Lake Lucerne First-Class Lunch Cruise, Lucerne

Lake Lucerne: the lake of the four forest cantons

Lake Lucerne covers about 114 square kilometres and winds between steep mountains in a shape of long arms and bays, which is why every bend opens a new view. Its local name refers to the four forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne that border its shores, the historic heart of Switzerland. Boats have linked these shores since the 19th century, and a Lake Lucerne cruise is still the classic way to discover the region.

From the first-class deck you see the water change from deep green to blue, with Mount Pilatus to the south-west and Mount Rigi rising on the eastern shore. The lunch cruise suits travellers who want to see the lake without a long excursion: it fits neatly between a morning in the old town and an afternoon visit, and it runs in all seasons, so it is a good plan even when the mountain peaks are in cloud.

Lucerne lakefront and the departure pier

The cruise leaves from Bahnhofquai, the lakefront promenade right opposite Lucerne train station, so it is simple to reach on foot from most hotels in the centre. As the boat pulls away you get a fine view of the city skyline: the old town on the river Reuss, the medieval Musegg wall with its towers on the hill and the modern culture and congress centre on the water's edge.

Boarding starts at 11:45 and the boat leaves at 12:00, returning at about 13:47. The pier number changes with the season, so check your confirmation and the departure boards on the quay. If you are asking how to get to the Lake Lucerne boat piers, it is a two-minute stroll from the station hall. Arrive 15 minutes early so you can find the right pier calmly and be seated at your table before departure.

Summer route to Küssnacht am Rigi

From mid-April to mid-October the lunch cruise sails north-east into the Küssnacht arm of the lake, a quieter bay with gentle green shores. You pass the elegant villas of Meggen and the small Meggenhorn castle on its peninsula, with its turreted silhouette and gardens running down to the water, then glide towards Küssnacht am Rigi at the foot of the mountain.

This arm of the lake is less busy than the main basin, so the cruise feels peaceful, and the slopes of Rigi stay in view for much of the journey. The best time to visit Lake Lucerne for a lunch cruise is late spring to early autumn, when the meadows are green, the windows are bright and the light on the water is at its best around midday.

Winter route to Vitznau

From mid-October to mid-April the cruise heads east across the central basin towards Vitznau, a sheltered lakeside village at the foot of Mount Rigi. Along the way you pass the Hertenstein peninsula and the resort of Weggis, both known for their mild climate, and the steep cliffs of the Bürgenstock rise on the opposite shore.

Vitznau is the starting point of the oldest mountain railway in Europe, the cogwheel line to Rigi that opened in 1871, and you can see the station close to the pier when the boat turns. In winter the high peaks are often snow-covered while the lake stays ice-free, and a warm first-class saloon with large windows is one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy these views on a cold day.

Lunch on board in first class

Lunch is a set three-course menu, starter, main course and dessert, prepared with regional products and served at your table. You choose between a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian menu; the current menu is shown in the photo gallery. One bottle of mineral water and one coffee or tea per person are included, and other soft drinks can be bought on board.

Halal meat cannot be guaranteed on this cruise, so travellers who eat halal usually choose the vegetarian menu. Let us know about allergies when you book and we will pass the information on. First class gives you more space, quieter seating and a good view from every table; seating is allocated on board, so mention any wish for a window table when boarding.