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Lucerne Culture & history

Our most recommended Lucerne Culture & history

From Zurich: Guided Day Trip to Jungfraujoch with Train Ride

1. From Zurich: Guided Day Trip to Jungfraujoch with Train Ride

Explore the snow-capped mountains of Jungfraujoch, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2007 for its stunning High Alps scenery, and as the site of Europe’s largest glacier and highest train station. Take a scenic bus journey along the Brünig Pass and the shores of Lake Brienz to the Bernese Oberland. After a break in Interlaken, board the cable car at the Grindelwald Terminal for a spectacular 15-minute ride to the Eiger Glacier by gondola. Change to a cogwheel train that will take you to the peak of Jungfraujoch. Enjoy stunning views of the triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as you ride. Immerse yourself in the High-Alpine wonderland of ice, snow, and rock at the top. Learn more about the history of the Jungfrau Railways on the "Alpine Sensation” discovery tour, marking the 100-year anniversary of the Jungfrau Railway. Visit the Sphinx Observation Terrace and Plateau for the most breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier. Stroll through the tunnels of the Ice Palace in the heart of the glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Descend via the car-free resort of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen, from where the bus takes you back to Zurich.

From Lucerne: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

2. From Lucerne: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Explore the snow-capped mountains of UNESCO-listed Jungfraujoch, the site of Europe's largest glacier. Get immersed in the stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx Observation Terrace and Plateau. Your 10-hour excursion begins with a scenic coach journey from Lucerne, along the Brünig Pass and the shores of Lake Brienz to the Bernese Oberland. After a break in Interlaken, board the cable car at the Grindelwald Terminal for a spectacular 15-minute ride to the Eiger Glacier. From there, change to a cogwheel train that will take you to the peak of Jungfraujoch. From the top of Jungfraujoch, you’ll marvel at the High-Alpine wonderland of ice, snow, and rock. Experience the Alpine Sensation adventure tour, marking the 100th anniversary of the Jungfrau Railway. Visit the Sphinx Observation Terrace and Plateau for breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier. Walk along the tunnels of the Ice Palace into the heart of the glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Descend via the resort of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen, where your coach will be waiting to take you back to Lucerne.

Lucerne: Swiss Museum of Transport Full Day Pass

3. Lucerne: Swiss Museum of Transport Full Day Pass

Delight in an immersive and interactive experience at the most popular museum in all of Switzerland, the Museum of Transport. Explore attractions that focus on road, rail, water, and air navigation, and discover what goes on behind every mode of transportation you ride on. Satisfy your curiosity and find answers to all the questions you have about how cars move, how planes fly, how boats float, or how basically these mechanisms for transport work. Ride little battery-powered boats across the waters on the museum's large boating pool, and use excavators and bulldozers to load and transport construction material in the roadworks arena. Visit the Swiss Chocolate Adventure inside the museum and journey through chocolate's discovery, its manufacture, and its transportation to other corners of the world. At the end of the ride, relish a sweet treat from Lindt's master chocolatiers. The package also includes entry to the daily screenings at the Filmtheatre and the Planetarium where you can watch educational films about astronomy and the earth. All of these activities and more are waiting for you at the Swiss Museum of Transport.

