mountains”.
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How to AVOID Looking Like a Tourist in Europe
Take a Boat Ride Across Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)
If you’re looking for things to do in Lucerne on a beautiful sunny day, then I would personally save a boat ride across the lake for a full day as long as you have at least 2 days in Lucerne, where you can really relax and enjoy all of the scenery instead of rushing through it. I would spend 1 day exploring Lucerne city and then another day for an excursion.
We decided to get up bright and early and head to the docks (parking at the Bahnhof Parkhaus) to buy our tickets. There are sooo many different options for a boat tour, depending on how much time and money you have.
- If you’re looking for a quick ride that is affordable then I highly recommend the Panorama-Yacht Saphir, which is a one hour tour around the arm of the lake that extends from Lucerne, gliding past the shores of beautiful towns, without stopping. Standard fare: 25 CHF per person
- If you have more time, then you can do a round trip tour and excursion. A bit like a hop-on-hop-off boat tour, you can stop at any of the towns along the way, and continue on before coming back to Lucerne. Prices vary, but for a round trip boat tour to Vitznau we paid 45 CHF each.
- If you’re interested, you could can get to Rigi from Lucerne as part of the Classic Rigi roundtrip, which includes the ferry on beautiful lake Lucerne, the cogwheel train up the mountain, and the cable car.
- **Wish I had known** – SBB (Swiss Railways) offers a discounted ticket, possibly up to 30% cheaper than usual prices.
As soon as you set off, you’ll float through the arm of Lake Lucerne and see some of the main sights of Lucerne off in the distance as well as some nice hotels lined along the edge of the lake. Within minutes, you’re out in the middle of the lake and the views will be absolutely magical!
A boat tour is a must no matter what while visiting Lucerne! The views are just stunning and the water shimmers turquoise in the sunlight! For good seats, obviously get in line early because everyone wants to sit at the back of the boat for the iconic picture of the the Swiss flag billowing in the wind with the Mount Pilatus in the backdrop. Honestly, Lucerne is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland and taking a boat tour in Lucerne is one of the best things to do around Lake Lucerne to take in the unparalleled beauty of the Swiss Alps!
You’ll pass by stunning scenery of the towns hugging the lake with lush green hills and see plenty of nice hotels and homes with private boat garages. It was also incredibly amazing to see just how turquoise-green the water was when the sun hit the water just right.
As you near Vitznau, you’ll see a very lovely hotel which stands out against any other building along the journey. That beautiful building is the Park Hotel Vitznau, a luxury hotel which open in 1903 with the rise of tourism to the region ever since Europe’s first cogwheel train opened and is rated as one of the top places to stay near Lucerne!
A Quick Glimpse of Vitznau
Tip: If you decide to do the BergBahn, buy your tickets at the docks when you buy your boat tickets. It’s a tad more expensive, but then you can directly catch the train up the mountain. Otherwise, you risk not making it on the train because the trains are aligned to depart within a few minutes after the ship arrives, and if you have to buy your ticket, you’ll miss out like we did and have to wait an extra hour!
So, should you miss the train, you’ll have an hour before the next one comes. You’ll be given a coupon for a free coffee from the Rigi-Kulm crew to enjoy while you wait, and you can grab some snacks from the convenient store. We grabbed a Toblerone, after all, we were in Switzerland, which we enjoyed by the shore of the lake, soaking up the summer-like spring weather we were having.
Ride up to Rigi-Kulm on Europe’s Oldest BergBahn
Opened in 1871, the Rigi-Kulm cogwheel was Europe’s first BergBahn and is an experience of it’s own. We paid: 25 CHF per person for the round trip journey on the cogwheel train, which we found to be an acceptable price for an amazing experience.
The cogwheel train moves at a leisurely pace that leaves enough time to take in the scenery and take plenty of photos as it climbs 1798 meters up to Mount Rigi. The route is brimming with quaint Swiss chalets, lush green patches, and a handful of happy cows and residents, which is exactly how I imagined it! It was honestly the epitome of the perfect Swiss experience and I still dream about these views! We saw many families together oohing and ahhing the whole way up, so I’d definitely say that this was one of the best things to do in Switzerland with kids!
The higher we got, the better the view. Once we reached the top, we were blown away by the magnitude of the breathtaking view that was before us. And we were surprised at how many people were at the top, yet how peaceful it still was. People were treating Mother Nature like a library. Enjoying peacefully and respecting every one else’s chance to enjoy the surrounding beauty. That, or they were too busy being amazed to actually be loud.
