How to Plan the Perfect City Break

Table of Contents

Some posts on this website include affiliate hyperlinks. In the event you ebook or purchase one thing via these hyperlinks, I earn a small fee (at no additional value to you). Check out my privateness coverage for extra data.

Every little thing you want to provide help to plan the right winter metropolis break in Lucerne, Switzerland…

Lucerne seems like a scene from a postcard! A fairytale metropolis centre, with historic structure lined in vibrant frescos and centuries-old lined bridges spanning a large river… all of it neglected by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Perched on the tip of a sprawling lake, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, this excellent previous metropolis has rather a lot to supply at any time of yr. Whereas most vacationers go to in spring and summer time, winter has some very totally different charms: snowy landscapes, hearty Swiss meals, and a wealthy programme of festivals and occasions.

In the event you love the thought of cosying up in historic eating places with a bowl of fondue, exploring cobbled streets with a cup of takeaway gluhwein in hand, or taking a ship experience to gaze up at dramatic mountainscapes – that is the town break for you!

Right here’s my information that will help you plan the right winter getaway in Lucerne. Get pleasure from…

My Christmas journey to Lucerne was supported by Go to Lucerne. As at all times, all phrases and opinions are my very own.

Lucerne Winter Climate & Finest Time to Go

Lucerne experiences chilly winters, with common temperatures starting from roughly -1°C (30°F) to five°C (41°F). January is often the coldest month, with lows round -3°C (27°F) and highs close to 3°C (38°F).

Snowfall is widespread throughout this era, particularly from November to March, with December typically seeing the very best common snowfall of about 7 cm (2.9 inches).

Supply = Weatherspark

When to Go

gloved hand holding a paper cup with red wine in front of a dark blue lake at night time with city lights out of focus on the far side of the lake.

December is maybe one of the best month to expertise winter in Lucerne. Count on snowy circumstances, numerous festive allure, and several other Christmas markets… all of the makings of an ideal festive getaway.

Though chilly, January is one other nice time to profit from winter in Lucerne. In January, the town shines due to the Lilu Mild Pageant, which sees artists from everywhere in the world embellish the town with distinctive mild artwork installations.

Lastly, the ski season round Lake Lucerne usually spans from late November to early April, various by resort and annual climate circumstances.

Why Go to Lucerne in Winter

large white manor type building with a grey roof at the foot of a towering mountain with snowy peaks. There is a still grey lake in front.

With a postcard-perfect backdrop of snowy mountains (and an excellent likelihood of snowfall within the metropolis), Lucerne is the best place for a winter getaway – whether or not you’re in search of a festive break in December or a metropolis break in January/February to beat these post-Christmas blues! Listed here are some nice causes to go to in winter…

Christmas Markets and different festive occasions (throughout December).

January’s Lilu Mild Pageant

Snowy landscapes and mountain adventures by rail or cable automobile.

There are fewer vacationers round (aside from the Christmas interval). Whereas the close by ski resorts are busy, January to March is the “low season” for the town itself.

Lodging and flights are (normally) cheaper this time of yr because it’s the low season. Once more, the Christmas interval is an exception.

Swiss delicacies is at its greatest in winter: numerous melted tacky treats (raclette anybody?) and hearty Alpine dishes. Carry your urge for food!

Issues to do in Lucerne in Winter

1. Discover the Outdated City

Square in Lucerne Old Town with dark grey flagstone floor. There is an old building with a grey stone facade, the top three floors are painted cream with a colourful mural depicting knights in armour and deer.

Lucerne’s Altstadt (Outdated City) is a beautiful, fairytale setting, thought-about one of many prettiest previous cities in Switzerland. After a stroll via its picturesque cobbled streets, you’ll shortly see why!

This compact city-centre is filled with historic buildings and half-timber homes, a lot of them adorned with vibrant frescos. These intricately-painted, multi-storey murals depict varied scenes from Lucerne’s historical past and tradition.

You’ll discover a number of the greatest examples surrounding the Weinmarkt: the previous fish market and one of many metropolis’s prettiest plazas. Look out for the elaborately carved fountain right here, which dates from 1481.

2. Uncover Lucerne’s Coated Bridges

Covered wooden bridge over a river at night with a circular stone water tower behind, both have red tilded roofs. The city lights on the far side of the river are reflected in the river. — Chapel Bridge and Water Tower at night time in December

Maybe probably the most iconic sight in Lucerne is the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge); a lined wood footbridge spanning the River Reuss alongside a historic stone water tower. The bridge dates from the early 14th century, though it needed to be restored after a devastating hearth in 1993.

