Lake Lucerne Cruise

Lake Lucerne winds between steep mountains and meadows, and the best way to see it is from the deck of one of its paddle steamers, some more than a century old, or a modern panoramic boat. Boats leave from the piers opposite Lucerne station.

A favourite day out is the Golden Round Trip: cruise to Alpnachstad, ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus, and come down by cable car to Kriens. Alternatively, sail to Vitznau and take the train up Rigi, known as the Queen of the Mountains.

The Pilatus cogwheel railway runs only from about May to November; in winter the summit is reached by cable car from Kriens. In good weather, sit on the open upper deck.