Experiences along the Grand Tour in Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

Exactly 47 hairpin bends lead to the Grosser Mythen, here also referred to as ‘Matterhorn of Central Switzerland’. Every year, around 30,000 hikers enjoy the breathtaking panorama at 1,898 m.a.s.l. (6,227 ft). The view into the valley shows ‘Old Schwyz’, the cradle of the Swiss Confederacy, with Lake Lucerne in the south as well as lakes Lauerz and Zug with Rigi and Rossberg to the west. It comes at no surprise that the Schwyz landmark has been immortalised as a mural in the National Council Chamber of the Federal Palace.

Barren highland moors, flower-filled lowland fens and unspoiled moorlands are a treat for the senses! Moors stretch out as far as the eye can see. Nowhere else in Switzerland has as much national protected moorlands in one small area than Entlebuch.

What was in 1806 a dramatic and catastrophic event for humans, is today a blessing for endangered animal species: the landslide of Goldau. In the area where the landslide took place, the Goldau Nature Park and Zoo offers non-domesticated animals a species-appropriate home in an impressive landscape.

Switch off and relax – exclusively on Lake Lucerne!

For many centuries this feudal building was home to the noble Heidegg family - whereas today it houses the history and culture center of the Seetal valley. A living museum in which you learn stories and customs of aristocratic families, with the spirit of the past further rekindled with a stroll in the large park with its beautiful rose garden.

Experience Lucerne as it was in its early days, when bells marked the daily routine and craftsmen did their work in the alleyways.

Listen to the ringing of cowbells, breathe in the fresh mountain air, feel lush grass under your feet, gaze at the most beautiful valleys of the Lake Lucerne Region, and taste homemade cheese specialties in a cozy alpine pub. This is hiking with all five senses.

Lucerne’s lido sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne, spanning a length of over 300 metres.

At this particular spot on the Lake Uri, William Tell allegedly escaped from bailiff Gessler by leaping out of a boat.

South of the River Reuss and west of Lucerne train station lies the Hirschmatt-Neustadt district. You’ll discover this urban district on a city walk.

An unforgettable experience, pure adventure; that is Flying Fox. On the six courses of varying difficulty you can slowly approach your limits. You cross challenging balance bridges, hanging bridges and tyrolean slides loaded with action.

The Schöllenen Gorge stretches from Göschenen to Andermatt in the Gotthard region. It was here over 200 years ago that the French fought the Russians. The Suvorov Monument is a memorial to the fallen.

Whether on an individual visit or a fascinating guided tour – a journey of discovery into the distant past.

The Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach is the national centre of research and protection of local birds and their habitats, which is supported by the population. The new visitor’s centre is clearly the destination and the tourist attraction on Lake Sempach.

The Marbach Foodie Tour is a somewhat different discovery tour that is sure to tickle your tastebuds.

Wyher Moated Castle is one of the finest historic buildings in the canton of Lucerne, with its earliest record dating back to 1304. For more than 350 years, its history was dominated by two families: the Feers of Lucerne and the Pfyffers of Altishofen. Later, the castle complex fell into disrepair, with a fire in 1963 marking a real low point. A foundation was set up to restore the castle with financial support from a group of benefactors. Today, the castle hosts numerous events and is a dream wedding venue.

Five Engelberg freeride routes promise spectacular sights, the company of a mountain guide, security and character.

At the Schwandalp pond, high above the village of Flühli in the beautiful landscape of Waldemmen valley in Lucerne, is the Flühli Wasser Cooperative’s natural Kneipp facility.

A trail with a variety of illustrated markers introduces visitors from near and far to the beauty and peculiarities of this unique forested landscape.

The Zyberliland outdoor adventure park has so many fascinating worlds to discover and guarantees an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

Enjoying the wind in one’s face and the perfect view: first on the open funicular – rumbling and bumping just as it did 120 years ago – and then on the rooftop deck of the futuristic CabriO aerial cableway.

Visitors to Lucerne can sip a cool, refreshing drink at one of the city’s most hip summer bars while admiring wonderful views of Lake Lucerne.

The Saint-Gotthard Massif, high above its well-known tunnel, is a magnet for hikers.

The “Ufschötti” – the extensive expanse of greenery by the lake – is the place half of Lucerne heads for in the summer A 200-metre-long strip of sandy beach gives all its visitors real seaside vibes.

A ramble over moors in bloom or in autumn colours. Entlebuch Biosphere has Switzerland's most extensive moorlands.