Lucerne: 1-Hour Historical Tour with Night Watchman

4. Lucerne: 1-Hour Historical Tour with Night Watchman

Discover the historical city of Lucerne on this tour with a night watchman. Start the tour on the right bank of the river by the Chapel Bridge. Listen to the fire horn, followed by the call of the night watchman. Listen to the exciting tales of the night watchman about his life, the Lucerne Chronicle of Diebold Schilling, the brilliant engraver Martin Martini, the stonemason Hans von Trient and his adversary Luzius Ritter, as well as other personalities from Lucerne’s past. At the beginning of the tour you can look at the route and attractions on the city map by Martini from 1597. Discover Kapellplatz and walk along Furrengasse to Kornmarkt. Here you can admire the Luzerner Elle and the Luzerner Fuß in the wall of the town hall. Hear the story about the giant of Reiden before continuing on along Brandgässli, which recalls the night of fire in 1833. Stop by the guild house of dressmakers and learn all about the legend of the night of murder in Lucerne. A few steps further is the wine market, where the night watchman brings you closer to the Swiss art of war. See the linden tree, where the pillory and the bank once stood, and listen to information about the court order, legal violations, and interrogation techniques. If time allows, you can stop at Zöpfli, one of the most beautiful places on the river in the old town. The route then continues on over Reuss Bridge, past the first Mint to the breathtaking display window of the medieval Alte Suidtersche Apotheke. Continue on to Ritter Palace and the story of Hans von Trient and his adversary Lux Ritter. Watch the dance of death by Jakob von Wal and stroll up the river across the Chapel Bridge back to the starting point.

Private Medieval Walk in the Historic Centre of Lucerne

5. Private Medieval Walk in the Historic Centre of Lucerne

The walk starts at the meeting point with the introduction of the Medieval Guide. Learn about his life and work. Listen to what he has to tell you about Diebold Schilling, Martinus Martini, Hans von Trient, Luzius Ritter and other important people of the blooming City and Republic of Lucerne. You get familiar with the first tourist map of Lucerne, the Martini Plan of 1597. The guide shows you the route of the walk on the map and describes the main attractions along the way. The itinerary takes you from the meeting point round the corner to the Kappelplatz (chapel square). You walk through the Furrengasse to the Kornmarkt to see the Lucerne measure units foot and elle. Then you walk through the Brandgässli and listen to the story of the riot of Lucerne. On Weinmarkt you learn about our weapons and war fare. You will find out why all European rulers wanted to have Swiss mercenary. On the lower Weinmarkt you see the location of the first court, pillory and execution place in Lucerne. You learn about our interrogation methods, punishment and witches. You have a short stop at the "Zöpfli", the number one riverside place to relax in the historic center of Lucerne. (You might come back to this place to have a refreshing foot bath in the river Reuss or to enjoy your own picnic. Ask the guide. He knows where to buy affordable food nearby). Then you cross the Reussbrücke, the first bridge in Lucerne, located at the most narrow point of the river. You pass the first Mint House and stop at the breathtaking medieval display window of the Suidtersche Pharmacy. Nex stop is the Ritterscher Palace. Listen to the thru story of the Ritterscher Palace and the outcome of the irregularities between the bad mayor and the sorry mason. Then you continue alongside the river and cross the Chapel Bridge to the Meeting Point. This is your last opportunity to ask questions to the guide, a handsome local. The tour is framed with pictures, to be seen on the guide's iPad or your own mobile device (needs own internet access). 

Lucerne: Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience

6. Lucerne: Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience

Use your entrance ticket to head inside the Swiss Chocolate Adventure, an attraction located at the Swiss Museum of Transport. Take your seat on a traveling cart to embark on a multimedia journey about Swiss chocolate. Listen to fascinating commentary on your audio guide as you pull up to 10 different displays to learn about the history of Swiss chocolate and how it's produced, transported and sold. Learn when and how chocolate was discovered, how people first cultivated their precious cocoa beans and how Switzerland’s yummy chocolate — considered some of the finest in the world — is manufactured and transported to confectionery counters everywhere. Along the way, feel your senses come alive: the multisensory ride envelops you in the aromas, flavors and sights of chocolate for a truly immersive experience! Plus, receive your own free sample of delicious Swiss chocolate to take home or enjoy during your journey.

