To me, it’s known as Lucerne, but it doesn’t get confused if you hear Luzern in German and Lucerna in the Italian language. This city is surrounded by the rugged mountains of the Swiss Alps and Lucerne Lake. The River Reuss cuts through the old town, the most photographed wooden Chapel Bridge bridge, vibrant waterfronts restaurants, and the most interesting snowy peaks such as Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus, popular day trip destinations. In addition, there are many smaller towns surrounding the huge lake, and Lucerne is one of the largest cities which serves as a transport hub in central Switzerland.
No doubt Switzerland is a beautiful country. Every time I visit one of those romantic swiss escapes, it continues to surprise me with its jaw-dropping natural beauty, and Lucerne is nothing less. So enjoying a few days in lovely Lucerne on a stunning lake surrounded by magnificent mountains was unforgettable. I have no words or photos that can come close to what I have experienced in real life, but the pictures I captured can definitely help me prevent my memory from fading away over the years. It is absolutely a photographer’s paradise because there are stunning panoramic views to capture in every direction you look and every turn you make. Or regardless you are a photographer or not; you can spend hours pondering the heartfelt, natural beauty surrounding you.
Sharing A Few Pictures From The Lucerne Trip
Day Trip to Mount Rigi
One of the most exciting things you can ever do while you are visiting Lucerne is to visit Mt. Rigi, also known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” The mountain rises high above the surrounding lakes and offers stunning views from the hilly landscape in the north to the impressive summits of the Alps in the South.
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How to Get to Mt. Rigi
There is a different way of getting to Mt Riggi from Lucerne. Our trip involved three modes of transportation – on the way up there, we took a boat from Lucerne, crossed Lake Lucerne to Vitznau (about 60 minutes), and then took a cogwheel train from Vitznau to the top of Rigi (about 30 minutes). On the way down, we took the same cogwheel train down only halfway to Rigi Kaltbad (about 10 min), and from there took a gondola/cable car down to the town of Weggis (about 10 min), from Weggis, where we took another boat back to Lucerne. Details below:
Outbound Trip: Lucerne to Vitznau by boat, Vitznau Station to Mt. Rigi summit by Cogwheel train
Return Trip: Mt. Rigi Summit to Kaltbad by Cogwheel train, Kaltbad Cable car station to Weggis by Cable Car, Weggis Pier to Lucerne by boat
The mountain rises high above the surrounding lakes and offers stunning views from the hilly landscape in the north to the impressive summits of the Alps in the South.
What to Expect During the Trip
It was early August; what to expect other than crowded tourist attractions in Switzerland. On the morning of departure to Mt Rigi, Lucerne was hit by heavy fog. We took the 1st boat that sailed at 08:12 to Vitznau and from Vitznau by cogwheel train up to Mt Rigi. As the boat left the docks of Lucerne, I felt good looking at the weather, and the Sun had already come out.
The winds were chilly on Lake Lucerne, and most passengers were smart enough to hide in the warmth of the boat’s interior. However, a few brave ones, including me, sat outside because I could not afford to miss the unbelievable view surrounding the lake. Eventually, the fog started clearing up as we approached closer to Vitznau.
The boat pulled into Vitznau at 9:00 am, where we made a transfer onto the next leg of the trip, the cogwheel train or the Vitznau-Rigi Bahn. The cogwheel train was already waiting at the station. I ventured out of the Vitznau station and explored some beautiful neighborhoods. The experience was so beautiful and different from what I am used to.
The landscape on our way from steep uphill was fantastic, in fact, beyond my expression. I could say the best experience of my life. However, I had a hard time managing my time between enjoying the moments as well as capturing the moments through my lenses. For the best views over Lake Lucerne, take a seat on the left-hand side of the train. I was just standing and moving around to make my shots throughout the entire 45 minutes journey.
Kaltbad-First Station
After about 15 minutes, we reached Kaltbad-First station, connecting to the aerial cableway down to Weggis. So that is what we will take on our way back—such a beautiful place. Sometimes you just need to forget your schedule and plan and just try to enjoy the moment.
