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Every part you must provide help to plan the right winter metropolis break in Lucerne, Switzerland…
Lucerne appears like a scene from a postcard! A fairytale metropolis centre, with historic structure lined in vibrant frescos and centuries-old lined bridges spanning a large river… all of it missed by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Perched on the tip of a sprawling lake, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, this excellent previous metropolis has so much to supply at any time of 12 months. Whereas most vacationers go to in spring and summer time, winter has some very totally different charms: snowy landscapes, hearty Swiss meals, and a wealthy programme of festivals and occasions.
For those who love the concept of cosying up in historic eating places with a bowl of fondue, exploring cobbled streets with a cup of takeaway gluhwein in hand, or taking a ship experience to gaze up at dramatic mountainscapes – that is town break for you!
Right here’s my information that will help you plan the excellent winter getaway in Lucerne. Take pleasure in…
My Christmas journey to Lucerne was supported by Go to Lucerne. As all the time, all phrases and opinions are my very own.
Lucerne Winter Climate & Finest Time to Go
Lucerne experiences chilly winters, with common temperatures starting from roughly -1°C (30°F) to five°C (41°F). January is often the coldest month, with lows round -3°C (27°F) and highs close to 3°C (38°F).
Snowfall is widespread throughout this era, particularly from November to March, with December usually seeing the very best common snowfall of about 7 cm (2.9 inches).
Supply = Weatherspark
When to Go
December is probably the very best month to expertise winter in Lucerne. Count on snowy situations, a number of festive attraction, and a number of other Christmas markets… all of the makings of an ideal festive getaway.
Though chilly, January is one other nice time to benefit from winter in Lucerne. In January, town shines due to the Lilu Gentle Competition, which sees artists from everywhere in the world embellish town with distinctive gentle artwork installations.
Lastly, the ski season round Lake Lucerne usually spans from late November to early April, various by resort and annual climate situations.
Why Go to Lucerne in Winter
With a postcard-perfect backdrop of snowy mountains (and a great likelihood of snowfall within the metropolis), Lucerne is the best place for a winter getaway – whether or not you’re on the lookout for a festive break in December or a metropolis break in January/February to beat these post-Christmas blues! Listed here are some nice causes to go to in winter…
- Christmas Markets and different festive occasions (throughout December).
- January’s Lilu Gentle Competition
- Snowy landscapes and mountain adventures by rail or cable automotive.
- There are fewer vacationers round (excluding the Christmas interval). Whereas the close by ski resorts are busy, January to March is the “low season” for town itself.
- Lodging and flights are (normally) cheaper this time of 12 months because it’s the low season. Once more, the Christmas interval is an exception.
- Swiss delicacies is at its greatest in winter: a number of melted tacky treats (raclette anybody?) and hearty Alpine dishes. Convey your urge for food!
Issues to do in Lucerne in Winter
1. Discover the Outdated City
Lucerne’s Altstadt (Outdated City) is a beautiful, fairytale setting, thought of one of many prettiest previous cities in Switzerland. After a stroll by way of its picturesque cobbled streets, you’ll rapidly see why!
This compact city-centre is full of historic buildings and half-timber homes, a lot of them embellished with vibrant frescos. These intricately-painted, multi-storey murals depict varied scenes from Lucerne’s historical past and tradition.
You’ll discover a few of the very best examples surrounding the Weinmarkt: the previous fish market and one of many metropolis’s prettiest plazas. Look out for the elaborately carved fountain right here, which dates from 1481.
2. Uncover Lucerne’s Lined Bridges
Maybe essentially the most iconic sight in Lucerne is the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge); a lined picket footbridge spanning the River Reuss alongside a historic stone water tower. The bridge dates from the early 14th century, though it needed to be restored after a devastating hearth in 1993.
Simply upriver lies one other lined bridge, the Spreuerbrücke (Spreuer Bridge or Chaff Bridge). This one is much less recognized than Chapel Bridge, however equally as beautiful, with charming views of the Outdated City and the river’s Needle Dam.