Simply upriver lies one other lined bridge, the Spreuerbrücke (Spreuer Bridge or Chaff Bridge). This one is much less recognized than Chapel Bridge, however equally as pretty, with charming views of the Outdated City and the river’s Needle Dam.

emily walking through a wooden covered bridge with her hands in her pockets. The floor is wooden and there is a triangular wooden roof above, while the sides of the bridge are open with a view of a riverside building beyond. Emily is wearing a grey winter coat, a long leopard print skirt, brown leather boots, a grey wool bobble hat and an orange scarf. — Spreuer Bridge

Each bridges are adorned with a sequence of painted wood panels. The work on Chapel Bridge depict occasions from the town’s historical past, whereas the sequence on Spreuer Bridge types a “Dance of Demise”. Learn extra in regards to the work right here.

High Tip: Head to the neighbouring footbridge (Rathaussteg) for a view of the Chapel Bridge and the water tower with snow-capped mountains past.

3. Take a Boat Journey on Lake Lucerne

Looking along the side of a boat on a lake with very calm grey water and a mountain range beyond. It is a cold day in winter with grey sky above Lake Lucerne.

You may suppose a lake cruise is extra of a summer time exercise. However with the encompassing mountains and forests dusted with snow, Lake Lucerne turns into an ideal winter wonderland – one which’s greatest loved from the water!

Lake Lucerne Navigation Firm runs a number of cruises and spherical journeys on the lake. I like to recommend the Quick Lake Cruise to Beckenried and again, which takes round 2.5 hours and has a full restaurant on board. Maintain cosy with a mug of scorching chocolate (or a pleasant glass of wine) and a pastry when you watch the breathtaking mountain views glide previous outdoors.

small white mug filled with hot chocolate on a plate on a wooden table next to a window. There are some paper christmas decorations of an angel and two christmas trees on the window ledge. Outside is a view of a lake and mountains.

High tip: The cruises run forwards and backwards a number of instances a day, so you may even hop off in one of many lakeside cities to discover earlier than heading again to Lucerne.

4. Go Ice Skating

Outdoor ice rink at night lit up in blue with star-shaped patterns on the floor and blurry human figures skating by. There is a large Christmas tree covered in yellow lights behind.

Lucerne’s annual outside ice rink on the Europaplatz is an actual deal with, situated on the lakeside close to the KKL (Tradition and Congress Centre). Count on attractive views of the lake, particularly after darkish, when the town lights are mirrored within the water.

Eiszauber (Ice Magic Lucerne) runs from round mid-November till the beginning of January. Higher nonetheless, the ice rink is free – though you do should pay for skate rental except you’ve gotten your individual. There’s a splendidly festive environment across the rink, which is surrounded by meals stalls and chalets.

High tip: In the event you miss the short-term winter iced rink, there’ i’s additionally an indoor ice rink on the town; Eiszentrum Lucerne.

5. Take in the view from Lodge Chateau Gutsch

View of Lucerne city centre and the neighbouring lake from a hilltop on a grey overcast day in winter. The view is seen through a red wooden frame with a white sign on top that says Luzern, and white letters below that reading Grand Tour of Switzerland.

On the lookout for among the finest views in Lucerne? Hop aboard the Gütsch Funicular for a fast, 1.5-minute experience as much as Lodge Chateau Gütsch.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, this iconic resort has beautiful views throughout Lucerne to the lake and surrounding mountains. This view is much more particular in winter, when the close by peaks are dusted with snow!

There’s a small woodland on the high should you fancy a stroll, or you may merely head to the resort’s terrace to soak within the view. There’s additionally a restaurant and bar on the resort if you wish to profit from your journey!

Data: The Funicular is unmanned and operates like a carry (elevator), so that you push a button to name it. A single experience is 3 CHF, or you should buy a 1-hour Zone 10 cross for 4.80 CHF. You should purchase tickets on the close by Gütsch bus cease. The funicular is free with a Swiss Go.

6. Don’t miss the Lucerne Lion

Emily standing in front of a small pond with a sheer grey rock face behind. There is a statue of a sleeping lion carved into the rock. Emily has her hands in her coat pockets and is wearing a burgundy jumper, an orange scarf, a grey wooly bobble hat, a leopard print skirt, and brown boots.

The Lion Monument is among the high sights in Lucerne at any time of yr, and in reality it’s probably the most well-known monuments in Switzerland – so don’t miss it!

It’s a sculpture of a lion carved instantly right into a sheer rock cliff face. It was carved in 1820–21 as a memorial for the Swiss Guards who have been killed through the French Revolution in 1792.

7. Benefit from the Christmas Markets (should you’re visiting in December)

Small wooden hut painted green with a sign on the rood reading "Raclette". The hut is surrounded by small christmas trees with string ligths running overhead. It is night time and several people are standing in front of the hut at tall wooden tables.

From the tip of November and all through December, Lucerne hosts a handful of improbable Christmas markets and occasions – excellent for entering into the festive spirit!

The principle choices are Lucerne Christmas Market, (Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt) held in entrance of the Franziskanerkirche church, and Rudolf’s Christmas Spectacle (Rudolf’s Weihnacht) held on the lakeside in Inseli Park.