With jaw-dropping panoramas of two cantons, 13 lakes, 9 towns and innumerable other summits of the Swiss plateau and Alps, it’s often referred to as the “Queen of the Mountains” by locals. On clear day, you can see even as far as Germany and France! Although I’m sure that the views are stunning year round, visiting Switzerland in Spring has to be one of the best times to visit as you have a mixture of spring florals and still have some white capped mountains!
And yes, I was the only person at the top of the mountain in a sun dress and sandals while everyone else was in full-blown hiking gear looking at me like I was a lunatic! But it was perfect weather for a frolic around in the fields! I even thought about singing The Sound of Music, but thought I would be cheating on Salzburg or perhaps I was just having my Heidi-moment!
With views like this, it’s really no wonder why tourists have been flocking to this region for the last 200 years to enjoy that fresh Alpine air and endless hiking trails. Hiking in Switzerland is one of the most popular things to do, and how could you possibly disagree? Just look at those peaks and those killer views! I’d hike every day if I lived here! For those who live in this region, I can’t express enough how envious I am and how lucky they are! Another of the best things to do in Switzerland is clearly paragliding! We sat and watched paragliders take off every few minutes, zooming hither and tither across the Swiss countryside.
At the top, you’ll also find a hotel and restaurant to stop and enjoy should you have the time. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay all day and only had enough time to be up there for nearly an hour. We were incredibly sad to depart these majestic mountains, which were screaming to be enjoyed for hours upon end. Overall, it was an incredibly amazing experience even if it was a bit expensive. If I had to do it again, I would.
Tips for Your Day Excursion in Lucerne:
GO EARLY Try to catch an early train so that you can get off at several of the stops either by boat or on the cogwheel, expanding your excursion to include other towns along the lake or viewpoints on the mountain.
PACK SUNSCREEN/CHAPSTICK Remember that you will be a mile up the mountain (2km) and the sun will be stronger and the wind will make your lips raw and red.
PACK A PICNIC We saw several people bringing up baskets to enjoy a small picnic, which is far more enjoyable and cheaper!
If you’re interested in visiting Switzerland and are looking for more information, I highly recommend using the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide or the Lonely Plant Travel Guide! Without these guides, I would be lost! These are my travel Bibles!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!
Switzerland Travel Itineraries:
Make the Most of Your Trip to Lucerne
Visiting Appenzell & Hiking Ebenalp to the Aescher
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I’m happy you’ve enjoyed your trip to Rigi. It is a lovely place to visit. Love your photos! 🙂
I would just like to add, there is an Rigi trip offer by the SBB (Swiss Railways). It offers all the transportation tickets to Rigi Kulm for discounted price. I think it is up to 30% cheaper from the usual prices. It can be purchased at the Swiss train stations and I think is the cheapest option currently available for day-trippers without the Swiss Pass.
Oh I wish I had known that! We tried for the longest time to find the most affordable way to go up! The boat ride was the most expensive part!
I know. 🙁 Next time when in Switzerland (especially if you’re in Lucerne), don’t hesitate to contact me. After living here for some time, I’ve mastered finding the best deals for day-trips. 😉
I will keep that in mind! I’m currently trying to make a list of my favorite bloggers for each country in Europe so that I can be sure to read their blogs before I go! I’ll put you under Switzerland! 🙂
Oh, so sweet of you. Thank you. 🙂
Hi there
sorry to butt into a thread, I am planning a three days trip to Switzerland very soon. I read about the swiss pass bing the most economical way to travel between cities, and I also read that the Trip to Mount Rigi is covered in the Swiss Pass , is that correct?
I have always wanted to visit Switzerland, and now when i am finally going, i have read and have been told that it is very expensive there :(. But will still try to have a great time keeping costs to a minimum.
Any advise would be much appreciated.
Love this post BTW very nicely explained , i am going to save this and use your tips for my travel.
Sorry, I never bought the Swiss Pass so idk what that includes, but yes, Switzerland is very expensive! As for advice, if you plan to visit any other countries prior to Switzerland, I’d stock up on some snacks before crossing the border, and save drinking alcohol for another country! Good luck and have fun!
What amazing photos, it looks so gorgeous, I would love to go there too specially in Spring with all these beautiful flowers
Have a fabulous week lovely
Nuria xxx
http://www.travelera.es
gorgeous views! #citytripping
Wow! Those views really are something! I feel more relaxed just looking at your pictures and well done on getting the best seat to capture the Swiss flag and mountains on your boat tour. You’ve definitely made me want to visit. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Glad I could entice you! 🙂
I feel like I should be spinning around on a meadow and singing, with those vistas around me! 🙂
I certainly did! I start singing Sound of Music whenever I get the chance!
