Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)

Lucerne city tours will take you to the lake’s most memorable viewpoint: looking out over the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke) from the shore of Old Town. Alternatively, enjoy a hike around the lakeside villas; take the Golden round trip and travel by boat, cogwheel railway, and aerial cableway to the most spectacular viewpoints on Mount Pilatus; or gaze down over Lucerne from the summit of Mount Rigi.

• It can get chilly on the mountaintops or out on the lake even in the summer, so bring some warm clothes.

• Many boat tours and trains are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the operator in advance.

Lake Lucerne is located in Central Switzerland, 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Zurich, or roughly 45 minutes by train. Trains run regularly from Zurich to the city of Lucerne, located on the lake’s northwest shore. Daily ferries run between Lucerne city and Fluelen at the southeast tip of the lake, taking about three hours one way and stopping at lakeside towns such as Vitznau, Beckenried, and Brunnen. You can also travel to different lakeside attractions on a sightseeing boat tour.

Lake Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s top vacation destinations. Summer (July through August) and Christmas are the most popular times to visit. While summer visitors come to hike in the Alps and enjoy boat cruises on the lake, winter travelers can hit the nearby ski slopes or visit the Lucerne Christmas Market.

Once you’ve scaled the summit of Mount Rigi and ridden the world’s steepest cog railway to the top of Mount Pilatus, brave a ride to the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch or hike the notorious Eiger Trail around the North Face of Eiger Mountain. You could also visit the alpine village of Engelberg and take in the views from Mount Titlis, ride the open-air cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn, or take a ride on the Golden Pass Scenic Train.

There are no shortage of natural attractions to see at Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), including its bays, the peninsulas, and the peaks of Pilatus, Rigi, and Bürgenstock. From the water, you’ll also be able to spot a number of historical buildings, such as Meggenhorn Castle, the tiny Tell’s Chapel, and Fortress Fürigen in Stansstad.

For high-up views, head to Mt. Rigi and gaze down on Lake Lucerne below. Känzeli is a popular lookout point, which you can reach via the gondola from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad, followed by a short hike. Another option is the Sonnenberg summit, accessed via the Kriens funicular.

Yes, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats on Lake Lucerne. For motorboats, Lucerne, Rapperswil, and Gersau all have rental operators. For kayaks, paddleboards, and pedalos, look to the lake beaches where there are many options for water sport rentals. Note that you may need to provide identification ahead of renting, and some companies prefer cash payment.

Yes, there are cycling and hiking routes around Lake Lucerne’s shores and nearby roads. A scenic cycling stretch is the Zug-Sarnen, which passes Lucerne, Zug, and Salern lakes. Hikers have plenty of options, but the Stoos Ridgeline trail is loved for its views.

Lake Lucerne is a great place for a swim, as long as you know when and where to go. Follow the lead of locals: Go when the water’s warm—generally between June and August—and swim from the badi (lidos) where there are often lifeguards. Strandbad Tribschen and Lido Lucerne are top picks.

The city of Lucerne is right on the edge of the lake, so all of its attractions are nearby, including Chapel Bridge, the Musegg Wall, and the old town. Mt. Rigi is a great day trip, offering easy summit hikes and the chance to ride a cogwheel mountain train.