Lucerne - Swiss winter delights

Flight from the UK to Zurich airport with rail travel to Lucerne (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes).

Check in to your hotel and enjoy your first look around Lucerne, the famously picturesque old town in the heart of Switzerland. Here you will find the Chapel Bridge in all its winter glory and historic buildings with their frosty rooftops, charming streets with chocolatiers and boutiques, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. You can sit in a riverside café, or wander along the mystical lakeside as the fog lifts over Lake Lucerne and see the snow capped mountains beyond. 

Helpful links 

Lucerne resort page & hotels

Central Switzerland excursions

Lucerne Blog 

With such a beautiful winter scene right on your doorstep, you’ll likely want to spend your first day exploring it. The boat station, often dusted with a light coating of snow, is conveniently located beside the railway station. With the Tell Pass, you can hop on and off one of the lake cruises as you wish, surrounded by the crisp winter air.

As you sail further from Lucerne, the mountains rise higher, their peaks gleaming with fresh snow, and the views become ever more spectacular. For a shorter outing, consider the cosy 2½ hour round-trip cruise from Lucerne to Beckenried. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking winter mountain scenery and the serene beauty of wintry shores reflected in the calm, icy waters of the lake.

Or, why not hop off at one of the stops along the Swiss Trail route? Enjoy a scenic winter walk along frosted paths before taking the boat back to Lucerne, with the winter sun glinting off the peaks and the lake’s surface shimmering like glass.

Please check the boat timetable for winter departures.

Known locally as Lucerne’s 'Dragon Mountain', Mount Pilatus is just a short train ride away. Travel to Kriens with your Tell Pass, and after a brief walk you then board the 30-minute cable car ride. As you ascend, take in the breathtaking views over the landscape below.

Once you reach the summit, an entire world of magic and mystery unfolds around you. Wander across the enchanting woodland, or slip into a winter dream as you try snowshoeing for the first time - exploring serene, snow-covered alpine landscape.

From January to April, ‘Breathe with Pilatus’ graces the mountain. The Walk in the Cloud experience invites you into an intimate, multi-sensory space where gentle textiles and soft sounds are perfect to help you slow down and be in the moment. And when you’ve uncovered the mountain’s most magical corners, end your journey with a traditional, local Swiss cheese fondue in the mountaintop restaurant, savouring the moment.

If you are celebrating, how about pre-booking the Champagne Basket package? Cosy up under a warm blanket in the cable car and add a touch of luxury to your journey to the summit ... sipping Champagne as you admire the panoramic views. Whether you're marking a milestone or simply escaping the everyday, this is an experience you’ll cherish forever. Prices on request.

What will today bring? How about a memorable scenic rail journey on the Luzern-Interlaken Express, which is included with your Tell Pass. In under two hours, you could be exploring another fantastic destination - Interlaken, taking in views of the snow-capped Bernese Alps including the Jungfrau. Or you may prefer to stay local on your last full day. Are you brave enough to take a refreshing dip in Lake Lucerne? Here, the water has a crisp average temperature of 4 degrees - why not hire a sauna boat and watch the snowy shoreline glide by as you relax in the gentle warmth of the sauna?

Or you could explore Lucerne’s many museums. The Glacier Garden in the Old Town offers a fascinating journey back through time, while other museums provide inviting hideaways from the winter chill. The Museum Of Transport is always a favourite - and its Lindt chocolate attraction adds a deliciously sweet note to a day spent discovering Switzerland's famous transportation system.

Included in your holiday is the Tell Pass, giving you endless opportunities to explore Lucerne and beyond. With something to suit all ages and interests, you’ll find plenty to do on this unforgettable short break.