By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 12 June 2025 | Updated: 12th June 2025
Lake Lucerne is one of the most stunning lakes you can visit in Switzerland. With dramatic landscapes, mountain views and crystal-clear waters, a Lake Lucerne cruise is a must for anyone visiting the city of Lucerne or anywhere nearby. We regularly hop on board a ship to explore one of the local mountains or to sail the lake with brunch or lunch, so when the Lake Lucerne Navigational Company reached out asking if we wanted to try out their latest offering, we had to say yes.
From the modern catamaran trips to historic paddle steamers, there is a wide range of cruises to choose from including culinary cruises, boat trips to nearby lake side villages and mountains and luxury sailings too, (we will go into all these options in the post below), but on our latest trip we spent half a day on board the beautiful historic steamboat Gallia as part of the Legends of Lake Lucerne experience.
It is safe to say, it has fast become one of the most memorable trips we have had on the lake! So here is our guide to the best Lake Lucerne cruise, the Legends of Lake Lucerne.
Planning Your Trip? Use our favourite travel resources below:
Accommodation: We recommend Booking.com
Rental Car: We recommend Rentalcars.com
Flights: We recommend Kiwi.com
Tours: We recommend Get Your Guide & Viator
Currency Conversion: We recommend Wise
Travel Insurance: World Nomads
As well as the Legends of Lake Lucerne steamboat cruise, there are plenty of other great cruise options should you want to visit a local mountain or if you are short on time. We go into these in more detail in our guide below, but these are our favourites:
🚢 Lake Lucerne Cruise & Mount Pilatus
🚢 Lake Lucerne Cruise & Mount Rigi
🚢 Lake Lucerne Cruise & Bürgenstock
🚢 Brunch Cruise
🚢 Cruise with lunch
🚢 Catamaran cruise
🚢 Panoramic yacht cruise
The Best Lake Lucerne Cruise: The Legends of Lake Lucerne
Now normally we are not ones for luxury, (more often than not you will find us camping rather than staying in a hotel, or finding the most budget friendly way to travel from A to B), but when the Lake Lucerne Navigational Company reached out about their premium cruise experience, we knew we had to try it in order to give our readers the full insight into what cruises are on offer on Lake Lucerne. Needless to say, we were not disappointed!
The entire trip was fantastic from start to finish. The crew were welcoming, the ship was immaculate, and the food was incredible, (and they cater to most dietary requirements including allergies, so my mushroom allergy was no problem). So, what is so special about this Lake Lucerne cruise?
As soon as you step on board the Gallia you know you are in for a treat, not only do you have access to pretty much the entire boat, but you will never have an empty glass in your hand either!
With a delicious 5 course menu and accompanying drinks selection, that is eaten in different locations on the ship, perfectly matching the incredible scenery and history that you are told via the wonderful Casimir Friedrich Knörr, (founder of steamboat navigation on Lake Lucerne back in 1835), the hours will fly by as you sail from Lucerne towards the far end of the lake at Flüelen and back.
As well as the numerous historical monuments and of course impressive mountains to see on route, including, Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus, Bürgenstock, the Rütli Meadow and Tells Chapel, you can also see and learn about the history of the ship itself, including how it became the fastest steamer in Europe on an inland lake as well as about the sustainable solar fuel that it has started using as of 2025.
Between courses and historical stories, you can always find a friendly member of the crew to talk to as well, we spoke with the captain of the ship during our cruise and he taught us a few things about the lake and its little known destinations in the Uri canton. Put it this way, if you only take one cruise on Lake Lucerne, and you have the time and the budget, make sure it is this one!
The trip only takes place from mid-May through to mid-September so be sure to book in advance to make sure you can get onboard on your desired day!
🚢 Duration: 5 hours (boarding from 09:00, disembarking at 14:00)
🚢 Frequency: Daily from mid-May through to mid-September
🚢 What is included: 5 hour cruise with 5 course dinner and drinks, free access across the boat and historical legends talks
🚢 Route: Lucerne Bahnhofquai Pier 5 to Lucerne Bahnhofquai Pier 5
🚢 Cost: Full Price CHF 554 / With a Half Fare Card CHF 487 / With a Swiss Travel Pass or GA card for 1st Class CHF 420 or for 2nd Class CHF 444
🚢 Where to book: Book this Legends of Lake Lucerne experience here.
