Lucerne is a city steeped in history, beckoning travelers with many opportunities to enjoy outstanding views, tempting cuisine and unique experiences in this Swiss Riviera. Situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne, the city offers a safe, clean and bustling environment conducive to international business. At the same time, being in the heart of Switzerland, there’s also an abundance of recreational activities nearby such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, sailing and more.

The medieval pedestrian Chapel Bridge in the historic Old Town is Lucerne’s landmark, famous for its paintings that tell the history of the city. It’s considered the oldest wooden bridge in the country. The city’s other famous landmark is the Water Tower, built around 1300, and served as a treasury, archive and prison. Museums, galleries and chocolate shops add to a delightful stay. Don’t forget to shop for a Swiss Army Knife or a watch. Shopping opportunities are plentiful.

KKL Convention Center

Located next to the Lucerne Train Station, the KKL Convention Center offers a multitude of contemporary venues for business meetings or conferences, holding from 50 – 1300 attendees. The Concert Hall is ideal for corporate events, while Lucerne Hall has space for conventions and banquets. The Auditorium is suitable for lectures, seminars and presentations. Smaller club rooms as well as media rooms are available. For more information, visit www.kkl-luzern.ch

Other Business Venues in Lucerne, Switzerland

Campus Sursee is the largest venue in the German-speaking district of Switzerland, close to Lucerne. It features more than 50 seminar and group rooms with 550 hotel rooms as well as range of leisure activities.  www.campus-sursee.ch

Grand Casino Lucerne offers exciting venues for meetings and conferences, right in the heart of the city. www.grandcasinoluzern.ch

Hotels in Lucerne, Switzerland

Most of the hotels in Lucerne were built in the late 19th century, so they have an old world ambience to them, enhanced with the latest in modern technology.  Here are three outstanding choices.

Hotel Monopol Lucerne  

Near Lake Lucerne, this palace-style hotel features an imposing façade and is just a short walk from the KKL Convention Center and Lucerne Train Station. The 7th floor Suite Lounge & Bar has superb views of the city, the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Renaissance Lucerne Hotel

This hotel is conveniently connected to the Lucerne airport and within walking distance of the historic Chapel Bridge. Pacifico Restaurant features South American-inspired cuisine with fajitas, juicy steaks and Cajun chicken wings. The Blue Bar & Smoker’s Lounge is am ideal place to relax.

Hotel Schweizerhof

The family-owned 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof is located right in the heart of Old Town, next to the lake. All rooms were renovated in 2014, embellished with antique furnishings and modern amenities. Keep up in the Business Center. Two restaurants, featuring Swiss and international cuisine, offer dining outside on the terrace.

Want to really impress a client?

Arrange for dinner in a gondola on the Mount Rigi Railway, which transforms into a magnificent floating restaurant in the sky every Saturday from July to September. The views of Lucerne are breathtaking as three courses are served. Following a short stop on the terrace of the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad, the entrée and dessert are served during the descent.  The experience is simply out of this world.

Things to do in Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne is surrounded by water, so a boat ride on Lake Lucerne is in order.  Hop on the William Tell Express or other paddle-wheel steamers and enjoy a buffet lunch or dinner.  You can go round trip or combine with the Tell-Pass, which includes rail,  boat, buses, mountain railroads and cable cars. (The Tell Pass can be bought at the Lucerne Train Station.)

Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel rail to Mount Pilatus. At the top, stop at the Hotel Pilatus, built in 1890 and enjoy a cup of coffee as you take in the expansive views. The more adventurous can hike,  do the toboggan run, ropes park and take a panoramic gondola ride back down.

Visit Weggis and take a ride aboard the Mount Rigi rail to the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad, known for its wellness center and spa.

Tour the Swiss Museum of Transportation, Switzerland’s most popular museum and learn more about the history of transportation.  The museum also features many interactive exhibits  as well as a Filmtheatre, Planetarium and Swissarena.  Don’t miss the unique Chocolate Adventure, sponsored in conjunction with the Lindt Chocolate Foundation.

For more information about Lucerne, contact the Lucerne Convention Bureau at www.convention-bureau@luzern.com or www.luzern.com.

Updated. Initially published November 2, 2014.