What to Eat in Lucerne

One thing’s for sure — no trip is complete without tasting the local flavours. In Switzerland, this can sometimes be a challenge, as prices aren’t always budget-friendly. But don’t worry, here are a few tips for making the most of your stay in Lucerne. First, if you want to enjoy something typically Swiss without breaking the bank, just follow the smell of melted Gruyère! That will likely lead you to cheese ramequins—small puff pastry tarts filled with cheese, loved across the nation. For something more traditional, Lucerne’s local specialty is called Chügelipastete, which dates back to the 18th century. It’s a dome of puff pastry filled with diced veal and mushrooms in a rich cream sauce. If you want something sweet, go for a Birnenwegge. A Lucerne speciality, this rolled yeast cake is filled with a spiced pear purée and chopped nuts. Of course, Lucerne is in Switzerland—so no visit is complete without enjoying some raclette, a bubbling pot of Swiss fondue, or a hearty rösti with grilled sausages. How could we talk about Switzerland without mentioning chocolate? In Lucerne, you can dive into the world of artisanal chocolate-making. You can even go on day trips to tour nearby chocolate factories, cheese dairies, and vineyards. For those who enjoy a bit of fun with their food, try the Food Trail organised by the local tourist office! Riddles and puzzles will lead you from one landmark to the next, with tasty local treats at each stop. For wine lovers, the vineyards around Lake Lucerne offer stunning views and excellent tastings. Thanks to their sunny, sloped terrain, they produce alpine white wines like Müller-Thurgau (also known as Rivaner), and some excellent Pinot Noirs. There are plenty of flavours to explore in and around Lucerne!