7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Lucerne

Lucerne, is a picturesque city nestled in the heart of the country, surrounded by stunning mountains and serene lakes. It's a haven for digital nomads who enjoy the blend of high-quality living, reliable connectivity, and easy access to nature. For those looking to escape the city on weekends, Lucerne offers a variety of destinations ranging from popular tourist spots to hidden gems. Here are seven fun weekend getaways for those living the digital nomad life in Lucerne.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by the majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, Interlaken is the gateway to many outdoor activities. Here, you can go paragliding, skydiving, or take a scenic hike. The town itself is charming, with beautiful parks and historic buildings. Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat tour on either of the lakes for breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Interlaken from Lucerne is by train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours with a change at Interlaken Ost.

Travel Tip: For a unique experience, visit the St. Beatus Caves and explore the underground waterfalls and stalactite formations.

Where to Stay: The Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views, while Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof provides a more budget-friendly option with a friendly atmosphere.

Where to Eat: Husi Bierhaus is known for its hearty Swiss dishes and a wide selection of local beers. Be sure to try the traditional Rösti, a Swiss potato fritter.

Zermatt

Zermatt, the home of the iconic Matterhorn, is a must-visit for anyone in Switzerland. This car-free village offers a unique alpine experience with its quaint chalets and horse-drawn carriages. In the winter, it's a skiing paradise, while in the summer, it's perfect for hiking and mountain biking. The Gornergrat Railway provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, and the Matterhorn Museum gives insight into the area's mountaineering history.

How to Get There: Zermatt is accessible by train from Lucerne with a change in Visp. The journey takes around 3 to 3.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Take the opportunity to see the sunrise over the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat; it's an unforgettable experience.

Where to Stay: The Omnia offers modern luxury with mountain lodge aesthetics, and it's perched on a cliff with an elevator leading directly to the hotel.

Where to Eat: Chez Vrony is a century-old mountain restaurant that serves delicious organic cuisine with a view of the Matterhorn.

Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen, known as the valley of 72 waterfalls, is a stunning destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The most famous waterfall, Staubbach Falls, is visible from the village and is especially impressive in the spring when the snow melts. Hiking trails abound, leading to the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of waterfalls inside the mountain, accessible by a funicular. The Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch are also accessible from Lauterbrunnen, offering high-altitude adventures and breathtaking views.

How to Get There: Lauterbrunnen can be reached by train from Lucerne in about 2 hours with a change at Interlaken Ost.

Travel Tip: Visit the Lauterbrunnen churchyard for a peaceful moment and to see the graves of famous mountaineers, including members of the first party to ascend the Eiger North Face.

Where to Stay: Hotel Staubbach offers a cozy stay with stunning views of the Staubbach Falls, while Camping Jungfrau provides a unique experience for those who love the great outdoors.

Where to Eat: Hotel Oberland's restaurant serves delicious Swiss cuisine, including fondue and raclette, in a warm and inviting setting.

Lake Oeschinen

Lake Oeschinen is an off-the-beaten-path destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This alpine lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. In the summer, you can hike around the lake or rent a rowboat to enjoy the serene environment. In the winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a natural ice-skating rink. The surrounding area offers several picnic spots and barbecue areas for a perfect day out.

How to Get There: To get to Lake Oeschinen, take a train from Lucerne to Kandersteg, followed by a gondola ride to the lake. The total travel time is around 2.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the thrilling toboggan run near the lake, which operates in both summer and winter, offering a fun way to enjoy the alpine landscape.

Where to Stay: While there are no hotels directly by the lake, the nearby town of Kandersteg has several options, such as the charming Hotel Oeschinensee with its stunning lake views.

Where to Eat: The Berghotel Oeschinensee offers a terrace with panoramic views and serves traditional Swiss dishes like Älplermagronen, a hearty alpine macaroni.

Creux du Van

Creux du Van is a natural rock arena of immense proportions, often referred to as Switzerland's Grand Canyon. This spectacular geological formation is surrounded by a nature reserve that is home to ibexes, chamois, and marmots. The hike to the top offers panoramic views of the Jura mountains and is a rewarding challenge for those who undertake it. The area is also known for its starry night skies, making it an excellent spot for stargazing.

How to Get There: The journey to Creux du Van from Lucerne involves taking a train to Neuchâtel, followed by a bus to Noiraigue, and then a hike to the site. The trip takes around 3 hours in total.

Travel Tip: Visit the nearby Ferme Robert, a traditional farmstead that now serves as a museum and restaurant, offering insights into the local culture and cuisine.

Where to Stay: For a rustic experience, stay at the Auberge du Trappeur, located at the start of the hiking trail to Creux du Van.

Where to Eat: The restaurant at Ferme Robert offers traditional dishes such as fondue and rösti, made with locally sourced ingredients.

Valle Verzasca

The Valle Verzasca is a stunning valley in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, known for its emerald-green river and picturesque stone villages. The highlight of the valley is the Ponte dei Salti, a double-arched medieval bridge that is a popular spot for photographers. The Verzasca River is also a favorite among divers and swimmers, although the waters can be quite cold. Hiking trails wind through the valley, offering beautiful views and the chance to explore the traditional Ticinese architecture.

How to Get There: To reach Valle Verzasca, take a train from Lucerne to Locarno and then a bus to Lavertezzo, the village where the famous bridge is located. The journey takes around 3 hours.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the village of Sonogno at the end of the valley, with its well-preserved rustic houses and a small museum dedicated to the local culture.

Where to Stay: The Albergo Posada offers a comfortable stay in the heart of the valley, with traditional stone architecture and modern amenities.

Where to Eat: Grotto Efra in Lavertezzo serves delicious local specialties such as polenta and alpine cheeses in a cozy, rustic setting.

Rigi Kaltbad

Rigi Kaltbad is a lesser-known destination that offers a peaceful mountain retreat. Located on Mount Rigi, also known as the "Queen of the Mountains," Rigi Kaltbad is famous for its mineral baths and spa, which have been attracting visitors since the 16th century. The area provides numerous hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. In the winter, it becomes a snowy wonderland with opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing.

How to Get There: From Lucerne, take a boat to Vitznau and then a cogwheel train up to Rigi Kaltbad. The entire journey is a scenic experience and takes about 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to relax in the mineral baths at the Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa, which offer stunning views of the Alps.

Where to Stay: The Hotel Rigi Kaltbad provides direct access to the mineral baths and spa, along with comfortable accommodations and mountain views.

Where to Eat: The Restaurant Alpina offers a terrace with panoramic views and serves traditional Swiss dishes, including a variety of rösti options.