Wow. Spent a few nights in Lucerne this year during a lull in the snow in late February 2025. Carnival was on and what a fantastic time was had. Has to be experienced to be believed. The costumes, parades, entertainment, booze, dancing, lights, action & fun in this already amazing city provided a lasting memory. So much so a return visit next season is almost guarnateed.

Carnival runs over several days from a Thurs night to a Monday night with a day off in between on the Sunday. Arrivng on the Sunday and getting one's bearings before getting into it on the Monday is a reasonable contention. Getting accommodation was surprisingly easy. However given the noise & congestion from thousands of pedestrians in the streets, it may behove one to avoid staying in the old town of the city. We spent a little bit more and scored a well-priced last minute room at the fancy Gutsch that overlooks Lucerne. Even if you don't stay at the Gutsch it is worth taking the funicular up there for some grand views of the city and maybe check out the bar too.

Aside from the usual wanderings around this beutiful place (like along the old city wall and towers), the Monday of Carnival provided unending entertainment that left my ears ringing from getting up close & personal to the action. What a glorious celebration with many thousands of people, all in incredible costumes, all drinking various tyrpes of beer and warming cocktails and all with no agro, no trouble and only a small visibile police presence. Such an evenet could not possibly occur where I am from (without a whole lot of drama!) and it is a testament to the Swiss people that Carnival continues to thrive in its current form.

If you don't want to stand out in Lucerne as a tourist during Carnival, get a costume! We will next time for sure. And there definitely will be a next too, because this is just too good a time in what is already a fantastic place to visit. And remeber that going skiing is just a train ride away..... Engelberg anyone?
See our video here

Lovely Lucerne provides the perfect break during any Swiss ski holiday. Easy to get to by train from Zurich, Lucerne's classic sites (like the Chapel Bridge & Wounded Lion) provide only a small part of the city’s overall charm. The old town & surrounding hilltop fortifications are great for strolling, & are packed with history, views, cafes & bars along the way. In winter there are Arts & Light Festivals adding to the cities many entertainment options. If staying overnight, choosing a hotel or guesthouse in or close to the old town precinct is a must. We stayed at the Boutique Hotel KARL.

In February the Lucerne Carnival is a sight to behold - the fully costumed drum bands being the standout.

From a ski perspective, resorts like Engelberg & the Jungfrau ski region can be reached in no time by train, whilst quirky lakeside Klewenalp requires a train & bus combination.

Luzern is a gorgeous Swiss city made even better with a draping of winter snow. See our thoughts on the pros & cons of this city on our Lucerne Overview page.

See our video here

Travelled to Lucerne by train from Zurich for a weekend at the end of a ski trip to Austria & Switzerland. Was such a fun yet relaxing place. Beautiful buildings, bridges & castle walls were complimented by the bars & restaurants. Stayed in a fantastic riverside inn on the edge of the old town. Such a cool way to finish a European ski trip.
See our video here