Lake Luzern boat questions

1) Train would be quicker between Zurich and Luzern.

2) Was just there this past September. We didn't take the Steamer boat but took the regular motorboats during out ferry times. I can't compare them since I haven't been on the Steamer but the ferry was nice. We were on the outside portion the whole time with the weather being nice. I did walk thru the ship and that had a nice 1st class section that no one was checking tickets for anyway and a nice area up on the 2nd level to sit if the weather is bad. You'll get to the village and see the same scenery on the motorboat vs the slower steamer. Go with what times work for you.

3) They are easily walkable from the piers. We walked around Weggis and Vitznau. We went up to Mount Rigi or I would have loved to have hopped off at some of the smaller villages on the lake we stopped at on the way from Lucerne to Vitznau.

One note is the Swiss Ferries were on point. If the schedule said the boat was leaving at 8:31, the boat started away from the dock at 8:31. I had a schedule and actually checked our watch. We never left late, exactly on point. I was very impressed.

Given your luggage plans , I don't think you will have much difficulty managing your backpacks . Both Weggis and Vitznau are easily walkable and very pretty , and a trip on the Vitznau Rigi Bahn is a real treat . As far as the boats ,they are ferry service and not " tours " , much to my liking , as I am not particularly enamored of listening to a guide incessantly babbling . I do my own homework on my trips in advance and the boat from Luzern to Vitznau was very pleasant { I do remember they announced upcoming stops , but that was not invasive as far as peace and quiet were concerned . As for the motorboats versus the Steamers , there is little difference as far as the actual trip , the advantage on the steamers is that the main deck is open to the engine room below . If you are an engineering freak ( like me ) , seeing the restored steam engines in action is akin to watching ballet ( which I also love ) . The boat trip is delightful , don't miss it . To whet your appetite , watch this 1978 travelogue " Changing Trains " ( four fifteen minute segments here https://youtu.be/hlZaicAXnFA

I agree it's difficult to explain to people that the boats on the lakes are just a part of the integrated Swiss Travel Network. I also agree it's SOOOO much more without incessant babble from a tour guide.

Thanks so much! I too am happy that it's more of a ferry than an organized tour, just wanted to double-check to make sure that was the case. This is great info.

I wouldn't so much equate it with a ferry as more like a slow train which floats. It calls at all or some of the stations on the way, and you get great views. Or, pay more, sit upstairs in First and get even better views (and because you are more exposed, more wind on a windy day, more rain on a rainy day and more sun on a sunny day - or you can wimp out and go inside).

For me, a ferry is a boat that carries people and or vehicles across some body of water to the other side, and other ones back.

These ships have a bow and a stern (pictures are easily available) and ply the lake on a predetermined route on a published schedule, and passengers can board or alight anywhere the ship docks.