From Kaltbad, the train continued to the top, and at about 10 am, we arrived at Rigi Kulm at an elevation of 1752 meters (5750 feet).
Arrived at Rigi Klum
Soon we stepped out of the train; we could feel the air, which was so pure and fresh. It was sunny, but I could see the cloud on the horizon moving toward us so fast. It was a great feeling to be in the cloud and feel the freshness, and that experience was so unbelievably unique.
We started to explore around, trying to discover the area covered with fog, places unknown to us, so every moment was precious despite the pain of hiking up the hill.
The Sun came out, and even though the sun started shining brightly again, it was still pretty cold due to the wind chill. The moving clouds rolled in and covered the entire area from time to time, and it was such a beautiful scene. Mount Rigi offers a wide variety of activities, such as hiking, walking on trails, biking, and mini-golfing. In addition, there were a number of cafes and restaurants to sit back and relax after a stiff climb.
Having Lunch at The Top of The World
I could not resist but try out one of the local wines; it was so delicious you need to try it to believe the great experience.
Time For Us to Head Back Down
I could hear the sound of cowbells coming from the nearby field, which was blanketed by moving clouds. It was still early morning. We could see the ‘sea of clouds’ come and go. The scenery from the top was breathtaking. After spending 2 hours up there, we took the noon train down to Kaltbad-First station.
Get the Cable Car from Kaltbad-First station.
We arrived at Kaltbad-First station but still needed to wait for the next available Cable car down to Weggis. We had some time to explore the surroundings of Kaltbad village. Finally, time for us to take the cable care down. The view from the car down was fantastic. I enjoyed the spectacular view of Lake Lucerne and the villages surrounding the lake.
Weggis by Lake Lucern
We arrived at Weggis a little early, so we needed to wait for the next boat to Lucerne to show up. Weggis is a small town, and there are few hotels around and great-looking restaurants around the boat terminal.
The view around Weggis was spectacular, and undoubtedly the lake was beautiful.
Where to stay in Lucerne, Switzerland
Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora, Lucerne
Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora is conveniently located in the Lucerne Metro Area, and this property puts you close to attractions. Conveniently located in the Luzern Metro Area, the famous Chapel Bridge and the railway station are only minutes away. This 4-star property features restaurant to make your stay more indulgent and memorable. They provide parking at the hotel, which is good news for those guests who are driving. We definitely enjoyed our stay here.
Ibis Budget Luzern City, Lucerne
The Ibis Budget Hotel Luzern City is a short 15-minute walk from Lucerne Main Train Station, Lake Lucerne, and the Old Town. There are direct bus services to the train station from Brunigstresse Bus Stop (line 4) right outside the hotel. The famous attractions such as the Chapel Bridge over the Reuss River and the most photographed iconic water tower are just half a mile away. You will find A grocery store next to the hotel. Above all, the hotel is in a perfect area to explore Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most charming and cultural sights and attractions. If you are driving on-site public parking is available at less than CHF 20 per day.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Lucerne, Switzerland? Any cool tips to share?
I loved being in Lucerne Switzerland, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit Switzerland.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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Nice post, very informative!
Did you buy your boat/ train/ cable cars the day of? Or did you purchase in advance?
Hello Chev, thank you for the message. We actually bought the tickets on the day of our trip from the counter right next to the Pier.
Very nice post DZ, in fact I was trying to copy your itenary for my day 2 in Lucerne. I had to read few times to get my understanding right though. Keep it up..
Thank you so much for your comment GB, appreciate it. There are different ways to get there and back. Regardless how you are going up there you will definitely enjoy the trip, no doubt about it. Have fun!
thanks so much for a great review! after reading many different forums i have decided on the same route =) Would you consider it a half day trip or did it take most of the day?
Also can i ask if you used a swiss pass or tell pass? i’ve also looked at the mt rigi railway day ticket and was considering it as as option.