Wow those snow capped mountains are picture book perfect! What a beautiful train ride. I love it that everyone else was in hiking gear – you go girl! I’d want to do the boat ride and the train ride both look fabulous. #CityTripping
Great photos and a top tip about the picnic #CityTripping
My Mum lives near Lucerne so I go often – this is a beautiful trip to take! There is so much to see and do and it’s such a stunning part of the world! I wish it was a bit cheaper – we went up Pilatus last summer again and wow is it costly! Worth it though! Your photographs are beautiful by the way.
Oh your mom is so lucky! We wanted to go up Pilatus but couldn’t really find an affordable way that wouldn’t break the bank on this sporadic trip!
This is such a great post, I really want to do this outing now! Such stunning views and you look gorgeous in that dress #citytripping
Thank you! I highly recommend going!!
I can already tell I’ve not allotted enough time in Switzerland this summer…I don’t even think I will make it to Lucerne! But your pictures are lovely, and I’m sure I’ll still see great scenery while hiking for two weeks in the area!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Oh bummer! But Switzerland had so many beautiful spots, I’m sure you’ll hardly miss Lucerne!
Wow, simply stunning! Looks out of a fairly tale. Between the boat ride and the train up the mountain, it sounds like the absolute perfect day out. Your photos are breathtaking. #theweeklypostcard
Thank you Corey! It was really way more breathtaking than I could have imagined!
This is an excellent post of ideas on what to do. This certainly is a beautiful part of the world. Have pinned for future reference. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Such a detailed post. Thank you for all the tips about how to get the best deals. I’ll be sure to pin it for later! #theweeklypostcard
Hope it comes in handy one day! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, so beautiful! I agree you must do a boat ride, there really is a lot to see in that area. The mountains are just amazing. #TheWeeklyPostcard.
What a beautiful area to explore! We LOVE Switzerland. We spent so much time in Engelberg recent years (and I can confirm that Mt Titlis is definitely worth a visit), but the nearby Lucerne has been years ago. This trip, as well as the one to Mt Pilatus both look amazing, so maybe next time we’ll finally make time for it.
I’ve not visited Switzerland before but I’m really keen to explore in the summer when I can enjoy views like these! I loved the pictures of the BergBahn, I think I would enjoy that a lot. Your pictures are great and certainly do a fab job of tempting me to hop on a plane!
This looks wonderful – exactly how I would picture Switzerland! Haha I’ve already been on hikes wearing sandals as well, who cares what other people think right 🙂
We took a trip to Switzerland a couple of years ago and also visited Lucerne. I loved everything about this country (except for the big prices we paid almost everywhere). I’d love to go to Mount Rigi as well. Your pictures are gorgeous! #TheWeeklyPostcard
We would go more often if it wasn’t for how expensive it is!
Lovely pics and some really great tips for money and time-saving. Thanks for that, it sounds like you learnt some of them the hard way. 🙂
Wish I´d visit the Rigi-Kulm cogwheel on BergBahn! Missed it out when in Lucern! The price is quite worth it (and comparing to swiss prices in general)! The views are stunning! pinned #feetdotravel
Oh bummer! Just an excuse to go back!
How lovely Lucerne looks and such wonderful activities. Great information with links and pinned this for later use. I must make another visit to Switzerland to spend the day using your tips exploring this city. Thanks for sharing 🙂 #feetdotravel
We were at Lucerne last summer and absolutely loved it. We spent one day on Mt. Pilatus and a Lake Lucerne cruise. Gorgeous!
What a beautiful day trip! Park Hotel Vitznau is gorgeous and I can see you singing The Sound of Music on the hill, you were perfectly dressed for it! What a lovely day! Pinned for future reference #feetdotravel
All I know is the weather said sunny and 70*F, so when packing I brought out my yellow dress which somehow seems wrong to wear in the dark gloomy winter!
The day trip from Lucerne to Lake Lucerne and Mount Riga looks like a worthwhile trip. You had a wonderful day and captured some wonderful images from the lake.
Great stuff. I’ve only briefly visited Switzerland and didn’t get the chance to explore much. Your photos look great. Made me realise I need to get back there one day.
Hope you get the chance to return!
What an amazing view and such a cute dress! Totally worth all the weird looks ha!
