Lake Lucerne

Welcome to the Nationalquai promenade, a beautiful path that follows the shores of stunning Lake Lucerne. The lake is the star of the city, offering fresh air and a peaceful setting by the water’s edge. You can follow the lakeside path for as long as you’d like. It leads to sandy beaches and the famous Swiss Museum of Transport, less than two kilometres away. If the name doesn’t catch your interest, you should know it’s the most visited museum in Switzerland. Fun and interactive, it’s a family favourite, and one of Lucerne’s must-see attractions for visitors of all ages. If you decide to stroll along the lake, you can return later by bus or by boat from the Verkehrshaus–Lido landing stage. Let’s come back to the magnificent body of water in front of you. Formed over 12,000 years ago during the retreat of the Reuss glacier, the lake gets its name from the word Waldstätten, a German term originally used to describe the first three—and later four—founding forest cantons of Switzerland. Several lake cruises are available from here, each offering a different route to explore the charming villages around Switzerland’s fourth-largest lake. Feel free to check with the SVG—Lucerne’s boat company—and hop aboard one of the five historic paddle steamers or one of fifteen elegant cruise boats in operation. Take your time enjoying the lakeside atmosphere before we continue our visit. When you’re ready, cross the road behind the impressive Music Pavilion to reach the famous St. Leodegar Church of Lucerne.