Lake Lucerne

What makes it special

Five paddle steamers, the Uri, Unterwalden, Schiller, Gallia and Stadt Luzern, built between 1901 and 1928, still sail beside the motor vessels. On the Gallia, the engine room is open and you can watch the original steam engine at work.

On the Stadt Luzern, the upper-deck lounge is still called the Queen's Salon, named for Queen Elizabeth II, who sailed on board.

The lake's German name, Vierwaldstättersee, refers to the four cantons on its shores: Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne. The scenery changes as you go, from the Bay of Lucerne and the Bay of Weggis near town to the Bay of Gersau and the central basin where the arms of the lake cross.

Near Flüelen, at the far end, the stark cliffs of Uri rise over turquoise water.

Visiting

Boarding works without reservations: seats cannot be booked on the regular boats, so you walk on at the pier and find a place on deck. Tickets are sold on board without a surcharge, and at the station counter in Lucerne.

Two cruises cover the lake from Lucerne. The Grand Lake Cruise leaves from Pier 1 and runs to Flüelen at the far end, and you can step off at any stop to explore, then pick up a later boat. The Short Lake Cruise turns at Beckenried, where you usually change boats for the return.

Guided or on your own

For a narrated sailing, choose the Legends cruise on the Gallia, which runs from mid-May to mid-September and leaves from Pier 5. A host in the character of Casimir Friedrich Knörr, a pioneer of steam navigation, tells the story of steam on the lake through the five-hour trip.

A five-course menu and selected wines are included. Places are limited to a small group on a boat built for hundreds, so reserve online ahead.

Tips

If the full round trip feels long, sail one way to Flüelen and take the train back to Lucerne, or start at Flüelen and do the reverse. Morning sailings usually have the calmest water, before most private boats come out.

Before you step off at a village, check when the last boat back leaves that pier.