Each bridges are embellished with a collection of painted picket panels. The work on Chapel Bridge depict occasions from town’s historical past, whereas the collection on Spreuer Bridge kinds a “Dance of Loss of life”. Learn extra in regards to the work right here.
Prime Tip: Head to the neighbouring footbridge (Rathaussteg) for a view of the Chapel Bridge and the water tower with snow-capped mountains past.
3. Take a Boat Journey on Lake Lucerne
You may suppose a lake cruise is extra of a summer time exercise. However with the encircling mountains and forests dusted with snow, Lake Lucerne turns into an ideal winter wonderland – one which’s greatest loved from the water!
Lake Lucerne Navigation Firm runs a number of cruises and spherical journeys on the lake. I like to recommend the Quick Lake Cruise to Beckenried and again, which takes round 2.5 hours and has a full restaurant on board. Maintain cosy with a mug of sizzling chocolate (or a pleasant glass of wine) and a pastry when you watch the breathtaking mountain views glide previous outdoors.
Prime tip: The cruises run forwards and backwards a number of instances a day, so you may even hop off in one of many lakeside cities to discover earlier than heading again to Lucerne.
4. Go Ice Skating
Lucerne’s annual out of doors ice rink on the Europaplatz is an actual deal with, situated on the lakeside close to the KKL (Tradition and Congress Centre). Count on attractive views of the lake, particularly after darkish, when town lights are mirrored within the water.
Eiszauber (Ice Magic Lucerne) runs from round mid-November till the beginning of January. Higher nonetheless, the ice rink is free – though you do need to pay for skate rental except you may have your individual. There’s a splendidly festive environment across the rink, which is surrounded by meals stalls and chalets.
Prime tip: For those who miss the non permanent winter iced rink, there’ i’s additionally an indoor ice rink on the town; Eiszentrum Lucerne.
5. Absorb the view from Lodge Chateau Gutsch
On the lookout for the most effective views in Lucerne? Hop aboard the Gütsch Funicular for a fast, 1.5-minute experience as much as Lodge Chateau Gütsch.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking town, this iconic lodge has beautiful views throughout Lucerne to the lake and surrounding mountains. This view is much more particular in winter, when the close by peaks are dusted with snow!
There’s a small woodland on the prime if you happen to fancy a stroll, or you may merely head to the lodge’s terrace to soak within the view. There’s additionally a restaurant and bar on the lodge if you wish to benefit from your journey!
Data: The Funicular is unmanned and operates like a elevate (elevator), so that you push a button to name it. A single experience is 3 CHF, or you should buy a 1-hour Zone 10 go for 4.80 CHF. You should purchase tickets on the close by Gütsch bus cease. The funicular is free with a Swiss Cross.
6. Don’t miss the Lucerne Lion
The Lion Monument is likely one of the prime sights in Lucerne at any time of 12 months, and actually it’s one of the crucial well-known monuments in Switzerland – so don’t miss it!
It’s a sculpture of a lion carved straight right into a sheer rock cliff face. It was carved in 1820–21 as a memorial for the Swiss Guards who have been killed throughout the French Revolution in 1792.
7. Benefit from the Christmas Markets (if you happen to’re visiting in December)
From the tip of November and all through December, Lucerne hosts a handful of implausible Christmas markets and occasions – excellent for moving into the festive spirit!
The primary choices are Lucerne Christmas Market, (Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt) held in entrance 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 put up all about Christmas in Lucerne, click on right here to learn it for more information.
The place to Keep in Lucerne
My prime tip can be to decide on a lodge proper within the metropolis centre, to keep away from having to stroll too far within the chilly climate.
The world between the practice station and the Outdated City, on the south facet of the river, is a superb spot. This can put you inside strolling distance of the station whenever you arrive, but additionally of all of the Christmas Markets and sights.