Other Lake Lucerne Cruise Options
As well as the Legends of Lake Lucerne cruise, there are plenty of other boats operating across the lake and throughout the year, all with different offerings, meaning there is bound to be one of interest to you. So here are our top picks of the other Lake Lucerne cruises:
Lake Lucerne Cruise & Mount Pilatus
As one of the most famous mountains in Lucerne, Pilatus really deserves a trip up and one of the best ways to do that is with combined transport ticket. We have not been lucky enough to visit via the cogwheel railway, (we always end up visiting in the colder months when the railway is shut for the season!), but the Golden Round Trip as it is known is one that you simply must do when in Lucerne.
Just note that the cogwheel railway and cruise do not operate in the winter months, so you will return to Lucerne via the cable car and be given a lunch voucher instead.
🚢 Duration: 1 hour cruise plus 4.5 hours trip up Mount Pilatus
🚢 Frequency: Daily
🚢 What is included: Guided tour to Mount Pilatus via bus, cable car, cogwheel train and cruise
🚢 Route: Lucerne to Kriens bus, Kriens to Pilatus Kulm cable car, Pilatus Kulm to Alpnachstad cogwheel railway, Alpnachstad to Lucerne cruise
🚢 Cost: CHF 156 per adult / CHF 78 per child
🚢 Where to book: Book this Cruise with Mount Pilatus experience here.
Lake Lucerne Cruise & Mount Rigi
This is one of our favourite trips to do with family and friends as you get the best of everything, a lake cruise, mountain railway, cable car and of course some incredible mountain views. Plus, it can be done throughout the year, with some of our most memorable trips in the snow as well as in the summer months. We more often than not, opt to take the mountain railway to Rigi Kulm before hiking back down to Rigi Kaltbad via the trails that follow alongside the railway tracks, where we then stop for a bite to eat / spa treat!
🚢 Duration: 1 day
🚢 Frequency: Daily, with 5 sailings per day
🚢 What is included: Lake Lucerne roundtrip cruise, Vitznau-Rigi Kulm rack railway, Rigi Kaltbad-Weggis cable car and day admission into the Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths
🚢 Route: Lucerne Bahnhofquai to Vitznau cruise, Vitznau to Rigi Kulm rack railway, Rigi Kaltbad to Weggis cable car, Weggis to Lucerne Bahnhofquai cruise
🚢 Cost: CHF 159 per adult – children tickets not available
🚢 Where to book: Book this Cruise with Mount Rigi experience here.
Lake Lucerne Cruise & Bürgenstock
This ferry and funicular combined ticket is a great way to get the most out of a day trip from Lucerne. After a short ferry trip across the lake, you arrive at the traditional funicular railway to take you up to Bürgenstock. Here you can take in the views from one of the spa’s or restaurants, (not included in the price), or opt for short hike in the local area.
As part of our cruise and Bürgenstock trip we took a trip up the Hammetschwand Lift via the Felsenweg before continuing on our hike back to Bürgenstock from the south, which, if you pack a picnic to take in those incredible lake views, make for the perfect day trip. Just note that the Hammetschwand Lift and Felsenweg are shut in the winter months due to risk of snow and ice, so plan accordingly!
🚢 Duration: 1 day
🚢 Frequency: Daily, with sailings every hour
🚢 What is included: Lake Lucerne cruise & funicular railway, return trips
🚢 Route: Lucerne Bahnhofquai (Pier 3) to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock and back
🚢 Cost: CHF 90 per adult / CHF 37 per child
🚢 Where to book: Book this Cruise with Bürgenstock experience here.
Brunch Cruise
Who doesn’t like going for a Sunday brunch, especially when it is on board one of the wonderful Lake Lucerne cruises. With buffet style cold, hot, sweet and savoury local dishes on offer as well as all beverages included, (including sparkling wine should it take your fancy), this is a brunch and cruise you won’t forget in a hurry. Be sure to try the local honey with your muesli or fruit, it is made from the shipyard bee colonies and is really delicious!