Lucerne Swiss Museum of Transport Entrance Ticket

7. Lucerne Swiss Museum of Transport Entrance Ticket

Head inside the Swiss Museum of Transport with your entrance ticket and explore at leisure. The museum charts the development of rail, air, space, road and water travel with hands-on exhibits, simulators and multimedia displays. Your ticket gives you access to its key exhibition halls and areas, filled with more than 3,000 displays, making for a fun day out for adults and kids. Visit the Aviation Hall to view historic aircraft and flying machines. The museum takes its exhibits to new heights with flight simulators that give you the rush of operating an airplane, helicopter or hang glider. When it's time to get grounded, walk around the Rail Transport Hall to see steam locomotives and model railways, and try your hand at negotiating tunnels, signals and bridges in train simulators. Zoom over to the Road Transport Hall for the history of automobiles and to view 20 of the world’s most iconic cars. You can even turn into a crash-test dummy to experience a bruise-free collision in one interactive exhibit. Other attractions include the Navigation Hall with its fascinating seagoing displays; the i-factory covering information technology; and the Swissarena where you can walk across a one-of-a-kind aerial photo of Switzerland that takes up an entire room. The Media World presents the multifaceted world of media: amongst other things, visitors can produce their own content in a professional TV studio, practice their directing skills, test the editing suite, and discover the opportunities up-to-the-minute media technologies have to offer. Most people find two–three hours in the museum is sufficient, but your ticket lets you explore for as long as you like. For a supplement you can also visit the museum's domed planetarium to witness its dazzling astronomical shows, or its Filmtheater to watch spectacular 3D and high-definition movies.

Lucerne CH experience Cheese Chocolate Chapel Bridge Château

8. Lucerne CH experience Cheese Chocolate Chapel Bridge Château

Join a guided tour of Lucerne, home to medieval architecture, spectacular lakeside scenery, and a thriving culinary scene. Gain insight into centuries of Swiss history and taste Alpine cheese, chocolates, and wine. Book the option with a cruise to travel down Lake Lucerne. Meet your guide and indulge in a tasting of the finest Swiss chocolate and cheese with a glass of wine. Then, walk along the Reuss River and learn about the most iconic monuments in the city, Visit the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge spanning the river, and its Water Tower. After a leisurely walk through the Old Town, head over to the imposing Lucerne Castle perched on a hill. Hop on a fascinating scenic lift and, once at the top, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and see the mountain peaks of Mount Titlis and Mount Rigi. If you've chosen the tour with the lake cruise, say goodbye to your guide and embark on a 1-hour sightseeing boat trip on Lake Lucerne. Marvel at the stunning lake, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, and discover unique locations only accessible by water.

Lucerne: Exclusive Private History Tour with a Local

9. Lucerne: Exclusive Private History Tour with a Local

This experience is provided by an independent Local. Discover the historical side of Lucerne with a passionate local who wants to share the historical and fun facts about Lucerne. Our excursion starts at the Torbogen Luzern, the portal to the past. Learn about how the city has grown and changed over time. From visiting the churches to discovering the history behind the Lion Monument, discover unique sites that your ordinary tourist tour won’t show you. We always knew travelling was the best way of learning, but having a knowledgeable Local by your side to give you insider tips and share local secrets is even better! Of course, if you want to learn about something in particular or have a special interest, just let me know and I will adjust the itinerary for you! Who is a Local? A Local is someone who is passionate about sharing authentic experiences based on their interests. As LocalBini, we bring together passionate people from all around the world giving them the opportunity to offer unique experiences via our marketplace.

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What people are saying about Lucerne

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 176 reviews

This trip was so worth the money! Good thing I decided to book this tour because I feel like I would be so lost if ever I did a DIY. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and approachable that I picked up so many random amazing info about Switzerland. Indeed you must prepare if it’s your first time on high altitude I almost passed out one time haha overall it was worth it!

We had a 1 day trip from zurich to junfraujoch with Best of swiss travels. I can say that never had a memorable trip like this one. Our guide was so active, very responsible and showed us all the places and explained everything clearly. Thank you get my guide for giving a memorable swiss trip. Will definitely go with Get your guide for my future vacations

We had few days to tour around Switzerland and this definitely was a great way to know amazing places while being guided. Our tour guide was really helpful and kept us on schedule so we could see all, if you are trying to make the most out of your time definitely would recommend this tour. The place is really wonderful, better than what we expected.

The tour was amazing and relaxed. The tour guide was amazing and knowledgable. Covered many areas during the tour and it was absolutely worth it!

A well organised fun day with amazing views. Highly recommend.