Lodge Waldstätterhof
On my journey to Lucerne in December, I stayed at Lodge Waldstätterhof. It couldn’t be in a greater location: nearly reverse the practice station and a couple of 10-minute stroll from the Outdated City and the KKL (and each Christmas markets!).
Whereas the lodge is a really historic one, relationship from 1870 and housed in a fabulously grand constructing, the inside could be very fashionable – so that you get the very best of each worlds. I cherished the sense of character and historical past upon getting into the constructing! The rooms are surprisingly spacious for a metropolis centre lodge and are very cozy. I had an awesome keep right here and would fortunately suggest it.
What to Eat in Lucerne
Winter’s chilly climate is the excellent time to take pleasure in these hearty Alpine dishes like cheese fondue, raclette, and Swiss chocolate. And also you don’t have to enter the mountains to search out it – Lucerne is well-known for its wonderful gastronomy and there’s no scarcity of implausible spots to strive the native delicacies.
Right here’s what you NEED to strive when you’re in Lucerne…
Fondue – melted cheese and wine served in a giant pot with bread, potatoes, and/or meat to dip.
Raclette – melted cheese normally served with potatoes, pickles and cured meat.
Älplermagronen – a Swiss tackle macaroni cheese, with pasta and potatoes in a tacky sauce topped with crispy onions (and typically bacon bits). It’s usually served with apple compote.
Swiss Rösti – potato cake. The perfect sort is made with mountain cheese and bacon and topped with an egg – strive the one at Lodge Waldstätterhof’s Gleis 1 restaurant.
Chugelipastete – this dish is exclusive to Lucerne. It’s a meat pie encased in puff pastry with a creamy sauce and booze-soaked raisins. Strive it on the cosy Lodge Wilden Mann.
Gluhwein – sizzling wine (white or crimson). A number of cafes serve it to remove throughout winter.
Swiss Chocolate – Lindt is essentially the most well-known model, however there’s additionally Cailler, Läderach, Sprüngli, and extra. There’s even a Swiss Chocolate Journey on the Verkehrshaus Museum!
What to Pack for Winter in Lucerne
Lucerne might be fairly chilly in winter! Pack heat garments and loads of layers, together with a few thermal layers.
It’s a really walkable metropolis, however there are many cobbled streets and issues might be slippery if there’s ice – so depart the heels at residence! Go for an honest pair of trainers (with thick boot socks), ideally ones which might be cozy and have good grip (in case of snow).
Outfit concepts:
1. Group an extended skirt with a long-sleeved prime and a jumper (and put on leggings, thermals, or thick tights beneath).
2. Heat denims or easy black trousers, plus a long-sleeved prime and a jumper. Throw some thermals on beneath if it’s significantly chilly.
3. A heat gown (I’ve a woollen gown which I LOVE) teamed with a thermal base layer.
Packing Listing
- Your chosen outfits (see above)
- Heat mackintosh – ideally one designed for snowy climates. I’ve a Roxy Snow Jacket and it’s excellent for winter metropolis breaks like this.
- Hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Thermal leggings
- Not less than one jumper/sweater – wool is greatest for holding heat, alternatively fleece.
- Boots – cozy with good grip.
- If the forecast is for heavy snow throughout your go to, take into account a pair of snow boots. The Trespass Girls’s Stavra are a cut price and actually cozy.
- Boot socks – I CANNOT suggest Darn Robust socks sufficient – they’re so cozy and heat!
Learn Extra
Obtained a query about visiting Lucerne throughout winter? Scroll down to depart me a remark and I’ll attempt to assist!
I hope you discovered this information helpful – and have an incredible time exploring Lucerne. Beneath you’ll find hyperlinks to some of my different posts about Switzerland, in case you may have extra time to discover…
A Fantastic Winter Weekend Metropolis Break in Lausanne
12 of the Finest Eating places in Lausanne
