Itineraries for Your Trip to Lucerne
3 Days in Lucerne for Foodies
Switzerland has always had a mythical status in my familial lore. My grandfather spent a lot of time in the country for work, and my mother did some of her schooling in the town of St. Gallen. My childhood bedtime stories were peppered with tales of life all over Switzerland, but Lucerne was the place I wanted to visit the most—and not just for its famously delicious chocolate.
Lucerne is simply beautiful, with a massive lake, gorgeous medieval architecture, and snow-capped alpine peaks in the background. The abundance of fantastic local fare, from fondue and raclette to beer and wine, is a tasty bonus. Here's how to visit it with an eye to food.
Always be prepared for a downpour, even in the mild summer.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a cruise on Lake Lucerne.
Switzerland is known for its cheese, so hit the ground running on your first day with a guided cheese tour. You'll also visit an underground cave to learn about local cheese production and taste cheeses.
Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the city by visiting local highlights such as the Lion Monument and the Lucerne Castle. Follow it up with an evening cruise on Lake Lucerne, which includes all-you-can-eat fondue and raclette.
On your second day, learn about Switzerland’s wine industry on a tasting experience. Take a boat ride to a local winery, where you'll try seven or eight wines and learn about regional winemaking.
Then head over to Kriens, less than a 15-minute bus ride from Lucerne's main railway station, for a cooking class at a local restaurant. A chef teaches you how to make authentic Swiss food, which you'll eat right in the restaurant.
Swiss chocolate is known the world over. Learn more about the industry—and do a bit of tasting—by taking a private tour of a chocolate factory that includes the opportunity to create and decorate your own chocolate bar.
Don't leave town before tasting local beer. Local favorites include Eichhof and the aptly named Luzerner Bier, both available all around town. Alternatively, head to Rathaus Brauerei to try out its signature cloudy pilsner or one of its rotating winter specials.
