Quick Summary:

  • 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.
  • Swiss rail travel is legendary, and you can reach just about all corners of the country by train from Lucerne.
  • Most visitors come to Switzerland to see the amazing mountains – must-see attractions include Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, Mt. Titlis, and Schilthorn.
  • Cities like Bern, Brienz, Geneva, and Montreux offer a great mix of beautiful surroundings and cultural activities.
  • If it’s snow you are after, make your way to Jungfraujoch, where a winter wonderland awaits you all year round.
  • History buffs should not miss a visit to the Ballenberg Museum and the historic city of Fribourg.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Ballenberg Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Ballenberg Museum | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© fotoember/stock.adobe.com

2. Basel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Basel | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© Roger Heil/stock.adobe.com

3. Bern

Bern | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© Rostislav Ageev/stock.adobe.com

4. Brienz

Brienz | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© Schlierner/stock.adobe.com

5. Einsiedeln

Einsiedeln | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© Franz Gerhard/stock.adobe.com

6. Engelberg

Engelberg | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© BigGabig/stock.adobe.com

7. Fribourg

Fribourg | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© lom742/stock.adobe.com

8. Geneva

Geneva | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com

9. Golden Pass Scenic Train

Golden Pass Scenic Train | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© Andrey Shevchenko/stock.adobe.com

10. Solothurn

Solothurn | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© Patrick/stock.adobe.com

11. Interlaken

Interlaken | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© Olena Z/stock.adobe.com

12. Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfroujoch

Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfroujoch | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© aaronchenps/stock.adobe.com

13. Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© LevT/stock.adobe.com

14. Montreux

Montreux | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© cge2010/stock.adobe.com

15. Mount Rigi

Category: Activities
Mount Rigi | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© djama/stock.adobe.com

16. Mount Titlis

Category: Activities
Mount Titlis | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© SOMATUSCANI/stock.adobe.com

17. Stans

Stans | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© tauav/stock.adobe.com

18. Weggis

Weggis | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© Boris Stroujko/stock.adobe.com

19. Wimmis

Wimmis | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© zsblaser/stock.adobe.com

20. Murren

Murren | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© HappyAlex/stock.adobe.com

21. Grimmelwald

Grimmelwald | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© 4kclips/stock.adobe.com

22. Schilthorn

Schilthorn | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© 1989STUDIO/stock.adobe.com

23. St. Beatus Caves

St. Beatus Caves | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© Eva Bocek/stock.adobe.com

24. Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© ppohudka/stock.adobe.com

25. Mount Pilatus

Category: Activities
Mount Pilatus | Day Trips from Lucerne, Switzerland
© xbrchx/stock.adobe.com

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