Lucerne in Winter: How to Plan the Perfect City Break

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close up of a stone fountain with a carved face of a myhtical figure around the spout, in the background is a river and historic swiss style architecture.

Everything you need to help you plan the perfect winter city break in Lucerne, Switzerland…

Lucerne looks like a scene from a postcard! A fairytale city centre, with historic architecture covered in colourful frescos and centuries-old covered bridges spanning a wide river… all of it overlooked by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Perched at the tip of a sprawling lake, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, this wonderful old city has a lot to offer at any time of year. While most tourists visit in spring and summer, winter has some very different charms: snowy landscapes, hearty Swiss food, and a rich programme of festivals and events.

If you love the idea of cosying up in historic restaurants with a bowl of fondue, exploring cobbled streets with a cup of takeaway gluhwein in hand, or taking a boat ride to gaze up at dramatic mountainscapes – this is the city break for you!

Here’s my guide to help you plan the perfect winter getaway in Lucerne. Enjoy…

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My Christmas trip to Lucerne was supported by Visit Lucerne. As always, all words and opinions are my own.

Lucerne Winter Weather & Best Time to Go

View of Lucerne city centre and the neighbouring lake from a hilltop on a grey overcast day in winter.

Lucerne experiences cold winters, with average temperatures ranging from approximately -1°C (30°F) to 5°C (41°F). January is typically the coldest month, with lows around -3°C (27°F) and highs near 3°C (38°F).

Snowfall is common during this period, especially from November to March, with December often seeing the highest average snowfall of about 7 cm (2.9 inches).

Source = Weatherspark

When to Go

gloved hand holding a paper cup with red wine in front of a dark blue lake at night time with city lights out of focus on the far side of the lake.

December is perhaps the best month to experience winter in Lucerne. Expect snowy conditions, lots of festive charm, and several Christmas markets… all the makings of a perfect festive getaway.

Although cold, January is another great time to make the most of winter in Lucerne. In January, the city shines thanks to the Lilu Light Festival, which sees artists from all over the world decorate the city with unique light art installations.

Finally, the ski season around Lake Lucerne typically spans from late November to early April, varying by resort and annual weather conditions.

Why Visit Lucerne in Winter

large white manor type building with a grey roof at the foot of a towering mountain with snowy peaks. There is a still grey lake in front.

With a postcard-perfect backdrop of snowy mountains (and a good chance of snowfall in the city), Lucerne is the ideal place for a winter getaway – whether you’re looking for a festive break in December or a city break in January/February to beat those post-Christmas blues! Here are some great reasons to visit in winter…

Christmas Markets and other festive events (during December).
January’s Lilu Light Festival
Snowy landscapes and mountain adventures by rail or cable car.
There are fewer tourists around (with the exception of the Christmas period). While the nearby ski resorts are busy, January to March is the “off-season” for the city itself.
Accommodation and flights are (usually) cheaper this time of year as it’s the off-season. Again, the Christmas period is an exception.
Swiss cuisine is at its best in winter: lots of melted cheesy treats (raclette anyone?) and hearty Alpine dishes. Bring your appetite!

Things to do in Lucerne in Winter

1. Explore the Old Town

Square in Lucerne Old Town with dark grey flagstone floor. There is an old building with a grey stone facade, the top three floors are painted cream with a colourful mural depicting knights in armour and deer.

Lucerne’s Altstadt (Old Town) is a gorgeous, fairytale setting, considered one of the prettiest old towns in Switzerland. After a walk through its picturesque cobbled streets, you’ll quickly see why!

This compact city-centre is crammed with historic buildings and half-timber houses, many of them decorated with colourful frescos. These intricately-painted, multi-storey murals depict various scenes from Lucerne’s history and culture.

You’ll find some of the best examples surrounding the Weinmarkt: the former fish market and one of the city’s prettiest plazas. Look out for the elaborately carved fountain here, which dates from 1481.

2. Discover Lucerne’s Covered Bridges

Covered wooden bridge over a river at night with a circular stone water tower behind, both have red tilded roofs. The city lights on the far side of the river are reflected in the river. — *Chapel Bridge and Water Tower at night in December*

Perhaps the most iconic sight in Lucerne is the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge); a covered wooden footbridge spanning the River Reuss alongside a historic stone water tower. The bridge dates from the early 14th century, although it had to be restored after a devastating fire in 1993.

Just upriver lies another covered bridge, the Spreuerbrücke (Spreuer Bridge or Chaff Bridge). This one is less known than Chapel Bridge, but equally as lovely, with charming views of the Old Town and the river’s Needle Dam.

emily walking through a wooden covered bridge with her hands in her pockets. The floor is wooden and there is a triangular wooden roof above, while the sides of the bridge are open with a view of a riverside building beyond. Emily is wearing a grey winter coat, a long leopard print skirt, brown leather boots, a grey wool bobble hat and an orange scarf. — *Spreuer Bridge*

Both bridges are decorated with a series of painted wooden panels. The paintings on Chapel Bridge depict events from the city’s history, while the series on Spreuer Bridge forms a “Dance of Death”. Read more about the paintings here.

Top Tip: Head to the neighbouring footbridge (Rathaussteg) for a view of the Chapel Bridge and the water tower with snow-capped mountains beyond.

3. Take a Boat Trip on Lake Lucerne

Looking along the side of a boat on a lake with very calm grey water and a mountain range beyond. It is a cold day in winter with grey sky above Lake Lucerne.

You might think a lake cruise is more of a summer activity. But with the surrounding mountains and forests dusted with snow, Lake Lucerne becomes a perfect winter wonderland – one that’s best enjoyed from the water!

Lake Lucerne Navigation Company runs several cruises and round trips on the lake. I recommend the Short Lake Cruise to Beckenried and back, which takes around 2.5 hours and has a full restaurant on board. Keep cosy with a mug of hot chocolate (or a nice glass of wine) and a pastry while you watch the breathtaking mountain views glide past outside.

small white mug filled with hot chocolate on a plate on a wooden table next to a window. There are some paper christmas decorations of an angel and two christmas trees on the window ledge. Outside is a view of a lake and mountains.

Top tip: The cruises run back and forth several times a day, so you can even hop off in one of the lakeside towns to explore before heading back to Lucerne.

4. Go Ice Skating

Outdoor ice rink at night lit up in blue with star-shaped patterns on the floor and blurry human figures skating by. There is a large Christmas tree covered in yellow lights behind.

Lucerne’s annual outdoor ice rink on the Europaplatz is a real treat, located on the lakeside near the KKL (Culture and Congress Centre). Expect gorgeous views of the lake, especially after dark, when the city lights are reflected in the water.

Eiszauber (Ice Magic Lucerne) runs from around mid-November until the start of January. Better still, the ice rink is free – although you do have to pay for skate rental unless you have your own. There’s a wonderfully festive atmosphere around the rink, which is surrounded by food stalls and chalets.

Top tip: If you miss the temporary winter iced rink, there’ i’s also an indoor ice rink in town; Eiszentrum Lucerne.

5. Soak up the view from Hotel Chateau Gutsch

View of Lucerne city centre and the neighbouring lake from a hilltop on a grey overcast day in winter. The view is seen through a red wooden frame with a white sign on top that says Luzern, and white letters below that reading Grand Tour of Switzerland.

Looking for one of the best views in Lucerne? Hop aboard the Gütsch Funicular for a quick, 1.5-minute ride up to Hotel Chateau Gütsch.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city, this iconic hotel has stunning views across Lucerne to the lake and surrounding mountains. This view is even more special in winter, when the nearby peaks are dusted with snow!

There’s a small woodland at the top if you fancy a walk, or you can simply head to the hotel’s terrace to soak in the view. There’s also a restaurant and bar at the hotel if you want to make the most of your trip!

Info: The Funicular is unmanned and operates like a lift (elevator), so you push a button to call it. A single ride is 3 CHF, or you can buy a 1-hour Zone 10 pass for 4.80 CHF. You can buy tickets at the nearby Gütsch bus stop. The funicular is free with a Swiss Pass.

6. Don’t miss the Lucerne Lion

Emily standing in front of a small pond with a sheer grey rock face behind. There is a statue of a sleeping lion carved into the rock. Emily has her hands in her coat pockets and is wearing a burgundy jumper, an orange scarf, a grey wooly bobble hat, a leopard print skirt, and brown boots.

The Lion Monument is one of the top attractions in Lucerne at any time of year, and in fact it’s one of the most famous monuments in Switzerland – so don’t miss it!

It’s a sculpture of a lion carved directly into a sheer rock cliff face. It was carved in 1820–21 as a memorial for the Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution in 1792.

7. Enjoy the Christmas Markets (if you’re visiting in December)

Small wooden hut painted green with a sign on the rood reading "Raclette". The hut is surrounded by small christmas trees with string ligths running overhead. It is night time and several people are standing in front of the hut at tall wooden tables.

From the end of November and throughout December, Lucerne hosts a handful of fantastic Christmas markets and events – perfect for getting into the festive spirit!

The main offerings are Lucerne Christmas Market, (Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt) held in front of the Franziskanerkirche church, and Rudolf’s Christmas Spectacle (Rudolf’s Weihnacht) held on the lakeside in Inseli Park.

