Hotels in Lucerne, Switzerland

How to Find the Best Lucerne Hotels with Hotels.com

With its fairy tale architecture, ringed by storied mountains on a placid blue lake, it's easy to see why Lucerne has been a popular vacation spot for centuries. Everyone from European royalty to famous writers like Goethe has been enchanted by its sheer beauty. It is the medieval Alt Stadt or Old City that gives Lucerne its unique profile from the lakefront - but past meets present here and the Alt Stadt co-exists with the sleek metal and glass outlines of the KKL or Culture and Convention Center, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. Lucerne is situated in central Switzerland, in the German-speaking portion of the country. It is often chosen by travelers as the gateway to exploring the central region of Switzerland as well as for its own undeniable charms. The weather is seasonal, featuring warm summers and often long sunny stretches in the autumn. Winter's snow adds to the city's magical allure and spring comes relatively early. You'll find the best of Lucerne hotels with Hotels.com. Each one of our partner hotels has been rated by real customers for reviews you can trust.

What's Lucerne Like?

Walking through the city is essential to fully experiencing the appeal of this mountainside jewel with many street scapes virtually unchanged for centuries. Frescoes decorate many of the historic homes. There are many iconic landmarks, including the rock sculpture of a dying lion created in remembrance of the death of Swiss guards in 1792 and part of the city's walled fortifications are still intact in the Museggmauer. Architecture lovers will enjoy the city's multi-colored houses and picturesque covered bridges such as the medieval Chapel Bridge. Lucerne hotels range from historic properties to gleaming contemporary towers. There are many festivals, arts events and performances that occur all year long and an excellent Picasso collection at the Sammlung Rosengart among the many arts institutions. Steamship cruises on Lake Lucerne are available from many providers and offer stunning views and one of a kind photo opportunities. For nature lovers, there are many excursions available to the mountains nearby, including Rigi (called the Queen of the Mountains,) Pilatus and Stanserhorn, featuring hiking and mountain climbing along with cable car tours. Traditional Swiss alpine cuisine features delicacies like Älpler Magrone or alpine macaroni with apple sauce. Visitors will find a diverse dining scene with options at every price level. There are many shopping opportunities, including national specialties such as Swiss watches and chocolates.

Tips for Getting Along with Locals in Lucerne

Although it has long been a favorite tourist destination, there is a vibrant local community in this smaller lakeside city, one that is proud of its roots and its beauty. Local arts festivals are well attended and the people love to participate in the parades and other activities. Checking for events and festivals and attending is a natural way to connect. The city's public spaces are kept clean and orderly and the Swiss are famously polite - and expect visitors to be too. They are friendly and hospitable to travelers and will appreciate any attempts by visitors to speak in German. Coffee and cake are afternoon staples for many locals and old-style beer halls with their long tables and an evening of drinking represent another great way to get to know the people of Lucerne. Choose from a wide selection of Lucerne hotels with Hotels.com, with an easy online booking process so you can explore the beauty of the city from the perfect hotel room.