🚢 Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
🚢 Frequency: Every Sunday
🚢 What is included: Lake cruise and brunch, with drinks included.
🚢 Route: Luzern Bahnhofquai (Pier 2 or 5) to Luzern Bahnhofquai
🚢Cost: CHF 92 per adult / CHF 71 per child (12 to 16) / CHF 3 per year of age per child 2 to 11
🚢 Where to book: Book this Brunch Cruise experience here.
Cruise with lunch
If you want a lunch with a difference then this first class cruise from Lucerne to either Vitznau or Küssnacht am Rigi with a 3 course meal, (vegetarian and non-vegetarian on offer), with water, coffee and tea is a fantastic choice. The food on board all the cruises we have taken on Lake Lucerne has always been delicious, even if it is just for coffee and cake!
🚢 Duration: 2 hours
🚢 Frequency: Daily at midday
🚢 What is included: 2 hour cruise with 3 course meal
🚢 Route: Luzern Bahnhofquai (either Pier 1 or 3) to Luzern Bahnhofquai
🚢 Cost: CHF 117.50 per adult / CHF 86 per child
🚢 Where to book: Book this Lunch Cruise experience here.
Catamaran Cruise
Taking in the views of Mount Pilatus, Bürgenstock and Mount Rigi, this cruise is perfect for those short on time who want to see the main sights and local mountains to Lucerne, (this is particularly lovely cruise to do in the evening after a long day’s exploring!).
🚢 Duration: 1 hour
🚢 Frequency: Daily, with sailings every hour
🚢 What is included: 1 hour round trip cruise
🚢 Route: Lucerne Bahnhofquai Pier 3 to Lucerne Bahnhofquai Pier 3
🚢 Cost: CHF 30 per adult / CHF 12 per child
🚢 Where to book: Book this Catamaran Cruise experience here.
Panoramic Yacht Cruise
If you are short on time but would still like to experience Lake Lucerne from on board a cruise, then this short panoramic yacht cruise is perfect. Plus you can also download an audio guide for the trip too, (this must be downloaded on to your own device via the Listen Everywhere App).
🚢 Duration: 1 hour
🚢 Frequency: Daily, with numerous sailings throughout the day.
🚢 What is included: 1 hour round trip cruise with audio guide
🚢 Route: Lucerne Bahnhofquai Pier 7 to Lucerne Bahnhofquai Pier 7
🚢 Cost: CHF 32 per adult / CHF 12 per child
🚢 Where to book: Book this Panoramic Yacht Cruise experience here.
The Best Lake Lucerne Cruise FAQs
Is the Lake Lucerne cruise worth it?
100%! Not only do you get to see the lake and the surrounding area that you might not have seen otherwise, but you can do it on a traditional paddle steamer or modern catamaran. Plus, depending on what cruise you chose, you can do it with food and a mountain excursion included as well.
Why is Lake Lucerne so famous?
Lake Lucerne is famous due to its impressive size at around 114km² and up to 214m deep in places, as well as the wonderful views that surround the lake itself from the four surrounding cantons of Lucerne, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Uri. (These four places are what give the lake its name in German, Vierwaldstättersee).
Is Lake Lucerne cruise free with a Swiss pass?
Yes, trips on Lake Lucerne are free with the Swiss Pass, however a better option may be to get the Lucerne Tell Pass, which also includes all public transport in the Lucerne Region.
Conclusion: The Best Lake Lucerne Cruise: Legends of Lake Lucerne
So, there you have our guide to the best Lake Lucerne cruises and of course the wonderful Legends of Lake Lucerne cruise. If there is one lake you plan to set sail on in Switzerland, let it be Lake Lucerne, with its fantastic array of cruises for every taste and budget. We regularly take trips on the lake so we can highly recommend doing this as part of any trip to Switzerland.
All Our Switzerland Content
Here are a few other articles you may find useful for planning your trip:
📍 How To Visit Switzerland On A Budget
📍 How To Get From Basel To Lucerne (Or Vice Versa)
📍 The Perfect Lucerne Itinerary: 1 to 5 Days
📍 The Perfect Zurich Itinerary: 1 to 5 Days
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.