Craving a change of scenery with Swiss flair? These day trips from Lucerne offer mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and storybook towns—all within easy reach!
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique Day Trips from Lucerne:
1. Ballenberg Museum
Nestled in a picture-perfect rural setting between pastoral meadows and small hills, the Ballenberg Museum is an open-air, hands-on museum where you can learn all about life on a Swiss farmstead in days gone by. The museum encompasses over 100 residential and farm buildings, some of which date back to the 14th century. You can watch costumed craftsmen and women demonstrating everyday activities like weaving, tool-making and cooking. Children are invited to meet farm animals and there are children’s playgrounds where families can have fun. Your visit will entail a far amount of walking so wear comfortable shoes and bring a buggy for toddlers. You can bring a picnic or dine at one of three on-site restaurants.
Ballenberg Museum, Museumstrasse 100, 3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz, Switzerland, Phone: +41-3-39-52-10-30
2. Basel
Easily accessible by road or rail in a little more than an hour, Basel is an enchanting town to visit on your next day trip from Lucerne. Basel is proudly home to over 40 museums and you will have to do some serious prioritizing – a few of the most popular include the Basel Fine Art Museum, the Museum of Cultures, the Toys World Museum and the Foundation Bayeler. If museums are your favorite you can buy a combined Museum Card to get discounted admission. You can spend a few happy hours strolling through the lovely Old Town, visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens or go on a scenic boat tour on the Rhine.
Basel, 4001-4059, Switzerland
3. Bern
Bern is located just an hour from Lucerne by train making this city an ideal destination for an interesting day trip. A good way to start your visit is to take a walk through the beautiful Old Town, which has received UNESCO World Heritage Status and is home to some buildings dating back as far at the 11th century. Guided walking tours are available and highly recommended. A few other highlights of the city include the Einstein House, the beautiful Rose Garden and the Bern Cathedral. If you are visiting with children you can take them to see the famous bears of Bern at the Bear-Pit, a zoo dedicated to the cities iconic brown bears.
Bern, 3001-3127 Switzerland
4. Brienz
The small town of Brienz is also perfectly located for day trips from Lucerne and can be reached in 90min by train. Brienz is your gateway to the very scenic Brienzer Rothorn mountain peak which you can reach by jumping aboard the amazing cog-wheel steam train which has been in operation since 1891 (from early June to late October). After admiring the panoramic views from the top of the mountain you can return to Brienz and visit the Ballenberg Museum or spend some time visiting some of the wood-carving stores for which Brienz is famous. Alternatively you can spend your day hiking the Schwarzhorn Mountains or enjoying a scenic boat cruise on Lake Brienz.
Brienz, 3855, Switzerland
5. Einsiedeln
Located in an elevated valley in the heart of Central Switzerland, Einsiedeln is home to an important pilgrimage place dedicated to the Virgin Mary. At the heart of Einsiedeln you will find an impressive baroque monastery dating back to the 18th century. You can join a guided tour of this very interesting Benedictine monastery before seeing an altogether different side of the city at the cheese factory (Milchmanufaktor). There is also a Gingerbread Museum to admire or you could opt to visit the popular near-by ski resorts of Hoch Ybrig and Brunni-Mythen which are idyllic all year round. In summer you can walk, hike or cycle along a 400km network of trails.
Einsiedeln, 8836-8847 Switzerland
Romantic Day Trips from Lucerne:
6. Engelberg
Engelberg is located just 40 minutes from Lucerne, where it offers visitors the opportunity to visit the summit of Mt. Titlis, Switzerland’s only glacier and year-round snow destination. You can travel to the summit by chairlift and cable car to visit the amazing Glacier Park (which offers year-round snow activities), the Titlis Glacier Cave and the Titlis Cliff Walk, which is the highest suspension bridge in Europe. Other activities in Engelberg include aerial sight-seeing using various cable cars, hiking, zip-lining, biking, kayaking and golfing in summer. In winter the whole gamut of thrilling winter sports await you, including access to 82km of pistes and many guided snow activities.
