Welcome to Central Switzerland
To the Swiss, Central Switzerland – green, mountainous and soothingly beautiful – is the essence of ‘Swissness’. It was here that the pact that kick-started a nation was signed in 1291; here that hero William Tell gave a rebel yell against Habsburg rule. Geographically, politically, spiritually, this is the heartland. Nowhere does the flag fly higher.
Top experiences in Central Switzerland
Travel guides
Starting at $32.49
Central Switzerland activities
Lucerne to Jungfraujoch Full-Day Trip with Cogwheel Rail Ride
Meet your guide and hop aboard your air-conditioned coach in central Lucerne in the morning, and head out of the city on a scenic tour into the magnificent mountain world of the Bernese Oberland. Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks in picturesque Lauterbrunnen, board the cogwheel train with your guide and enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful trip up to Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the famous Eiger North Face. Soak up spectacular valley views, then travel onward to majestic Jungfraujoch at an impressive altitude of 11,333 feet (3454 meters) above sea level. This high-altitude Alpine wilderness sits in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps and takes pride of place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Visit the Alpine Sensation — a round-tour subway opened to mark the centenary of the Jungfrau Railway. Wander through the Ice Palace and take in panoramic views over the Aletsch Glacier (Europe's longest glacier) from your vantage point on the Sphinx Observation Terrace. On a clear day, you can see as far as the snow-capped peaks of neighboring countries! Travel back down the mountainside to the Alpine town of Grindelwald, then hop aboard your coach for the return journey to central Lucerne where your tour will come to an end.
Mount Pilatus Summer Tour from Lucerne
Meet your guide in central Lucerne in the early afternoon and hop aboard your comfortable coach for the short journey to Kriens, at the foot of the imposing Mt Pilatus. On arrival, begin your ascent to the mountain’s lofty summit with a 30-minute panoramic gondola ride to the Fräkmüntegg terminus. Enjoy beautiful views over the rolling hills and lush pine forests below.At Fräkmüntegg, hop aboard the aerial cableway — a spacious and modern cabin with panoramic windows designed to give the feeling of flight. Continue your climb to the summit at a dizzying altitude of 7,000 feet, and take in spectacular views over the Alpine peaks and lakes from your vantage point on the mountain.During your free time atop Mt Pilatus, perhaps sit down to a high-altitude lunch among the peaks (own expense) or relax on the expansive sun terrace. Venture down the Dragon's Path and take the short hike around the summit to enjoy the amazing views.Take the world's steepest cogwheel train down to Alpnachstad, descending past trickling mountain streams and sheer rock faces toward the verdant, green meadows below. On arrival, conclude your tour with a picturesque 1-hour boat ride across lovely Lake Lucerne and enjoy the spectacular scenery from an entirely different angle. Your tour finishes at the end of the cruise in Lucerne.The Golden Roundtrip (ascent by aerial cable car, descent by cogwheel train, return to Lucerne by boat) operates between early May and late October. Between late October and mid-November the aerial cable car is under maintenance. In this case you will travel up and down Mt. Pilatus by cogwheel train. The boat on Lake Lucerne operates from early May until late October - if you are traveling when the boat is no longer in operation you will return to Lucerne by train and receive a complimentary lunch instead.
Mount Titlis Eternal Snow Half-Day Trip from Lucerne
Board your coach in central Lucerne, and travel south to Engelberg, a glorious alpine village tucked in the shadows of Mt Titlis. On arrival, hop aboard the aerial cableway with your guide, and then ride to the glacier’s summit — some 10,000 feet (3,020 meters) above sea level. The 45-minute journey is all about the views! As Engelberg slips from sight, the dramatic beauty of the Bernese Alps takes center stage, so sit back, ogle the vistas and relax.At the top, how you spend your time is up to you. Make the most of two hours of mountaintop fun by strolling around the summit, feeling the crunch of snow under your boots while taking in the glacial landscape.Or perhaps visit some of Mt Titlis’ renowned attractions. Admire 360-degree views aboard the rotating Titlis Rotair gondola; ride on the Ice Flyer chairlift and gaze down to the icy depths below; slip your way down the slopes while snow tubing in the Titlis Glacier Park; walk along the Cliff Walk for vertigo-inducing views; or visit the Glacier Cave to see millions of ice crystals in a frozen underground grotto, far below the glacier’s surface.If the brisk mountain air makes you feel hungry, refuel with alpine fare at one of the summit’s several restaurants. All food and drinks are at your own expense.At the prearranged time, meet your guide for the descent back to Engelberg where your coach is ready to return to Lucerne. Your tour then finishes at the start point in central Lucerne.