READ MORE: I’ve written a separate put up all about Christmas in Lucerne, click on right here to learn it for more information.

close up of a small green coloured statue of a man holding a goose under each arm. There are pastel painted buildings out of focus behind. — Hirschenplatz Sq. within the Outdated City

The place to Keep in Lucerne

My high tip can be to decide on a resort proper within the metropolis centre, to keep away from having to stroll too far within the chilly climate.

The world between the prepare station and the Outdated City, on the south facet of the river, is a superb spot. It will put you inside strolling distance of the station while you arrive, but additionally of all of the Christmas Markets and sights.

Lodge Waldstätterhof

looking up at the front of Hotel Waldstätterhof in Lucerne, a grand building with red bricks and turrets on the roof.

On my journey to Lucerne in December, I stayed at Lodge Waldstätterhof. It couldn’t be in a greater location: nearly reverse the prepare station and a few 10-minute stroll from the Outdated City and the KKL (and each Christmas markets!).

Whereas the resort is a really historic one, courting from 1870 and housed in a fabulously grand constructing, the inside could be very fashionable – so that you get one of the best of each worlds. I cherished the sense of character and historical past upon getting into the constructing! The rooms are surprisingly spacious for a metropolis centre resort and are very cozy. I had an incredible keep right here and would fortunately advocate it.

What to Eat in Lucerne

Recangular plate with a puff pastry pie next to some meat and vegetables in a creamy sauce. There is a small glass of red wine next to the plate and the rest of the restaurant is out of focus beyond. — Chugelipastete – Lucerne’s conventional meat pie!

Winter’s chilly climate is the right time to get pleasure from these hearty Alpine dishes like cheese fondue, raclette, and Swiss chocolate. And also you don’t have to enter the mountains to search out it – Lucerne is well-known for its wonderful gastronomy and there’s no scarcity of improbable spots to strive the native delicacies.

Right here’s what you NEED to strive when you’re in Lucerne…

Fondue – melted cheese and wine served in an enormous pot with bread, potatoes, and/or meat to dip.

Raclette – melted cheese normally served with potatoes, pickles and cured meat.

Älplermagronen – a Swiss tackle macaroni cheese, with pasta and potatoes in a tacky sauce topped with crispy onions (and typically bacon bits). It’s typically served with apple compote.

Swiss Rösti – potato cake. The most effective type is made with mountain cheese and bacon and topped with an egg – strive the one at Lodge Waldstätterhof’s Gleis 1 restaurant.

Chugelipastete – this dish is exclusive to Lucerne. It’s a meat pie encased in puff pastry with a creamy sauce and booze-soaked raisins. Strive it on the cosy Lodge Wilden Mann.

Gluhwein – scorching wine (white or crimson). Plenty of cafes serve it to remove throughout winter.

Swiss Chocolate – Lindt is probably the most well-known model, however there’s additionally Cailler, Läderach, Sprüngli, and extra. There’s even a Swiss Chocolate Journey on the Verkehrshaus Museum!

What to Pack for Winter in Lucerne

Emily standing on the stern of a boat facing the camera with a view of the lake and snowcapped mountains nehind her and a small town at the edge of the lake. She is wearing a long grey winter coat with a fur lined hood, a dark teal wool dress, black leggings, brown leather boots and a light grey hat. The swiss flag is flying from the back of the boat next to her.

Lucerne could be fairly chilly in winter! Pack heat garments and loads of layers, together with a few thermal layers.

It’s a really walkable metropolis, however there are many cobbled streets and issues could be slippery if there’s ice – so depart the heels at dwelling! Go for an honest pair of shoes (with thick boot socks), ideally ones which are cozy and have good grip (in case of snow).

Outfit concepts: 1. Staff an extended skirt with a long-sleeved high and a jumper (and put on leggings, thermals, or thick tights beneath). 2. Heat denims or easy black trousers, plus a long-sleeved high and a jumper. Throw some thermals on beneath if it’s notably chilly. 3. A heat gown (I’ve a woollen gown which I LOVE) teamed with a thermal base layer.

Packing Record

Your chosen outfits (see above)

Heat mackintosh – ideally one designed for snowy climates. I’ve a Roxy Snow Jacket and it’s excellent for winter metropolis breaks like this.

Hat

Scarf

Gloves

Thermal leggings

At the least one jumper/sweater – wool is greatest for maintaining heat, alternatively fleece.

Boots – cozy with good grip.

If the forecast is for heavy snow throughout your go to, think about a pair of snow boots. The Trespass Girls’s Stavra are a discount and actually cozy.

Boot socks – I CANNOT advocate Darn Powerful socks sufficient – they’re so cozy and heat!

Learn Extra

Bought a query about visiting Lucerne throughout winter? Scroll down to depart me a remark and I’ll attempt to assist!

I hope you discovered this information helpful – and have a tremendous time exploring Lucerne. Beneath you will discover hyperlinks to a couple of my different posts about Switzerland, in case you’ve gotten extra time to discover…

Christmas in Lucerne

A Fantastic Winter Weekend Metropolis Break in Lausanne

12 of the Finest Eating places in Lausanne

Summer time in Verbier