Top Central Switzerland Outdoor Activities

Whether you’re short on time or simply wish to view the snowy Swiss Alps from the water, this 60-minute yacht cruise on Lake Lucerne is your ticket. Relax on the main or upper deck of the spacious 161-foot (49-meter) vessel while you listen to commentary about the majestic sights via your audio headset. With an expert captain at the helm, you’ll motor past forested hillsides and verdant meadows nestled against looming mountain peaks. Purchase drinks and snacks from the onboard bar, and select from multiple departure times.

Spend an afternoon in the Swiss Alps during this seasonal trip to Mt Pilatus from Lucerne. Your 5.5-hour round-trip journey includes a 30-minute panoramic gondola ride from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg terminus plus an ascent by aerial cableway to the peak of Mt Pilatus. After free time at the summit, take the world's steepest cogwheel train down to Alpnachstad, where you’ll board a boat for a 1-hour scenic cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Enjoy commentary from your guide and coach transport from Lucerne.

Enjoy stunning views of Lake Lucerne, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, during this time-saver catamaran cruise. Discover unique lakeside vistas only accessible by water. Riding from Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock pier aboard the WIFI-equipped boat, you’ll also get a front-row peek of the luxurious, ultra-modern Burgenstock hotel.

Ride an aerial cableway from the Alpine village of Engelberg to the summit of Mt Titlis on this afternoon tour from Lucerne. Then squeeze in as many snow-themed attractions as you can during approximately two hours of free time at the top. Your guided day trip includes snow tubing at Titlis Glacier Park plus admission to the Glacier Cave, Ice Flyer chairlift, Titlis Rotair gondola and Cliff Walk — Europe’s highest suspension bridge. What are you waiting for?

Visit Lake Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus on a half-day tour by boat, cogwheel railway, and gondola. After a cruise around the lake, ride up the steepest—and most scenic—cogwheel railway lines in Europe. Stop at the peak of Mt. Pilatus where alpine vistas await. Your tour finishes outside Lucerne, but it’s a short and easy journey back to the city via public bus.

Home to medieval architecture and spectacular lakeside scenery, Lucerne is widely considered the jewel in Switzerland’s crown. On this tour, explore Lucerne and surrounds by foot and by boat, and see the best of the city in one day. With your guide to lead the way, hit top attractions including the Chapel Bridge and Lucerne Castle, and gain insight into centuries of colorful Swiss history. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour.

Ascend Mt. Pilatus in an alpine gondola during this trip from Lucerne. Board at the valley station in Kriens, marvel at the panoramic views over the pre-alpine landscape to Fräkmüntegg. Transfer to the 'Dragon Ride' aerial cableway for another short ride, ending up at 7,000 feet (2,132 meters) above sea level for epic views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. Descend via the world's steepest cogwheel railway, passing lush meadows, mountain streams and sheer rock faces on the way to your destination at Alpnachstad.

Hop on board the only electric cargo bike tour in Switzerland! A unique and fun way to explore areas of Lucerne often missed by the tourists. While you cruise outside the city limits, taking in the breathtaking scenery that the country is famous for, you’ll get an insider’s view of the local way of life. On this small-group tour, you’re ensured a familiar and relaxed atmosphere, giving you time to interact with the guide and ask any questions about the people and the culture. This is the perfect tour for everyone, including families with younger kids, and we are proud to say it’s one of the best things to do in Lucerne.

Explore 5,899-foot (1,798-meter) Mount Rigi at your own pace on this self-guided tour, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The included train ticket is good for unlimited rides on the three train services that provide access around the area; two cogwheel trains and an aerial cable car.

Travel to Jungfraujoch — Europe's highest railway station at a dizzying height of 11,333 feet (3,454 meters) — on this full day trip from Lucerne. A scenic coach drive via the Bernese Oberland delivers you to Lauterbrunnen for a cogwheel train ride. You’ll wind through the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass below the foot of the Eiger North Face. At the Top of Europe, explore the glaciated Ice Palace and enjoy World Heritage–listed views of the soaring Swiss Alps and Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx Observatory.

Immerse yourself in the Alpine beauty of Interlaken and Grindelwald on a full-day tour of the majestic mountain region from Lucerne. Depart by luxury coach and marvel at enchanting scenery as you travel to Interlaken, a gorgeous resort located at the foot of the Bernese Oberland Alps. Spend some leisurely free time exploring independently and then head to Grindelwald, known as ‘Glacier Village’ due to its impressive array of glaciers. Opt to ascend to the summit of Mt First in a cable car to see stunning panoramas of the surrounding sights before returning to Lucerne.

