Hotels in Luzern

Luzern: Gateway to Central Switzerland

Luzern sits at the northwestern tip of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), 54 km south of Zurich by rail. The medieval Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), built in 1333, crosses the Reuss River and anchors the old town alongside the Water Tower and intact sections of the 14th-century city walls. Mount Pilatus rises 2,132 m directly above the city and is reachable by the world's steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad, while Rigi — the so-called Queen of the Mountains — is accessible by boat and rack railway from the Weggis landing stage.

Where to Stay

Hotels concentrate in three zones. The old town (Altstadt) on the right bank of the Reuss offers the shortest walk to Kapellbrücke and the Kornmarkt square. The train station district on the left bank places guests within 400 m of the KKL Luzern cultural centre and direct rail connections. The lakefront (Nationalquai / Schweizerhofquai) strip suits travelers who prioritize lake views and the ferry terminal.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Zurich Airport to Luzern runs direct by train in roughly 70 minutes.
• Lake ferries: The SGV ferry network connects Luzern to Weggis, Vitznau, and Flüelen — included in Swiss Travel Pass.
• Altitude note: Pack a wind layer even in July; summit temperatures on Pilatus average 5 °C year-round.
• Museum day: The Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus), 1.5 km east of the station, is Switzerland's most visited museum.