My husband and I are traveling in mid-June with our 2 boys ages 7 years & 9 years old. We are going to be in Lucerne for 2 days between the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Salzburg. What is the best area to stay in Lucerne? Any ideas on places to stay either hotel or apartment rentals (budget is no more than $250/night but always like to spend less if possible) Any sites to see or other tips are greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
Best,
Suzanne
Check your local Library or larger book stores and have a look at the RS Switzerland guidebook. There are good hotels listed there in various price ranges, along with a map of their location within the city. One hotel you could check is Hotel Stern. It's not far from the station and the river, clean and comfortable and the prices are reasonable.
There's also good information in the book on sights in the area, so that will give you an idea which ones might interest you the most.
Luzern isn't that big. The whole if the centre of the town is within walking distance of the station, so just stay anywhere in the centre.
If you want to save money by staying in a cheaper B&B outside the centre, just check it is on a bus route.
One site to visit with your 3 boys would be the transportation museum. Trains, planes, autos, boats and a huge model railway. Cog railway up to Mt. Pilatus and cable car ride down, boat trip on the lake, the Lion Monument.
Are you also going to the Dolomites?
I saw an earlier post of yours :)
Take a look at The Ibis Styles Hotel - Just off the Lowenplatz near Thorvaldsen's Lion monument , and about a ten minute walk to the Hauptbanhof
Thanks everyone! We booked Hotel Stern because the other great hotels that were a bit less expensive were booked. Hotel Stern looks like a real treat after hiking for a few days. If you have any tips on what to see and do in Lucerne please let me know.
Our new itinerary is Venice, Varenna, Lauterbrennan Valley, Lucerne, Salzburg, Halstdat (one day trip), Munich.
Thanks very much!
Suzanne in San Francisco
Suzanne,
Regarding "what to see and do" in Lucerne, I'd suggest checking your local Library for a copy of the RS Switzerland guidebook, as that has lots of suggestions. You could also buy either a hard copy or download the E-Book version (check Amazon for prices). That would be the best way to find sightseeing that most appeals to the specific interests of your group.
A few thoughts.....
With only two days there, you won't have time for much sightseeing so you'll have to prioritize.
Regarding your day trip to Hallstatt, were you planning to do that on your own or with a tour firm from Salzburg?
Thanks so much!
For trip to Halstatt we plan to do a day trip from Salzburg. Do you recommend a particular tour company?
Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne,
A day trip to Hallstatt can be done on your own, but it will be a bit of a long day. You might have a look at Bob's Special Tours to see if that might work for you.
We rather liked The Lion Monument and then the boutique-y Max Chocolatier. And for the best food value in Lucerne (other than a pickle stand along the River Reuss), have lunch at the Manor Department Store Cafeteria. A great deal for fantastic food!
Thanks so much! This is all very helpful.
Best,
Suzanne
I like the Renaissance in Lucern (a Marriott hotel). It is at Pilatusstrasse 15, 6003 on the south side of the Reuss.
