Lucerne

Beautiful, lakeside Lucerne is a romantic, historic city with an almost mythical feel to it. The views over the dark lake to the alps, the wonderfully preserved medieval old town, the graceful waterfront promenades, pretty bridges and this city’s penchant for emotive music all combine to make it a magical place to stay. People have been raving about visiting since Mark Twain, Queen Victoria, Goethe and Wagner spread the word of its charms in the 19th century.

Unsurprisingly you’ll find some of the best places to stay in Lucerne, for those with a romantic trip in mind, on the shores of the lake or overlooking the city.

Things not to miss:

• The two places you must visit for a stroll are Lucerne’s Lido and the Swiss Transport Museum, which are definitely both worth a visit - especially if you’re visiting in the warmer months.
• The Kapellbrücke or Chapel Bridge is a 14th century wooden covered pedestrian bridge spanning the Reuss River in a sort of long, historic dogleg.
• The beautiful emotive Lion Monument is a ten metre long sculpture carved into the rock which commemorates the Swiss soldiers who died defending King Louis during the French Revolution.
• The Sammlung Rosengart, the museum of Angela Rosengart, a Swiss art dealer and personal friend of Picasso, which houses a number of his works along with those of Chagall, Cézanne, Matisse, Miró, Monet, Modigliani and Renoir;
• The Kunst and Kongresshaus Luzern (KKL), an amazing collection of concert halls and an art museum.
• Lucerne also has the remains of some impressive city ramparts, which you can still patrol, from tower to tower.
• A museum to Richard Wagner, occupying his former home, a history museum and Switzerland’s largest Planetarium.
• If you enjoyed the Kapellbrücke you should also tread the boards of the smaller, but all original Spreuerbrücke (the original Kapellbrücke burned down in 1993).
• One of the reasons Lucerne’s tourist trade was born so early is that it’s in a great central Swiss location, and it’s well connected by the Swiss Railway. As well as travelling easily to Bern, Zürich, Engelberg and Interlaken, you’re also close to the alps and the snowy paradises of Mount Titlis and Mount Pilatus.

The city is a popular destination year round. So if you want to secure one of the best places to stay in Lucerne, don't leave it till the last minute to book.

For a City Break

• The Art Deco Hotel Montana offers wonderful views of the city and the lake beyond, from its position on a city centre hilltop. It also offers 66 chic, comfortable rooms, decorated in the promised Art Deco style - and some with balconies, and an award winning restaurant and popular bar.
• The Hotel Schweizerhof is perfect for a luxurious city break. Right on the lake-side it's just a short stroll from the centre of town. All rooms are individually decorated, there are two restaurants to choose from and a lovely spa.

For Romance

• The Grand Hotel National is a wonderfully glamorous institution overlooking the lake. There are 41 opulent rooms, decorated to the nines with antiques with views across the lake and into the mountains. There’s also a dining experience for every occasion from casual to fine.
• Or you might try the Chateâu Gutsch? A renovated 19th century castle with 27 rooms decked out with four-poster beds, Swiss artworks and bold fabrics. Some of the rooms have private terraces with stunning views of the city and the lake.

For great value

• The Hotel is a small but strikingly modern hotel designed (by award-winning French architect, Jean Nouvel) to be a fashionable yet comfortable space. The facilities are excellent and the location is ideal. The room rate starts from around £145 per night.

For a private apartment

• For those looking for some additional privacy, we recommend visiting our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• For flyers, the best option to get to Lucerne is to fly to Zurich (42 miles).
• Lucerne is connected up to the Swiss high-speed railway network and welcomes daily trains from Bern, Geneva and Zurich.
• For those looking to hire a car, we recommend visiting our online partner Rentalcars.
• June to September is the best time to enjoy Lucerne and the lake with temperatures generally sitting in the early 20s.

Still not sure?

• Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in Lucerne.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.