Engelberg, 6390, Switzerland
7. Fribourg
A must-see destination for any history lover, Fribourg is home to one of the largest collections of medieval architecture anywhere in Europe. The town was founded as far back as 1157 and her many ancient buildings have a wealth of stories to tell. Joining a guided tour is a good way to learn about Fribourg’s ancient fortifications, her delightful Old Town and many other highlights. You can take a ride on the historic 100-yr old funicular railway which links the old town with town center, visit a few outstanding museums or opt to go hiking to the Dragon’s Lair. Several other easy walking tours are available to outdoor enthusiasts while foodies will love the Taste my Fribourg gastronomy tour.
Fribourg, 1700 Switzerland
8. Geneva
Nestled in a beautiful valley in the western corner of Switzerland, Geneva is a bustling cosmopolitan city with a lot on offer for day visitors. Your visit would be incomplete if you don’t make the pilgrimage to see the famous Jet d’Eau fountain in the middle of Lake Geneva, which shoots a plume of water 459ft into the air. Other interesting and unusual city activities include soaking up the sun at the Bains de Paquis (city baths on the lake), visiting the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory of Geneva or taking a cable car up Mount Saleve for fabulous hiking or mountain biking. The city also offers excellent up-market shopping and fine-dining.
Geneva, 1201-1292 Switzerland
Family Day Trips from Lucerne:
9. Golden Pass Scenic Train
It is hard to imagine a more enjoyable way to spend a day out than stepping aboard a luxurious modern train and immersing yourself in the stunning landscape of Switzerland. The Golden Pass Scenic Train follows an incredibly scenic route from Lucerne to Montreux and various other destinations. The carriages have been specially designed to allow the outside in, with wide overhead glass viewing panels so that you never miss a moment of the action. With a little forward planning you can even book the very front row of the train for the best views ever. Good news is that your Swiss Travel Pass is valid on all Golden Pass Trains.
Golden Pass Scenic Train, Phone: +41-02-19-89-81-90
10. Solothurn
The pretty river-side town of Solothurn is located about an hour from Lucerne and is considered to be the finest Baroque town in the country. Touring the Old Town of Solothurn, which features no less than eleven extravagant churches and chapels and around the same number of ancient towers and fountains is a delightful way to spend a few hours. Highlights include the Ste. Urs Cathedral, which features beautiful stuccos. Once you have thoroughly explored the pedestrian Old Town you might like to visit the Natural History Museum, Schloss Waldegg or the amazing weapons collection in the Old Arsenal. Walkers, hikers and cyclist will find an extensive network of scenic trails close by.
Solothurn, 4500 Switzerland
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Why is Lucerne a great base for exploring Switzerland?
- Whether you are visiting Switzerland for the first or the tenth time, Lucerne makes a great base for exploring a large part of the country.
- What is the transportation option to travel around Switzerland?
- Swiss rail travel is legendary, and you can reach just about all corners of the country by train from Lucerne.
- What are the must-see mountain attractions in Switzerland?
- Most visitors come to Switzerland to see the amazing mountains – must-see attractions include Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, Mt. Titlis, and Schilthorn.
- Which cities in Switzerland offer a mix of beautiful surroundings and cultural activities?
- Cities like Bern, Brienz, Geneva, and Montreux offer a great mix of beautiful surroundings and cultural activities.
- Where can you find a winter wonderland in Switzerland?
- If it’s snow you are after, make your way to Jungfraujoch, where a winter wonderland awaits you all year round.
- What attractions are ideal for history lovers in Switzerland?
- History buffs should not miss a visit to the Ballenberg Museum and the historic city of Fribourg.
Best Time for Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland:
- April to June – Spring offers blooming alpine meadows, lake cruises, and mild weather for exploring nearby towns and mountains.
- July to August – Summer is ideal for scenic hikes, mountain railways, and lakeside picnics under clear blue skies.
- September to October – Crisp air and golden landscapes make for stunning hikes and quiet strolls through charming villages.
- November – Quieter season great for museums, cozy cafés, and peaceful lake views before winter sets in.
- December to March – Winter brings snowy magic, Christmas markets, and alpine day trips for skiing, sledding, or spa relaxation.
Map:
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