One of the most frequent questions on social media is, ” What to do in and around Lucerne when it’s raining?” Let’s face it – it’s not a situation one would completely count on while on vacation. Especially when heading to Switzerland and looking forward to breathtaking Alps views, a cruise on Lake Lucerne, or a stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge. But instead, the surrounding mountains are packed in heavy rain clouds.
But don’t despair! Lucerne’s rainy weather doesn’t mean you must stay cooped up in your hotel waiting for the clouds to clear. Quite the contrary – Lucerne and its surroundings offer plenty of activities and places perfect for days when the weather doesn’t play into your hands. In this article, you’ll find tips for 5 activities that will make your stay in Lucerne fun, even if the skies aren’t exactly reporting sunny day.
5 tips for activities in the Lucerne area when it rains
Note: The headings are “clickable”, i.e., if you click on them, you will get to the trip details.
1. Swiss Museum of Transport
The Lucerne Museum of Transport is one of the best in Europe and the most visited in Switzerland. It is, therefore, the ideal place for a rainy day. You’ll learn about the history of road, rail, water, and air transport, as well as the history of space travel, and see historic locomotives, planes, cars, and interactive exhibitions that immerse you in the world of transport. In addition, you will find a fascinating planetarium and a cinema with Switzerland’s largest screen.
2. Lake Lucerne Cruise
Suppose you settle comfortably in the covered deck, where there is usually a restaurant. In that case, you can admire the surrounding landscape from the warmth and dryness of the boat and enjoy the views of the peaks of central Switzerland from a different perspective. Moreover, what at the beginning of the cruise looked like this:
Can look like this at the end of the cruise:
3. Visit Zurich: FIFA Museum or Lindt Chocolate Factory
Zurich is just an hour’s train ride from Lucerne and offers a great retreat from the rain. Football fans will appreciate the FIFA Museum, full of trophies and interactive displays. Sweet lovers will love the Lindt Home of Chocolate, where they can see the world’s largest chocolate fountain.
4. Aeschbach Chocolatier
Aeschbach Chocolatier is a family-owned company, now in its third generation (since 1972), which produces chocolate specialties according to its original recipes. ChocoWelt – the chocolate world – can be found right on its factory premises in the town of Root near Lucerne. Take an interactive tour to discover how chocolate is made, and you can even create your own bar! And don’t forget to visit the café for fresh (not just chocolate) treats.
5. Rigi Kaltbad Spa
A visit to a mountain spa is the perfect way to relax and warm up with a view of the surrounding countryside. The spa in Rigi Kaltbad offers a unique experience in a mountain setting.