Swiss Alps Tour from Lucerne: Jungfraujoch, Bernese Oberland
Head to the Lucerne Tourist Information Office in the morning to board your luxury coach. Your multilingual guide — who speaks English, Spanish and German — will accompany you throughout your entire full-day journey. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic drive through Swiss countryside and the Bernese Oberland, a fairy-tale wonderland of white jagged Bernese Alps. The scenery is truly captivating, and it only gets better from here!After a 1-hour drive, stop for a break in the famous town of Interlaken, situated between two lakes to form the main gateway to the region's mountains and lakes. Then, head to the nearby village of Grindelwald to board your cogwheel train for an incredible 1.5-hour ride to Jungfraujoch. Travel through the high mountain pass of Kleine Scheidegg between the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.When you arrive at Jungfraujoch at an elevation of 11,332 feet (3,454 meters), you’ve reached one of Europe's highest railway stations! Jungfraujoch immerses you in a breathtaking Alpine wonderland. Take the underground tunnel to the Top of Europe building and stand on the lookout point to gaze down on the snowy peaks of Aletsch Glacier. Ride the elevator to the Sphinx Observatory's terrace for more amazing panoramas, and then enter the Ice Palace to walk through the heart of a glacier; it's an unforgettable experience!Enjoy a meal or some refreshments at one of the several restaurants at the Top of Europe (own expense). Savor your last views before boarding the train and heading back down to mountains, passing the ski resort of Wengen. Disembark in Lauterbrunnen, reboard your coach and relax on the drive back to Lucerne.
Lucerne City Walking Tour
Join your guide and group in central Lucerne in the morning and embark on a 2-hour walking tour. You’ll get a comprehensive overview of this intriguing German-speaking city perched on the shores of Lake Lucerne, and enjoy picturesque views around nearly every turn as you visit several top city attractions. Walk across the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a 14th-century wooden bridge spanning the Reuss River. This is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe and the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world, and stands proud as a symbol of Lucerne. On one side of the bridge is the Water Tower, which once served as a dungeon. Visit Jesuit Church to witness the first large Baroque church in Switzerland north of the Alps. Learn about its significance and hear of the disputes between the Jesuits and Protestants that have troubled Switzerland for centuries. Admire the architecture and design of the Culture and Congress Centre (known simply as the KKL), whose concert hall is known for its pristine acoustics. Catch a glimpse of Lucerne’s crown, the Musegg Wall, the remains of the medieval city ramparts. Saunter down tucked-away alleys and stroll around public squares teeming with activity, giving you a glimpse into daily local life. All the while, hear stories and facts about the history and culture of Lucerne from your guide. Your tour ends near the original departure point.
Lake Lucerne Panoramic 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise
Head to Lake Lucerne’s Pier 7, near the Lucerne railway station, to board the spacious 161-foot (49-meter) motor yacht. On board, find a comfortable spot on the main deck or upper deck and get ready for your 1-hour cruise around Lake Lucerne!Take in views of the breathtaking mountain scenery, marked by steep Alpine peaks, sloped forests and fertile meadows and valleys beyond. This uniquely shaped, 44-square-mile (114-sq-km) lake is often referred to as the heart of Switzerland, and is surrounded by four glorious cantons: Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden.The yacht's upper deck features custom-designed furniture and a sliding roof that can be opened and closed according to the weather, letting you enjoy the views in comfort. On the main deck, purchase drinks and snacks from the onboard bar, and take in the fresh breeze and mist on the lake-level terrace at the rear of the boat.Along the way, use your audio guide to learn about the landscapes, historical monuments and places of interest around Lake Lucerne. Arrive back at Pier 7 at the end of the cruise.