Please sign in to post.

Luzern [ Lucerne ] activities in December

I'm continuing to work on our Christmas Markets trip this year, early December. [I've received so much great info from you all already, and am fine-tuning.]

We will use Basel as our Swiss base, probably four nights. I want to do day trips: Bern, definitely; maybe Engelburg or Murren; and I just love Luzern.

Regarding Luzern-
I spent four days there in Sept/Oct a few years back, and had a great time. But my adult daughter, [who is my travel companion this trip], is lovingly questioning what we would do in Luzern if the early December weather is really cold/cloudy, and couldn't do Mt. Rigi, Mt Pilatus, and lake cruises. I'm not afraid of the cold, but my I must admit I spent most of my last trip outdoors.
Of course, we can do the RS walking tour, the Rosengart Art museum, and the Luzern Museum of [contemporary] Art, between hot drinks and chocolate. I myself don't need a repeat visit to the Transportation Museum. I'm not expecting Christmas markets in Luzern.
So experienced travelers, should we venture to Luzern or not? I feel I really need to go back, but is December the right season? Please enlighten me with your experiences. Thanks so much.

Posted by
5835 posts

...what we would do in Luzern if the early December weather is really cold/cloudy....

We were in Luzern the first few days of March three years ago. Luzern is at a low elevation which probably accounts for it being a population center in contrast to higher elevation mountainous locations. Life goes on in the late fall as it does winter in places like Luzern. You just have to dress for late fall/early winter conditions recognizing that daylight hours in December are shorter than September. The usual suggestion of dressing in layers and having gloves and a cap apply to December.

You can check the Luzern calendar of events website, setting the filter to the December period of you planned visit: https://www.luzern.com/en/highlights/calendar-of-events/

Clicking on the "filters" tab and selecting the December 2019 period and searching for traditional and festivals:
https://www.luzern.com/en/highlights/calendar-of-events/?tx_solr%5Bsent%5D=1&tx_solr%5Bfilter%5D%5B%5D=attribute_173%3A201912010000-201912310000&tx_solr%5Bfilter%5D%5B%5D=attribute_287%3A4885&tx_solr%5Bfilter%5D%5B%5D=attribute_287%3A4886
Results include two Christmas markets, an advent concert and a Christmas concert.

And if you want a more winter environment head for the hill such as the Davos-Klosters area that we visited: https://www.davos.ch/en/winter/activities/

Posted by
7730 posts

I wouldn't go back there if you are questioning it. I was There a 2nd time last week; it was kind of ok meh what else is there to do. Similar to Bern it is over run with large bus tour groups (you know where the tour guide is carrying a flag leading the group) blocking the streets taking pictures oblivious to other traffic

Posted by
4614 posts

Thanks for the in-depth replies . I appreciate your time!