How to spend the perfect autumn weekend on the shores of Lake Lucerne

Surrounded by dramatic mountains, Lake Lucerne is the heart of Switzerland — both geographically and figuratively. The city of Lucerne is renowned for its art and music scene; however, it’s the nearby villages, picturesque valleys and sky-scraping mountains that keep travellers coming back for more. The small yet geographically diverse Lake Lucerne region is one of Switzerland’s most exciting gastronomic destinations, with everything from glossy Michelin-starred restaurants to old-fashioned farm shops. Here, you'll also find opportunities to explore local Alpine culture in Lucerne's pretty lakeside villages and marvel at impressive peaks from high-flying cable cars. To see the region at its best, visit in the autumn — when the leaves turn from verdant greens to glowing yellows, oranges and reds — and set off on one of the area's many hikes in the crisp air. Read on to discover how to spend three unforgettable days exploring the Lake Lucerne region.

Day 1: Lake-hop Lucerne

Morning

Sempach makes a great starting point for an adventure around the region. An easy 20-minute drive (or 15-minute train ride) northwest from the city centre, this historic fishing and market town is perched on serene Lake Sempach. Explore the striking red-hued Sempach Town Hall, originally built in 1475, and its museum, which details life in the town from the late Middle Ages up to the present day. Or check out interactive exhibits on local birds at the Swiss Ornithological Institute, which is also home to a wildlife garden on the shores of Lake Sempach. Break for lunch at Straussenfarm Sempachersee, an ostrich farm that sells local delicacies in its farm shop.

Afternoon

A 10-minute drive from Sempach to the top of its namesake lake brings you to the village of Sursee, a popular stop on the beautiful 240-mile biking and hiking Route 1291 — named for the date the Swiss Confederacy was established. Explore this portion of the route around the village on foot or by e-bike; the latter is how the Swiss do it.

Evening

From Sursee, it’s a 50-minute drive (or train ride) south of the city of Lucerne to the Alpine resort town of Engelberg. Here, you’ll find one of the finest five-star hotels in the region, Kempinski Palace Engelberg. Housed in a grand palace dating back to 1901, travellers can dine on French-Swiss cuisine at the hotel’s Cattani Restaurant before relaxing to in the rooftop spa.

Day 2: Savour Alpine scenery 

Morning

After a hotel breakfast overlooking the mountains, set off on foot to visit Engelberg’s famous Benedictine monastery and cheese dairy, Kloster Engelberg. In 1820, after staying at the abbey, William Wordsworth was inspired to write a poem about it — Engelberg, the Hill of Angels — and the romance is still palpable today in this 900-year-old monastery. It’s an ancient, atmospheric place worth lingering in, whether that's to enjoy a cheese-making workshop or tasting, or simply eat lunch in the charming bistro.

Afternoon

Next it's time to travel higher into the Alps. Take a cable car from Engelberg to the glacier-topped Mount Titlis, Central Switzerland's tallest mountain at 10,623ft. You’ll be riding in the world’s first revolving cable car, which provides astounding views of the surrounding peaks. From the viewing platform at Südwandfenster, you can make your way across the adrenaline-spiking Titlis Cliff Walk — Europe’s highest suspension bridge — which is 328ft long and just three feet wide.

Evening

After an exhilarating afternoon in the Alps, return to the village of Engelberg to explore the town’s many regional restaurants. These include the rustic Alpenclub, where you can eat exemplary fondue next to a roaring fire, and the elegant Spannort, which offers a fantastic five-course tasting menu with wine pairing, along with an à la carte offering featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

Day 3: Relax at a scenic spa

Morning

From Engelberg, set off on a pretty drive or train trip around the western edge of Lake Lucerne. Either way, it takes less than two hours to reach Weggis — but if you're the sort of traveller who believes in savouring a journey, the Lucerne-Weggis section can be done by boat.

Afternoon

Arrive in the delightful town of Weggis in time for lunch at HYG, which has an energetic team running the show, a modern European menu and a prized lakeside setting. A 30-minute stroll out of town brings you to Haldihof Orchard, where you’ll find a farm shop complete with friendly alpacas, a homeware section with vintage glassware and a cafe that’s perfect for a mid-afternoon break.

Evening

Back in Weggis, it’s just a 10-minute walk around the lake to Hotel Vitznauerhof — the ideal spot for a luxurious final night on Lake Lucerne. The Lucerne Riviera is known for its fabulous hotel spas — mostly clustered on Mount Rigi and the lakeshore — but Hotel Vitznauerhof stands apart, combining sleek contemporary decor with a grand waterfront setting. Check in and spend the rest of the afternoon in the outdoor sauna and hot tubs, occasionally leaping into the lake off a wooden pontoon.

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