Scenic Rail Journeys: A Day Trip from Zurich to Lucerne and Back

Day 1: Day in Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Les Halles

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Les Halles, known for its homemade pastries and strong Swiss coffee.
Walk to Zurich Hauptbahnhof.
CHF 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Lucerne

Board your train at Zurich Hauptbahnhof and enjoy the stunning Swiss landscapes as you travel towards Lucerne.
Train service directly to Lucerne.
CHF 25, 50 minutes

10:00AM

Explore Chapel Bridge

Once in Lucerne, head to the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a picturesque wooden bridge adorned with flowerboxes and historical paintings.
Short walk from the train station to Chapel Bridge.
Free, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport

Learn about Switzerland's fascinating history of transport through a variety of exhibits at the Swiss Museum of Transport.
A brief 15-minute walk from Chapel Bridge.
CHF 32, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Wirtshaus Taube

Indulge in traditional Swiss cuisine at Wirtshaus Taube, where you can sample local favorites like Rösti or Swiss sausages.
Walk 10 minutes from the museum.
CHF 35, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lake Lucerne Boat Tour

Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Lucerne and soak up the breathtaking views of mountains surrounding the lake.
Board the boat at the nearby dock.
CHF 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Lion Monument

Marvel at the poignant Lion Monument, commemorating Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution.
A short walk from the boat dock.
Free, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Souvenir Shopping

Explore the charming streets of Lucerne for some souvenir shopping, from Swiss chocolates to handcrafted items.
Stroll through the city center.
Varies, 1 hour

4:30PM

Coffee Break at Café du Cirque

Recharge with a cup of coffee and a sweet treat at Café du Cirque, a local cafe with a cozy ambiance.
5-minute walk.
CHF 15, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Return Train to Zurich

Hop back on the train to Zurich, allowing time to relax and recount the day's adventures.
Return to Lucerne Train Station.
CHF 25, 50 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

End your day enjoying a hearty Swiss dinner, sampling specialities like fondue or raclette.
Short walk from Zurich Hauptbahnhof.
CHF 40, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability