Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
Free
30 minGoogle Maps
The 14th-century covered wooden bridge with its flower boxes and octagonal water tower ~ the most photographed spot in Switzerland. Magic at dawn before the day-trippers arrive.
© Dan Cojocari · CC BY-SA 4.0All cities
Switzerland · Attraction Prices
Lucerne
$110–160 for the classics3 paid · 3 freeFly into ZRH1 USD ≈ CHF 0.80 (Swiss franc)Open in Google Maps
Lucerne is postcard Switzerland ~ a medieval lakeside town ringed by peaks. The old town, covered bridge, and Lion Monument are free; the money goes on the cogwheel trains and cable cars up the surrounding mountains.
Bring $110–160
This assumes one mountain excursion (Pilatus or Rigi) plus a lake cruise ~ the town itself is free to explore.
Getting there
ZRHZurich Airport
There's no Lucerne airport ~ fly into Zurich and take the direct train (about 1 hour). Stay in the Old Town; the mountain railways start from the lakefront.
Lion Monument
Free
20–30 minGoogle Maps
Mark Twain called this dying lion carved into the rock 'the most mournful piece of stone in the world.' A quick, moving stop ~ pair it with the Glacier Garden next door.
Mount Pilatus
CHF 72–78 golden round trip
≈ $90–98 USD
Half to full dayGoogle Maps
The 'Golden Round Trip' combines the world's steepest cogwheel railway, cable cars, and a lake boat. Pricey but unforgettable ~ a Swiss Travel Pass gets you ~50% off.
Mount Rigi
≈ CHF 78 round trip
≈ $98 USD
Half to full dayGoogle Maps
The 'Queen of the Mountains,' reached by Europe's first cogwheel railway. Gentler than Pilatus with alpine meadow walks up top ~ and thermal baths at Rigi Kaltbad.
Lake Lucerne Cruise
CHF 30–60 (free with Swiss Travel Pass)
≈ $38–75 USD
1–3 hoursGoogle Maps
Glide past mountains and lakeside villages on a paddle steamer. Short hops are cheap ~ and if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, the scheduled boats are entirely free.
Old Town & Musegg Wall
Free
1–2 hoursGoogle Maps
Frescoed guild houses around car-free squares, and the medieval Musegg Wall whose towers you can climb for free (summer). One of the tower clocks strikes a minute early ~ tradition.
Prices are approximate (as of 2026), based on our visits and official rates, and can change with seasons and exchange rates. Always double-check official websites before you go.
Photos are free-license images from Wikimedia Commons ~ tap the credit on any photo for its author and license.