Best Excursions Around Lucerne & Kriens
Looking for the perfect day trips around Lucerne and Kriens? From mountain peaks to lake cruises and easy forest walks, here are our favorite excursions—hand-picked and easy to reach from Kriens.
Mount Pilatus via Kriens
Why go: Iconic peak with panoramic views, easy access from Kriens.
How: Walk ~7 minutes to the Pilatus cable car station in Kriens → Fräkmüntegg → Pilatus Kulm.
Good for: Views, short hikes, rope park (seasonal), restaurants.
Time needed: 3–5 hours.
Lake Lucerne Day Cruise
Why go: Classic paddle steamers, hidden coves, and grand villas.
How: Boats depart from Lucerne Pier (Bahnhofquai). Day pass options are available.
Good for: Relaxing sightseeing, hop-on hop-off villages (Weggis, Vitznau).
Time needed: 2–6 hours (flexible).
Lucerne Old Town & Chapel Bridge
Why go: Medieval streets, waterfront promenades, the famous Kapellbrücke, Musegg Wall towers.
How: Bus or train from Kriens to Lucerne station; the Old Town starts across the river.
Good for: Photos, cafés, shopping, short strolls.
Time needed: 2–3 hours.
Bürgenstock & Hammetschwand Lift
Why go: Dramatic cliffs above the lake, classic cliff walk, Switzerland’s highest outdoor lift (seasonal).
How: Boat to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock + funicular.
Good for: Views, scenic walk, architecture.
Time needed: 3–4 hours.
Mount Rigi (“Queen of the Mountains”)
Why go: Open-top cable car—feel the breeze with 360° views.
How: Train to Stans, then the funicular + Cabrio.
Good for: Unique experience, short peak walk.
Time needed: 3–4 hours.
Weggis & Vitznau Lakeside Promena
Why go: Palm-lined paths, swimming spots, relaxed cafés.
How: Boat or bus from Lucerne.
Good for: Easy strolls, summer swims, lake photos.
Time needed: 2–4 hours.
Musegg Wall & Towers
Why go: Preserved city wall with towers and views over Lucerne.
How: Short walk from Old Town. Parts are seasonal.
Good for: History lovers, light climb.
Time needed: 1–2 hours.
Sonnenberg & Kriens Woodland Trails
Why go: Close-by forest walks, playgrounds, picnic spots, sunset views over Lucerne.
How: Funicular to Sonnenberg (seasonal) or walk up marked trails from Kriens.
Good for: Quick nature break.
Time needed: 1–3 hours.
Practical Info
Getting Around
- Bus & Train: Frequent services between Kriens and Lucerne (use SBB Mobile).
- Lake Boats: Depart from Lucerne Pier; day passes are great value in summer.
- Mountain Lifts: Check timetables/maintenance, especially spring & autumn shoulder seasons.
What to Bring
- Light layers (mountain weather changes fast), sun protection, water, and comfy shoes.
Tickets & Passes
- Consider regional passes (e.g., Tell-Pass) if doing multiple mountain/boat rides in 1–2 days.
Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day (Easy)
Morning: Old Town & Chapel Bridge → Coffee on the river.
Afternoon: Cable car from Kriens to Pilatus Fräkmüntegg for views (short stop) → back to Kriens.
Full Day (Classic)
Morning: Boat Lucerne → Vitznau → Cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm.
Afternoon: Ridge walk → descend to Weggis → boat back to Lucerne.
Scenic Mix (Views & Walks)
Late morning: Funicular to Bürgenstock, Cliff Walk & Hammetschwand (seasonal).
Late afternoon: Early dinner by the lake in Lucerne’s Old Town.