For those visiting Lucerne on a rainy day, here’s a list of suggestions from someone who lives nearby and has visited Lucerne many times. Although Lucerne is best enjoyed outdoors, don’t let a rainy day in Lucerne dampen your spirits. Without further ado, here are nine of the best things to do in Lucerne on a rainy day.
1. Verkehrshaus, Lucerne (Swiss Museum of Transport)
A place where you can mix indoor and outdoor activities when it’s rainy is perfect. Lucerne’s Verkehrshaus comes to mind. There’s a lot to see here, and it’s not just about transportation.
At Verkehrshaus Lucerne, you get to see historic trains, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, boats, aircraft, and more. You’ll also find cable cars here, something incredibly common and useful in Switzerland.
Additionally, they have a planetarium, a chocolate experience, and films. There’s a fun ball track too, which we call Kugelbahn in German. You’ll also find picnic areas and two restaurants.
Exhibits, experiences, and shows are all mixed together at the museum. Some exhibits are interactive, while others are for viewing only.
If you would like to read more about Verkehrshaus, Lucerne, you can check out our article Best Guide To Verkehrshaus, Lucerne – What You Need To Know.
Address: Lidostrasse 5, 6006 Luzern
2. Glacier Garden Lucerne
Glacier Garden Lucerne definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re from somewhere without glaciers. Because the glacier potholes are covered by a large tent and many of the activities are indoors, this is a good rainy day activity. It’s just a matter of going out every now and then if you want to change your location. Still, it’s a great rainy day activity because you can stay mostly indoors.
In the Glacier Garden, you can learn all about the geological history of Lucerne and its surroundings. Besides the glacier pots, there’s a lot more in this place. They’ve got a Swiss House, a mirror maze, an alpine park, a sandstone pavilion, and a rock portal called Felsenwelt.
If you would like to read more about Glacier Garden Lucerne, you can check out our article Glacier Garden Lucerne – An Honest Review.
Address: Denkmalstrasse 4a, 6006 Luzern
3. Bourbaki Panorama
Panorama paintings depicted events and well-known battlefields throughout the world during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Imagine it as the precursor to an IMAX movie theater. The museum is always interesting and thought-provoking to visit, especially when it’s raining.
With a team of ten artists, Swiss painter Edouard Castres created Bourbaki Panorama, a 115-meter-long mural depicting the violence of the Franco-Prussian war. During the event, Gen. Charles Bourbaki fled France for Switzerland, illustrating the defeated soldiers who crossed the border. It is supposed to celebrate Swiss neutrality and hospitality.
Bourbaki Panorama is a European cultural monument dedicated to the thousands of French soldiers during the war.
If you would like to read more about Bourbaki Panorama, you can check out our article – Bourbaki Panorama Luzern: What You Need To Know.
Address: Löwenpl. 11, 6004 Luzern
4. Gameorama Museum
Lucerne’s Gameorama Interactive Game Museum (Gameorama Spielmuseum in German) is a small but engaging museum featuring games of all kinds.
In the board game section, you are free to stay for as long as you like, but in the main video game area, visits are limited to two hours. In addition, you will have to reserve a time slot beforehand.
Visitors to Gameorama are encouraged to play classic games and get a sense of how gaming has developed over the years. Gameorama Museum in Lucerne offers a fun and educational experience for gamers of all ages.
If you would like to learn more about Gameorama, you can check out our review: Gameorama Museum Lucerne – An Honest Review.
Address: Hirschengraben 41, 6003 Luzern
5. Rosengart Collection, Lucerne
There’s nothing better for art lovers than enjoying the Rosengart Collection in Lucerne on a rainy day. This activity features art pieces from 25 masters, making it a truly enjoyable experience. Be inspired by the stunning Art Collection presented by Siegfried and Angela Rosengart located in what used to be the Swiss National Bank building built back in 1924.
The Rosengart Collection proudly presents many works of Pablo Picasso. Other artists include Paul Klee, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, and Claude Monet.
The Rosengart Collection is open daily except during the Fasnacht carnival season. Adults pay CHF 18 to access the collection.
Address: Pilatusstrasse 10, 6003 Luzern
6. Gourmet Lunch Cruise, Lake Lucerne
Take in the sights around Lake Lucerne no matter the weather on this first-class lunchtime lake cruise. It’s still fun even if it rains, even though it’s ideal when the weather is nice and sunny.
This will be a memorable experience for visitors. Nothing beats floating down the gorgeous waters of Lake Lucerne.
There are three courses, all freshly prepared. Even though menus change depending on the season, there’s always a vegetarian and non-vegetarian option.
If you would like to enjoy a lake cruise, you can get your tickets via GetYourGuide here – Lucerne: Lake Lucerne 1st Class Cruise with Gourmet Lunch.
Address: Either on Pier 1 or Pier 3 (please check the timetable on the spot), Luzern Bahnhofquai, 6003 Lucerne
7. Etuktuk Tour
Taking place in all weather conditions, the eTukTuk takes you to the best sights in Lucerne. You can still take a tour of the city in comfort in this small electronic vehicle, even if it is rainy.
This tour lets you explore the beautiful old town and shopping district, see the Lion Monument, and Chapel Bridge, and hear stories about the local sights and life.
You can stop for photos and shopping anytime during the tour. Up to four people can be accommodated on tours.
If you would like to enjoy an eTuktuk tour, you can get your tickets via GetYourGuide here – Lucerne: eTukTuk City Tour.
Address: Europaplatz 1, 6005 Luzern, Switzerland. Lucerne Culture and Congress Center, on the Lakeside next to the “Seebar.”
8. Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre Behind the Scenes Tour
When it’s rainy in Lucerne, there’s an affordable and unique guided tour you can take – visiting the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre (Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern). On this guided walking tour, you’ll see the famous concert hall, learn more about its architecture, and see the spectacular views from its terrace.
Due to its perfect acoustics, the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre is considered one of the best concert halls in the world. Exploring it is definitely different from the usual Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge tours that most tourists do in Lucerne.
If you would like to enjoy a tour of KKL, you can get your tickets via GetYourGuide here – Lucerne: Culture & Congress Centre Behind the Scenes Tour.
Address: Europapl. 1, 6005 Luzern
9. Lucerne Cheese and Chocolate Tour
Food tours are the perfect way to spend a rainy day if you’re a foodie. It’s mostly indoors, and you’ll get to eat as well.
This tour has everything incredibly Swiss – an Alpine cheese platter, chocolates, and wine. Depending on your preference, you can also have a non-alcoholic drink.
With a local guide, you’ll learn more about Swiss culture. Your guide will also show you the Chapel Bridge and Lucerne Castle. Optional cruises are also available.
If you would like to enjoy a Cheese and Chocolate tour, you can get your tickets via GetYourGuide here – CH Experience Chapel Bridge Chateau Cheese and Chocolate.
Address: Meet under the big arch monument in front of Lucerne train station. Your guide will meet you at the monument
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.