Introduction: Road Trip Lake Lucerne
Is it possible to Road Trip Lake Lucerne? Yes, it is, and it’s not only tunnels but stunning views of the lake for most of it, with only a little portion under tunnels but even that was charming.
We dedicated 1-day to Lake Lucerne Road Trip, and just had in a mind a few stops and opted to stopped whenever we felt like it. Actually, there are tins of places where you can make stop! So even in you miss one, it’s fine.
For this day, we decided to go for picnic, so we bought everything in advance and stop randomly around the lake for lunch.
Table of Contents
Mapping the Road Trip Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne Road Trip
Step 1: Lucerne to Bürgenstock
We opted to make a stop at the cog railway station of Bürgenstock some 25/30min from the city. Be aware that from “Parkplatz Harissen Park” the road become a one line road and only regular cars can go in (Vans, camping cars… are too big). But that’s when the road become scenic.
If you decide to go, you can park in front of Mathisli restaurnats and then go for a short walk. Early in the morning, this place was so peaceful! It was just amazing. From there you can see the Bürgenstock hotel complex on top of the mountain.
PS: We hesitated for 10min before going in!! it was worth it. We only had once face to face with a car on our way back and had to do some backward manoeuvring to let them pass.
Option 1
Take the cog railway to get to Bürgenstock complex and then to its Hammetschwand Elevator.
Option 2
Park at Parkplatz Harissen Park and then walk all along the road until Bürgenstock station.
Step 2: Bürgenstock to Rütli
Next stop is some 40 min further. To get out of Bürgenstock, you have to use the same road again and then join the main route to pass around the airport.
There are a few itineraries that can be taken. Be sure to select the one that goes near the lake. It is not the shortest but is way more scenic.
Once near Rütli, you can park and walk along the road to get some gorgeous view over the lake. This place is supposed to be the birthplace of Switzerland.
Option 1
Hike down to Rütli and its little meadow. Be aware that Rütli is at the lake level and that you are on top of the hill. You are looking at a good 1h downhill and another 2h back.
Rütli to Meggenhorn
If you drive directly to Meggenhorn, you are looking at a 75km road and 1h30 drive. But we would recommend doing it slowly and enjoy it.
You will need to get back to join the main routes, from there you will drive in some tunnels before re-joining the other side of the lake. The rest of this road will be driving between the mountains and the lake.
We recommend simply stopping when you feel like. We put some place that can be seen on the map but there are others. It will depend on the time it is and how many stop you want to make.
Where to Stay in Lucerne
- Budget: Young Backpackers Homestay
- Mid-Range: Hotel des Balances
- Luxurious: Penthouse by Art Deco Hotel Montana
- Luxurious Apartment: Lucerne Lake View Apartments
“I may not have gone where i intended to go, but i think i have ended up where i intended to be.” – Douglas Adams
