Lucerne is famous for its festivals, with special events held throughout the year. Additionally, due to the city’s proximity to ski resorts, visitors often plan their trip around the weather and the nature of their visit. A holiday during the warmest months of June to August, when average highs range from 22-24°C, can be perfect for those wanting to spend their days hiking or mountain biking. Alternatively you’ll find avid skiers and snowboarders on a flight to Lucerne during January and February when the snow is at its peak.
The Lucerne calendar of events kicks off with the Fasnacht Carnival at the end of March when performers in odd costumes and masks gather to sing and dance the winter away. Critics have hailed Lucerne’s carnival the best in the country, with the music and entertainment just that bit better than the rest. Alternatively, visit in August to experience all the sounds of the Lucerne Classic Music Festival, or come in July to bear witness to the jazz, blues and punk of the Blue Balls Festival on the lake promenade. Finally, October sees the city celebrate one of Switzerland’s most prized exports during the popular Lucerne Cheese Festival.
The city is busy all year round so your best bet for finding a cheap flight to Lucerne is by looking around and comparing deals.
City overview
Lucerne is the gingerbread town of Switzerland, a Hansel and Gretel fairytale located on the shores of the country’s second largest lake. To the north rise the rugged ripples of Mount Pilatus, wrapping Lucerne in an Alpine embrace that gradually peters out to the rolling slopes of Rütli Meadow. The city is characterised by ambling cobblestone streets and chalet style architecture resplendent in intricate artwork. Medieval touches give the city an air of venerability, while the world's oldest wooden covered bridge, Kapellbrücke, enjoys its place as Lucerne's most popular tourist attraction. The bridge is famed for its ornate paintings of life and history, with the focal point of the octagonal Wasserturm tower rising 140ft (43 m) above the waterline.
Lucerne is also a meeting point of Swiss culinary cultures, with the local German influence melding with French and Italian styles in a grand gastronomic melting pot. Fine restaurants are found across the city, as are more intimate bistros and beer houses. Visitors who take flights to Lucerne will find plenty to keep them occupied, museums and galleries are in great abundance, as are a number of skiing resorts on the far side of the city’s lake.
Getting around Switzerland
Lucerne is an intimate, medieval city that was originally designed for pedestrians, and horses and carts. Accordingly, driving may prove tricky unless familiar with the layout. The city is well served by a trolleybus system, proving easy access to popular spots. Buses run about 5 minutes apart and are an inexpensive option for seeing the city.
Getting from the Airport to the City
If you wish to take a flight to Lucerne you will have to fly to Zürich Airport (ZRH), which is the nearest international airport, with flights coming from across the world, including London-Heathrow, New York JFK and Johannesburg. Car hire is available at the airport, as are a number of private hire taxi companies. Trains to Lucerne normally depart twice per hour.
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