Our family enjoyed a lovely winter cruise on Lake Lucerne after an evening snowfall. The round-trip Lunch Cruise on Lake Lucerne starts in Lucerne and offers views of snow-covered mountains—Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi—along with picturesque countryside scenes and elegant lakeside villas, including Schloss Meggenhorn. This relaxing journey lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes and can be enjoyed year-round, making it an ideal scenic outing for families visiting Lucerne.
The Cruise Experience
The Lake Lucerne Lunch Cruise departs from the Lucerne boat dock (Pier 1 or 3, depending on the season). In winter, the route travels from Lucerne to Vitznau and back, with brief stops along the way. During spring and summer, the cruise often sails from Lucerne to Küssnacht and back. For accurate departure times and seasonal routes, it’s best to check the official Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV) website. The ship features both indoor and outdoor spaces where passengers can comfortably enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s a peaceful and memorable way to experience Lake Lucerne as a family.
Dining on Board
Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas are equipped with tables. We had a light lunch before boarding and brought along a few snacks for the journey. Since it was cold, we chose to sit indoors, where guests are expected to order from the menu. Those seated outdoors can freely enjoy their own food. As it’s a lunchtime cruise, the menu offers a variety of dishes, including vegetarian and children’s options, all available for viewing online before your trip. Although prices are slightly higher than average, it’s understandable considering the onboard dining experience and stunning lake views. We ordered drinks and fries, which were perfect while admiring the scenery. The ship also provides baby chairs, making it convenient for families with little ones.
Tickets and Practical Details
Tickets for the Lake Lucerne Lunch Cruise can be purchased online or at the ticket counter at Pier 1. Discounts apply for Swiss Half Fare Cards, Junior Cards, and Swiss Travel Pass holders. Passengers can choose between first and second class, with first class offering quieter seating and access to the upper deck. Both classes feature indoor and outdoor spaces. Table reservations are highly recommended during busy summer months—SGV’s team is very responsive to inquiries. It’s also worth checking SGV’s live webcam views and timetables before your trip to see current lake conditions and weather. The ship is stroller-friendly with boarding ramps, though note that stairs lead to the first-class area.
Arrival and Parking Tips
The Lucerne boat docks are located directly across from Lucerne Main Train Station, making public transportation extremely convenient. The station has markets and shops where you can pick up snacks or beverages before boarding. For those arriving by car, the closest option is the Bahnhofparking garage in front of the station, though traffic can be heavy. We often park a bit farther away at Parkhaus Schweizerhof, which offers easy access to both Lucerne’s Old Town and the boat docks. For more ideas on family-friendly activities and dining in Lucerne, browse our other Lucerne travel guides on the blog.
Our Final Thoughts
The Lake Lucerne Lunch Cruise is a wonderful family-friendly activity in central Switzerland—perfect for taking in the alpine views without it being too long for kids. It’s an ideal afternoon experience to unwind; our children enjoyed coloring and watching swans as we sailed. With food and drinks available on board, it’s easy to combine sightseeing and dining in one trip. If you’re short on time or prefer a quicker outing, consider the Short Lake Cruise—a one-hour round trip from Lucerne without food service but equally scenic. Click here to learn more.