Your outfit is so cute! And the spring flowers really make it more lovely (not that the scenery isn’t gorgeous to start with). #wanderfulwednesday
Thank you! I had been waiting all winter to wear it! 🙂
Well the wait was worth it because it looks beautiful on you!
Go early is right my friend! It is my number one travel tip. The other one is to take it slow and so I am a bit annoyed we rushed through Lucerne and missed this experience. Looks Swiss-tastic! #farawayfiles
I was just telling my husband, I think we need to slow it down even more so we’re not rushing through towns. Really take it all in!
That is beautiful scenery! And good tips on timing the train, and the discount tickets. But what we’re taking away from this is Toblerone in Switzerland. Win! 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Food is always the best part of traveling!
Fantastic – great photos of an idyllic place and excellent tips too. I love the idea of treating Mother Nature like a library.
I think I sang The Hills are Alive when we were up a mountain in Austria – nowhere near Salzburg but it had to be done!
#farawayfiles
It had to be done! Naturally! 🙂
Your dress is so super cute and you’re looking ready for spring!!
Thank you! I was praying for sunshine!
I love a boat ride, especially when the weather is this gorgeous!! And a proper train trip in the mountains of Switzerland is on my bucket list anyway! I took the train from Germany to France once and we passed Switzerland and enjoyed some incredible views but I was 16 back then and have forgotten most of it so I need to do it properly one day!
You certainly chose the right trip to do, Lori, and managed to have that quintessential Swiss experience. I love the idea of a boat trip and a train up into the mountains for that Heidi moment. Just love your photos too. Fabulous share for #FarawayFiles
Thank you! We got lucky with the beautiful weather we had so we knew we had to take advantage of this summer like spring weather we had!
Thanks for all your tips. Can’t wait to visit. The boat trip looks like a must do for sure. And of course, the mountains, any way I can get to them, but the train rides seem to be the way to go. Such a beautiful place!
Switzerland looks like such a dream! All of your pictures are unbelievable. THey look like they’re straight out of a storybook. I dropped sooooo much cash when I visited Switzerland, so it’s nice to see someone highlight some (kind of) budget friendly activities (well as budget friendly as you can get in Switzerland) hehe .. Love your little yellow dress too 😀
Ya we spent way more than we had intended but it was worth it!
Usually, when someone travels to Switzerland you will always hear that a visit to Lake Lucerne is a must. Lake Lucerne looks enchanting and romantic as it is. We had a lovely time when we were there. But by just reading your blog post a visit to Mount Rigi is a must too.We missed it last time.
Sound of Music childhood fantasies realised!! Love the idea of going on that old train, particularly with sufficient time to take photos which is very important for us bloggers. Stunning views!
So glad you managed to find an affordable way to make it up into the mountains. The scenery from Rigi looks incredible and very Swiss! 25chf for the Bergbahn return seems like a steal for Switzerland and had no idea that was where the oldest one was. Seems like a nice weekend indeed 🙂
The Bergbahn wasn’t such a bad price, it was the boat ride that was just ridiculous expensive! Hope you can go while you’re back in Switzerland!
Lucerne looks like a beautiful city and the lake would be incredible to explore. Really cool that you got to venture even further afield and experience some of the stunning vistas Switzerland is so famous for. Thanks for sharing!
You lucked out with the weather! Love the idea of touring by boat! Stunning mountain scenery that has my wanderlust for Switzerland once again in high gear. Thanks for sharing – great tips Lorelei! #FarawayFiles, Erin
Hope the tips come in handy one day! 🙂
I’m loving those mountain views and wildflowers. This would be an incredible place to hike, and I hope we are lucky to visit one day. Awesome post 🙂
These pictures are amazing! Switzerland is such a beautiful country and I would love to spend a good amount of time visiting the mountains and lakes!
What a picturesque boat ride 🙂 Was it a difficult hike? Love your outfit, btw. The views certainly look worth the climb.
We didn’t hike, we took the cogwheel train up. Then we walked around for about an hour which was still a little steep but easy!
Wow, absolutely beautiful, I can imagine how fresh the alpine air is! I had visited Switzerland back in 2008 – you’re right, it’s very expensive, lol – but worth the money spent because the cities and the mountainous areas are pristine clean and breathtakingly gorgeous 🙂
we also took the boat, but to Weggis. Then the cable car and the cogwheel up to Riggi. On the way back we went to Goldau and with the regular train back to Lucerne. It was a fantastic day outing!!