Mountain railways and rural spas—5 essential experiences in the Lake Lucerne region

Since the 19th century, the German-speaking city of Lucerne has attracted royals, writers and musicians, inspiring the likes of Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner (the latter composed several major works while living in the region). But this culturally rich city is also the gateway to the Lake Lucerne region, a compact yet geographically diverse area where travellers can pack unique Swiss experiences into a few short days. With historic mountain railways and charming Alpine towns, not to mention the chance to relax in a lakeside spa, this underrated slice of Switzerland is not to be missed. Here are five experiences awaiting travellers who journey beyond Lucerne’s city centre.

1. Ride the mountain railways

A distinct feature of central Switzerland is its historic mountain railways, built in the 19^th century to make Alpine tourism accessible to more visitors. Here, you’ll find the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, which climbs Mount Pilatus with a maximum gradient of 48% and reaches an altitude of 2,132m (6,995ft) above sea level. The region is also home to Europe’s oldest mountain cogwheel railway, built in 1871. The 30-minute ascent from Vitznau to Mount Rigi takes travellers into the heart of the Alps at almost 1,800m (5,900ft) above sea level. Both Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi are easily reachable during the summer from the centre of Lucerne via a combination of boat cruise, cogwheel train ride and aerial cableway. For a straightforward half-day alternative, take the train from Lucerne to the town of Stans, then jump on the open wooden-coached funicular railway, built in 1893, and cable-car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn (open to visitors from April to November). From the summit, it's possible to see 10 lakes on a clear day, as well as Germany’s Black Forest.

2. Tour traditional villages

Lake Lucerne is sprinkled with excellently preserved heritage towns that'll thrill history lovers. Top of the list is Sempach, with its walled old town enclosing Luzernertor gate, Hexenturm tower and the restored town hall, which dates to 1475. Although the town is a picture of tranquillity today, it hasn’t always been that way; the 1386 Battle of Sempach — fought between the Swiss Confederation and the Habsburgs — was a significant event in Swiss history. Stans, the Nidwalden canton capital, is the gateway to the Mount Stanserhorn funicular railroad and another must-visit. Life in this traditional town — with its old-fashioned shops and classic Swiss restaurants — is centred around Dorfplatz Square, as it has been for centuries. And don’t miss geographically blessed Sarnen, the capital of the canton of Obwalden, which straddles the Sarneraa River and stretches to the shore of Lake Sarnen. The town is also home to 10 Swiss heritage sites of national importance, including the Ossuary of St Michael, Landenberg Castle and Sarnen's stone tower of Hexenturm.

3. Hike or bike mountainous trails

Central Switzerland is heaven for hikers, bikers and e-bikers — with hundreds of miles of glorious trails surrounded by Alpine peaks, vineyards and pristine lakes. Keen peddlers should tackle a stretch of the iconic Route 1291, named for the year the Swiss Confederacy was formed. It’s designed as a 177-mile circular route around Lucerne that adventurers can take on in seven one-day stages. Some sections are for serious cyclists only (such as the more strenuous Furka Pass — which Sean Connery drove over as James Bond in the film Goldfinger — and Grimsel). However, stages five to seven, from Sörenberg to Lucerne via Entlebuch and Sursee, are suitable for both walkers and leisure cyclists. While hiking or biking along Route 1291, travellers can reward their efforts with delicious detours to farm shops like Schafbuur in Entlebuch and Straussenfarm near Sempach, plus the vineyards at historic Heidegg Castle. Mount Titlis, a popular winter ski destination, is also home to many hiking and biking trails suitable for all ages and skill levels. Families can enjoy an easy stroll around the Trübsee Circular Trail year-round, while outdoor enthusiasts looking for a greater challenge can take on the three-hour Engelberg-Untertrübsee-Trübsee Trail, accessible from June to October.

4. Embark on a culinary quest

Lucerne is a renowned destination for food-lovers, known for its traditional Swiss specialties and innovative culinary offerings. It's home to Swiss icons like Max Chocolatier — where travellers can learn about the chocolate-making process and try crafting a bar for themselves — as well as the neoclassical dining room at the landmark Grand Hotel National Luzern. Plus, there’s the innovative Markthalle Luzern in Lucerne railway station, which offers an array of local and regional products, including wines from Kastanienbaum Winery, as well as freshly prepared sandwiches (everything that doesn’t sell is recycled to help fight food waste). However, visitors will only get a true taste of the region by journeying outside of the city. There’s Michelin-starred dining on the lakeshore at Seerestaurant Belvédère in Hergiswil; regional cheese from the Engelberg Valley at Chäs im Kloster in Engelberg; and coffee, local cider and regional products for purchase at the HaldiHof orchard in Weggis. For unique French-Swiss dishes featuring high-quality local ingredients, including cheese and butter from the nearby Alps, visit Cattani Restaurant in the resort town of Engelberg. Organic food fans should make a pilgrimage up Mount Rigi to the Regina Montium restaurant at Kräuterhotel Edelweiss, where a passionate young team experiments with botanicals, fermentation and locally sourced produce in their creative menu.

5. Soothe body and soul at a spa hotel

The Lucerne region has drawn aristocrats and celebrities since the 19th century, and there’s a constellation of grand spa hotels here catering to A-listers and everyday travellers alike. One of the most memorable is the Mario Botta-designed Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad, where travellers can relax in an outdoor whirlpool set at 1,450m (4,757ft) and gaze out at incredible views over the surrounding peaks. Savour another impressive Alpine vista from the spa at the five-star Kempinski Palace Engelberg, sitting at an elevation of 1,000m (3,280ft). Visitors can unwind in the hotel's rooftop infinity pool, with its panoramic mountain views, or recover from a strenuous hike in the Finnish sauna. For the ultimate Swiss spa-hopping session, mix and match a relaxing treatment in the mountains with a spa excursion down by the lake. For a boutique option, try the four-star Vitznauerhof, where outdoor saunas fashioned out of converted cable cars are conveniently perched near the wooden pontoon on the lakeshore for visitors to take an unforgettable cold-water plunge.

(Surprised by Lucerne? Discover more of Switzerland here.)