We are planning to be in Luzerne in early October, and will not have a car. We'd love to hear activity recommendations (we'll stay 3 nights) and hotels as well. Since we will arrive from Zurich by train, should we lodge near to the train station, or is transit/taxi service easy?
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
5113 posts
Here's where we stayed 3 weeks ago and loved it. We had a room with a balcony and lake view. Its about a 25 minute flat walk around the lake from the train station. The day before the stay, the hotel emailed us information as well as a downloadable transit bus. There are two buses that go from the station with stops a block from the hotel. Often we walked from our hotel back into the main tourist area and then would take the bus back in the evening. Carrying your luggage onto the bus is easy.
The weather wasn't great so we skipped the popular mountain hikes. One thing that doesn't get mentioned often but we enjoyed was the walk along the old town walls. There's also a couple of towers along the walls you can climb.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9333 posts
Most people go up one of the three mountains that are accessible from there. Mt Pilatus, Rigli, and Stanserhorn. There are activities on the mountains. Take a cruise on the lake, or even a long ferry ride.
We stayed at the popular Hotel des Alpes, which is a walk across the bridge from the train station.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6467 posts
We also stayed at Hotel Des Alpes, ask for a room with a view of the Chapel Bridge, and maybe you'll get lucky and even get a balcony. The RS Guide books includes a walking tour and great overview of activities. Enjoy!
Posted by
Freedonia
17431 posts
I have twice stayed at the Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora.
It is a five minute walk from the train station and just down the block from the Chapel Bridge.
Nice buffet breakfast. Great location.
Posted by
Cherry Hill, NJ
161 posts
I second the recommendation for Hotel des Alpi. Very convenient to train station and Chapel bridge, Staff was very helpful in assisting us with Mt. Pilatus directions. We even purchases the four-legged trip from them. I was a little nervous but it worked out wonderfully. Its a bit pricey, but so is the rest of Switzerland!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8060 posts
We stayed at Alstadt Hotel Krone
Ask for the room at the top with great views and its own terrace
You might want to also post in the Switzerland forum
Posted by
SF Bay Area
1060 posts
When the other hotels suggested above were full last year, we also stayed at the Allstadt Krone Lucerne. It was a Rick Steves style hotel, less expensive than the Beau Sejour or hotel des Alpes. Great location, tiny elevator, no AC, but fans in the room. Check the reviews on booking.com.
We also stayed three nights. On arrival day we visited the TI at the train station to make our plans, walked to our hotel and checked in, visited the art museum, and walked along the river. On the first full day we did the TI’s walking tour, visited the Lion Monument, and visited the Transport Museum. On our last day the weather was good so we went to the TI first thing and got our tickets for the Mt Rigi trip.
Posted by
Chicago
3619 posts
Another vote for Hotel des Alpes. Great location right in the old town and an easy walk from the train station. I’m with Pat. Get a room with a chapel bridge view with a balcony if one is till available. She convinced me last year that the extra money was worth it for the view. And it was.
This video will give you some good ideas for activities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2St3R344S04
If you’d like even more ideas, click on my name to get the links to my Switzerland trip reports.
I’ve been to Lucerne 3 times and will be returning for a 4th time next year.
Are you flying out of Zurich? Lucerne is a great last stop on a trip as you can take the train from there right to Zurich airport.
Here is info. on the city wall and towers mentioned in one of the response posts:
https://www.luzern.com/en/the-city/sights/top-sights/musegg-wall
There is also a farm there.
https://www.luzern.com/en/poi/hinter-musegg-the-urban-farm
If you’re lucky, you’ll see the highland cattle. I’m not sure if the animals will still be out in Oct. I’m sure it depends on the weather.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
San Diego, California
6467 posts
Carrie, you're going for a fourth time? I'm so jealous!
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
417 posts
Taxis are expensive and not plentiful but transit is easy. There are many hotels near the train station on both sides of the river. I've stayed at the Hotel Des Alpes 4 times, so obviously I like it. I've even been back to the restaurant on a trip when I wasn't staying there (they do a great outdoor fondue service in winter). Another idea, if you want something a little posh, is Hermitage Seehotel which is farther down the lake, but very easy to get to by bus, or a 40 min walk. We stayed there for a week in 2019 and I think they've even upgraded the hotel since then (and it was nice already)