READ MORE: I’ve written a separate post all about Christmas in Lucerne, click here to read it for more info.

close up of a small green coloured statue of a man holding a goose under each arm. There are pastel painted buildings out of focus behind. — *Hirschenplatz Square in the Old Town*

Where to Stay in Lucerne

My top tip would be to choose a hotel right in the city centre, to avoid having to walk too far in the cold weather.

The area between the train station and the Old Town, on the south side of the river, is a great spot. This will put you within walking distance of the station when you arrive, but also of all the Christmas Markets and attractions.

Hotel Waldstätterhof

On my trip to Lucerne in December, I stayed at Hotel Waldstätterhof. It couldn’t be in a better location: almost opposite the train station and about a 10-minute walk from the Old Town and the KKL (and both Christmas markets!).

While the hotel is a very historic one, dating from 1870 and housed in a fabulously grand building, the interior is very modern – so you get the best of both worlds. I loved the sense of character and history upon entering the building! The rooms are surprisingly spacious for a city centre hotel and are very comfy. I had a great stay here and would happily recommend it.

What to Eat in Lucerne

Recangular plate with a puff pastry pie next to some meat and vegetables in a creamy sauce. There is a small glass of red wine next to the plate and the rest of the restaurant is out of focus beyond. — *Chugelipastete – Lucerne’s traditional meat pie!*

Winter’s cold weather is the perfect time to enjoy those hearty Alpine dishes like cheese fondue, raclette, and Swiss chocolate. And you don’t have to go into the mountains to find it – Lucerne is well-known for its excellent gastronomy and there’s no shortage of fantastic spots to try the local cuisine.

Here’s what you NEED to try while you’re in Lucerne…

Fondue – melted cheese and wine served in a big pot with bread, potatoes, and/or meat to dip.

Raclette – melted cheese usually served with potatoes, pickles and cured meat.

Älplermagronen – a Swiss take on macaroni cheese, with pasta and potatoes in a cheesy sauce topped with crispy onions (and sometimes bacon bits). It’s often served with apple compote.

Swiss Rösti – potato cake. The best kind is made with mountain cheese and bacon and topped with an egg – try the one at Hotel Waldstätterhof’s Gleis 1 restaurant.

Chugelipastete – this dish is unique to Lucerne. It’s a meat pie encased in puff pastry with a creamy sauce and booze-soaked raisins. Try it at the cosy Hotel Wilden Mann.

Gluhwein – hot wine (white or red). Lots of cafes serve it to take away during winter.

Swiss Chocolate – Lindt is the most famous brand, but there’s also Cailler, Läderach, Sprüngli, and more. There’s even a Swiss Chocolate Adventure at the Verkehrshaus Museum!

What to Pack for Winter in Lucerne

Emily standing on the stern of a boat facing the camera with a view of the lake and snowcapped mountains nehind her and a small town at the edge of the lake. She is wearing a long grey winter coat with a fur lined hood, a dark teal wool dress, black leggings, brown leather boots and a light grey hat. The swiss flag is flying from the back of the boat next to her.

Lucerne can be pretty cold in winter! Pack warm clothes and plenty of layers, including a couple of thermal layers.

It’s a very walkable city, but there are lots of cobbled streets and things can be slippery if there’s ice – so leave the heels at home! Opt for a decent pair of boots (with thick boot socks), preferably ones that are comfy and have good grip (in case of snow).

Outfit ideas:
1. Team a long skirt with a long-sleeved top and a jumper (and wear leggings, thermals, or thick tights underneath).
2. Warm jeans or simple black trousers, plus a long-sleeved top and a jumper. Throw some thermals on underneath if it’s particularly cold.
3. A warm dress (I have a woollen dress which I LOVE) teamed with a thermal base layer.

Packing List

Your chosen outfits (see above)
Warm waterproof coat – preferably one designed for snowy climates. I have a Roxy Snow Jacket and it’s perfect for winter city breaks like this.
Hat
Scarf
Gloves
Thermal leggings
At least one jumper/sweater – wool is best for keeping warm, alternatively fleece.
Boots – comfy with good grip.
- If the forecast is for heavy snow during your visit, consider a pair of snow boots. The Trespass Women’s Stavra are a bargain and really comfy.
Boot socks – I CANNOT recommend Darn Tough socks enough – they’re so comfy and warm!

Got a question about visiting Lucerne during winter? Scroll down to leave me a comment and I’ll try to help!

I hope you found this guide useful – and have an amazing time exploring Lucerne. Below you can find links to a few of my other posts about Switzerland, in case you have more time to explore…

Christmas in Lucerne

A Wonderful Winter Weekend City Break in Lausanne

12 of the Best Restaurants in Lausanne

Summer in Verbier