…And Why It’s the Perfect Gateway to Nature Before Flying to Greece
When I planned my short stay in Switzerland, I had one main goal: nature. I wanted to breathe the alpine air, be surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, and dive into landscapes that feel like they’ve been painted by the gods. But I also needed a city — one with charm, good food, and, most importantly, easy access to Zurich airport for my onward flight to Greece.
I wrestled with the usual suspects: Interlaken, Bern, Zurich… all gorgeous in their way. But in the end, it was Lucerne that completely stole my heart. Here’s why.
🏔️ Where City Meets Storybook Mountains
Lucerne is the kind of place that feels like a fairy tale made real — a shimmering lake surrounded by mountains, medieval towers dotting the skyline, swans gliding across the water, and cobblestone streets winding through the old town. But don’t let its postcard looks fool you — this city is also an ideal base for nature lovers.
In just minutes, you can be
- 🚠 Taking the world’s steepest cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus
- 🚡 Riding a gondola to the top of Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains”
- ⛴️ Cruising across Lake Lucerne to tiny alpine villages
- 🚶♀️ Hiking alpine trails with panoramic views and barely another soul in sight
If you’re looking to touch the wild without straying too far from a croissant and cappuccino, Lucerne has your back.
✨ Why not Interlaken or Bern?
Interlaken is amazing if you’re after hardcore hiking, paragliding, or being right in the thick of the action. It gives you quick access to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Kandersteg (Oeschinensee is as unreal as they say — do not skip it if you’re nearby). But the town itself? Not exactly charming. It’s more of a staging ground than a destination.
Bern, on the other hand, is beautiful — its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—but it leans more cultural than natural. Think parliament buildings and pretty fountains, not alpine peaks out your window.
Lucerne, though? It’s the sweet spot — stunning city + instant nature + only an hour from Zurich Airport by direct train. You can sip coffee in a 14th-century square at 9 AM and be standing on a mountaintop at 11. That’s magic.
🧭 How to Spend 4 Days in Lucerne (With a Nature Focus)
Day 1:
Arrive and wander the old town. Visit Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, and take a sunset walk along the lake promenade.
Day 2:
Take the Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus—a scenic boat ride, a cogwheel train, and a cable car all in one epic loop.
Day 3:
Catch the ferry across the lake and hike Mount Rigi. Reward yourself with a spa break at Rigi Kaltbad if you’re feeling fancy.
Day 4:
Optional chill day or day trip to Kandersteg and Oeschinensee if you’re feeling adventurous (about 2 hours each way, but 100% worth it).
Return to Zurich in the evening (or the next morning) for your flight to Greece — easy, seamless, and beautiful to the very end.
💡 Final Thoughts
Lucerne may not be the adrenaline capital of the Alps, but it’s the perfect blend of everything that makes Switzerland magical. You’ll get your fill of mountains, lakes, and serenity — but with a side of art galleries, old-world charm, and effortless connections to the rest of Europe.
Is it Europe’s most beautiful city?
Honestly, it just might be. But don’t take my word for it — go see for yourself.