This beautiful and relaxed trail will take you along the lake shore with beautiful views of the Swiss alps around you. We travel a distance of 16 kms/10 miles on battery-assisted pedalling e-bikes which enables everyone with a “normal level of physical fitness” to enjoy this experience. This is the right activity for nature lovers and for curious travellers who want to discover more about Lucerne and why is considered the most beautiful Swiss city. On the way you will see Mount Pilatus, Mount Stanserhorn, Mount Rigi and Bürgenstock, all along the stunning Lake Lucerne!

See Lucerne’s must-see sights and lesser-known gems in just a couple of hours. The ideal tour if you’re short on time, this classic Lucerne city walk covers everything you need to know about the city. Explore with your own private guide and ask as many questions as you like while you go, discovering the Lion Monument, Musegg Wall, and even the inside of Ritter Palace.

Discover Lucerne with your own private guide and learn the history of the city as you walk. The handsome Swiss town boasts landmarks aplenty, and you’ll find them all with the help of your guide. Scout out the best spots for photos against backdrops such as the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, and leave armed with tips for the best restaurants, shops, and activities in town.

Absorb the sweeping vistas and fresh mountain air of the Swiss Alps on an independent day-trip from Lucerne. Travel by comfortable coach through the UNESCO-listed Jungfrau region and admire scenery as you approach the mountain towns of Interlaken and Grindelwald. Listen to commentary from your guide and then spend half of the day exploring Grindelwald independently. Then, board a train to Interlaken to enjoy free time in the lively lakeside resort. Meet your guide at a prearranged time for the relaxing journey back to Lucerne.

Visit the winter wonderland of Mount Titlis year-round with a round-trip ticket on the new 8-seater cable car that transports passengers from Valley Station in Engelberg directly to the Stand station. From there, ride the world’s first revolving cable car, the TITLIS ROTAIR gondola, to the summit Station, enjoying panoramic views of the Swiss Alps along the way.

Discover Lucerne highlights and back streets on a small-group walking tour, exploring with a local to learn about the city's history and hear stories from daily life as you see the center. From the Chapel Bridge to the Octagonal Water Tower and Lucerne Castle, you’ll tick off key destinations on foot, with the option to conclude the tour by taking in the Glacier Garden on your own.

Learn about Swiss history and culture on a small-group day trip to Bern from Lucerne, with no more than 16 people. After traveling through the UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve of Entlebuch Valley, break up your journey with a stop at the Kambly Experience to watch Swiss biscuits being made. In Bern, explore the medieval Old Town, and then indulge yourself with Swiss cheese at a show dairy in the Emmental region. You’ll learn how the Emmentaler AOP is made and savor samples, too. At the end of the tour, you'll take with you a goodie bag full of Swiss delicacies collected at the visited attractions throughout the day.

Combine a vintage funicular train journey with a ride on the world’s only CabriO convertible cable car — an open-top gondola. After ascending Mt. Stanserhorn by funicular, you’ll see views of the Swiss alpine meadows replaced with open skies and soaring mountain peaks from the sundeck of the CabriO gondola. Tickets are prebooked to save you time and hassle before you board, and you’ll have free time to eat in the mountain’s revolving restaurant and take a summit hike.

Enjoy a personalized experience in Switzerland and go off the beaten track when you book this private tour from Zurich, Bern, or Lucerne. Discover hidden places you wouldn't find on your own; enjoy the knowledge of your expertly qualified environmental science guide and enjoy the views in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

Visit Mount Pilatus and take a train ride on the world's steepest cogwheel railway on this self-guided tour from Lucerne. Ride on the new aerial cableway, the Dragon Ride, included, as well as a panoramic gondola ride. All transportation included; you are free to explore on your own once there.

Ascend to Europe’s highest point on an exhilarating full-day excursion to the Swiss Alps from Lucerne. With a professional guide, travel by luxury coach through the spectacular scenery of the Bernese Oberland region to Interlaken. After a short visit of Interlaken, ascend the UNESCO-listed Jungfraujoch mountain pass and absorb sweeping mountain vistas on arrival at the ‘Top of Europe’. Explore the frozen witchery of an Ice Palace at the summit and marvel at incredible panoramas of the alpine wonderland from the Sphinx Observatory.

Save time researching Swiss Alps highlights, and get access to an itinerary of spectacular sights to visit in a day, such as Mt. Rigi, and the Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa. Rather than rushing to keep up with a group, a benefit of this tour is that it’s self-guided. Enjoy the freedom of exploring on your own, but the perk of having transport included, such as a round-trip Lake Lucerne cruise, a ride on a mountain railway, and a cable car ride included.

Take a tandem paragliding flight from Lucerne and gaze out over the Swiss Alps from the sky. With a professional paragliding instructor by your side who will take care of the navigation, you can focus on the thrill of the flight. No experience or a high level of fitness is required, just an interest in adventure and a desire to discover the landscapes of Lucerne.