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Free Time in Lucerne
Lucerne:
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Free time in Lucerne? Take a look at the suggested activities below to add even more to your tour experience. Please note that these recommendations are separate from your included EF tour activities. Opening times, availability and fees for these free time activities may vary depending on the time of year and are subject to change. Please check listed websites for details.
Museums:
Lidostrasse 5; Bus 6, 8 or 24 to Verkehrshaus. Open daily 10am-6pm during summer, until 5pm during winter.
Including a locomotive train engine, the ‘Hiflyer’ hot air balloon, a spaceship and the oldest steamboat in the country, this wonderful museum houses the most diverse collection of transport and communication in Europe. You can also get a joint ticket to visit the IMAX. The modern complex is situated near the lake and 20-minute walk from the old quarter. Entrance fee applies.
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Museum of Art – Kunstmuseum Luzern
Europlatz 1; Bus 1, 2 or 4 to Bahnhof; Open daily 10am-5pm, until 8pm Wednesday, closed Monday.
In the Kultur und Kongress Zentrum (KKZ) (Culture and Convention Center), this futuristic museum by a French architect is located by the lake near the rail station. Huge windows offer panoramic views making the building alone worth the visit. The vista from the terrace is stunning. Most exhibits are displayed on a temporary basis, and there is also a smaller permanent collection from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Entrance fee applies.
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Museum Sammlung Rosengart Luzern
6003 Lucrene; Bus 1, 2 or 10 to Kantonalbank. Open daily 10am-6pm during summer, winter times vary.
This collection of over 200 pieces of ‘classic modernist’ art by a select group of predominantly European artists includes work by Klee, Picasso, Miro, Cezanne and Renoir. Housed in an elegant neo-classical building that was formerly the Swiss National Bank, the collection was originally the private collection of father and daughter - Siegfried and Angela Rosengart. Entrance fee applies.
Only in Lucerne:
Denkmalstrasse 4; Bus 1 to Löwenplatz. Open daily 9am-6pm during summer, winter times vary.
Close to the Lion Monument, this garden features what appear to be potholes. These 9m-wide potholes were worn into the sandstone bed of the Iron Age glacier when Lake Lucerne was frozen over. The small museum houses a fabulous 18th-century relief map of the Alps as well as fossilized shells and 20-million-year-old palm leaves. There is also a section dedicated to the Swiss homeland and admission includes a 12-minute film. Entrance fee applies.
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Near Mt. Pilatus. Open daily 10am-5pm, times may vary depending on month.
Halfway between the top of Pilatus and Kriens at the base is this fabulous toboggan run. Accessible from May to October, the stainless steel run is just short of a mile long and guaranteed to get the adrenalin pumping! As you go through tunnels and around bends, there are signs that display your speed. Entrance fee applies, group rates available.
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Bahnhofstrasse 11a; Bus 50, 51 or 52 to Frankiskanerplatz. Open daily 6am-6:30pm.
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Arguably the country’s most exquisite church, this baroque masterpiece with its unusual onion domes sits on the banks of the Reuss river. Dedicated to St. Franz Xaver, the highlight is the brilliant red marble stucco decorating the High Altar. Admission is Free.
Fun Activities:
The Beach
Bus 24 to Seefeldstrasse.
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Who would have thought that Lucerne has a fine sandy beach! Only a 15-minute walk from the National Hotel overlooking the lake, this public beach is immaculately maintained and ice-cream vendors, a dog-walking area, and a children’s playground are all nearby. The water is invigoratingly refreshing for swimming, or you can also opt to hire a pedalo if you don’t want to get wet.
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Bicycle Riding
Bicycles and helmets are available for rent from the main train station for a period of up to seven hours! Lucerne has excellent, well-marked bicycle lanes and there are some parts of the lakeside where you can also cycle off the road.
Foods to Try:
Lozärner Chügelipastete
One of the most famous dishes and an example of local cuisine; a puff pastry shell filled with diced veal and mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
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Alpine Macaroni (Älpier Magronen)
A dish of layered pasta, potatoes with cheese, topped with caramelized onions and served with applesauce.
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Pear Bread
It’s exactly how it sounds and it’s delicious.
Shopping:
Bahnhofstrasse 7; Bus 1, 2 or 4 to Bahnhof. Open daily 7:30am-10pm, at 9am Sunday & Monday.
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Perhaps the most distinguished confectionary shop in Lucerne. Many of the residents of Lucerne remember this shop from their childhoods, when its pastries and chocolates were likely served as part of their birthday parties. Still a one-off shop, the aroma alone will tempt you into trying something delicious.
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Weggisgasse 5; Bus 1, 6 or 7 to Schwanenplatz. Open Mon-Wed 9am-6:30pm, Thurs-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.
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To find the best souvenirs that don’t break the bank, go to the town’s mass-market department store.
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Fruit and Vegetable Market
Along the Reuss River. Open Tuesday and Saturday 7am-1pm.
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Stalls line up along both sides of the river, selling fruits, vegetables, fish and lots of other homemade food.
Great Walks:
Walking the Musegg Wall
Museggstrasse.
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Walk the city’s former fortified ramparts to enjoy spectacular views over the narrow, winding streets of the old town, sparkling lake Lucerne and the stunning Mount Pilatus. Just a 10-minute walk uphill from the city centre, some parts of the Musegg Wall and two of its nine towers (one features a clock of which you can see the inner workings) are open to the public and make an ideal spot for a relaxed picnic.
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