Lucerne’s Lakes and Mountains

Known as the pearl of Switzerland, Lucerne sits proudly on the peaceful Lucerne Lake or, to the locals, Vierwaldstättersee, which dominates the area. Perfectly poised at the foot of the Alps in the Swiss-German speaking part of central Switzerland. It is almost cliché, with its Steamers gently cutting through the alpine blue water, linking Lucerne to traditional little villages that surround the lake. Jagged mountain peaks, including Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, dominate the skyline, framing this beautiful area perfectly.

Macs Adventure has been creating trips in Switzerland since 2008, which highlight the best hand-picked accommodations and some of the best walks in the region. Our team can answer any question; simply ask your Destination and Adventure Specialist, who will be more than happy to help.

Spend a long weekend in the region on our Lucerne's Lakes and Mountains Short Break, or if you have more time, embark on our week-long Lucerne's Lakes and Mountains tour. Both take advantage of the well-connected region travel by train, boat and cable car on this immersive Swiss experience. Get away from the tourist hotspots as on the trails, and your only company will be a few locals and some Swiss Alpine cows.

Discover Lucerne

  • The must-see sites of Lucerne
    The must-see sites of Lucerne

    The Pearl of Switzerland, also known as Lucerne or Luzern (in German) lies at the north end of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstätter See) where the River Reuss flows out of the lake. The town, with its well-preserved medieval core, elegant historic buildings, and genial atmosphere, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland. 

    The must-see sites in the city are:

    Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)

    The most characteristic sight in Lucerne is the Kapellbrücke, a covered wooden bridge running diagonally across the Reuss. Built-in 1333, it is a picturesque centrepiece for Lucerne. More than one hundred 17th-century pictures hang from the roof rafters inside, depicting patron saints and scenes from the town's history. The bridge and tower are among the most photographed scenes in all Switzerland.

    Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument)

    It was carved out of natural rock in memory of the heroic deaths of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792. 'The dying Lion of Lucerne' is one of the world's most famous monuments. Mark Twain described the Lion of Lucerne as the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.

    Swiss Transport Museum

    A large complex covering all forms of transport, as well as communications and tourism. Follow Switzerland’s development of its renowned transportation from its earliest days, especially in its mechanized forms. Through rolling stock and railway locomotives, both models and actual examples of ships, aircraft, rockets, and automobiles. A treat for children and adults alike.

  • Local Cuisine
    Local Cuisine

    Älplermagronen

    A traditional all-in-one pasta, potato and cheese dish that originates from the German part of Switzerland. The classic version is made by layering cooked potatoes and macaroni with cream and cheese, before baking it in the oven. People usually serve it with fried onion rings and a stewed apple sauce on top. The dish sometimes comes with bacon, too. Whatever ingredients you include, though, Älplermakkaronen is a seriously hearty meal that warms you up a treat.

    Fondue

    Fondue in Switzerland may seem clichéd, but it is indelibly woven into the country’s fabric. It is a must-have for any local or visitor to the country from autumn to spring. Dunk rustic country bread into melted cheeses, infused with lashings of wine and garlic, bubbling over an open flame. Pair yours with white wine and chase it with schnapps or tea for an epic meal.

    Rosti

    Thinly grated potatoes, pan-fried until crisp and golden, rosti is one of Switzerland’s iconic national dishes. Served steaming in a ceramic dish, Rosti Valaisanne is a delightfully addictive mash-up of rosti topped with salty bacon, fried egg, and melted raclette cheese, served alongside tangy gherkins and pickled pearl onions.

    Raclette

    Raclette is a local cheese customarily grilled slowly over a fire, with layer-by-melted-layer sliced off to blanket boiled potatoes, pickles and onions. Contemporary raclette machines make grilling commonplace in Swiss homes, where friends gather for hours, waiting for slices of raclette to melt, while drinking copious glasses of local Fendant wine.

    Zurcher Geschnetzeltes

    Zurich-style diced veal is an iconic national dish that makes a hearty lunch. Made of sliced veal, calves’ kidneys and sweetbreads sautéed in a gravy of onions, butter, white wine, cream, and mushrooms. The mixture of cream laced with wine over veal, Zurcher geschnetzeltes as it’s known in Swiss-German dialect, is a delight.

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