Cruising on Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) is one of the most scenic experiences in Central Switzerland and a highlight for families visiting the region. With its stunning mountain backdrop and charming lakeside villages, the lake is a perfect destination for a relaxing cruise. We love taking our kids on round-trip boat rides that require no transfers—simple, scenic, and stress-free. All routes mentioned below offer comfortable sightseeing options that let you sit back and enjoy the views without worrying about logistics or connecting ferries.
Lake Lucerne Cruise Options
- Name: Lunch Cruise
- Port: Lucerne
- Length: 1.75 hrs
- Type: Ferry
- Name: Saphir*
- Port: Lucerne
- Length: 1 hr
- Type: Ferry
- Name: Catamaran
- Port: Lucerne
- Length: 1 hr
- Type: Ferry
- Name: Verkehrshaus Lido
- Port: Lucerne
- Length: 10 min (one-way)
- Type: Ferry
- Name: Lake Uri Cruise
- Port: Brunnen
- Length: 1.5 hr
- Type: Ferry
- Name: Short Lake Cruise
- Port: Weggis
- Length: 1 hr
- Type: Ferry
**Panorama Yacht Saphir is upgrading to Hydrogen power, and plans to resume cruises in 4th quarter 2026
Choosing the Right Lake Lucerne Cruise
The best cruise for your family depends on your port of departure and preferred trip length. This is not an exhaustive list of round-trip cruises, and availability varies by season. The ferry routes described below have been tested by our family, so we can share first-hand tips and recommendations. For a full list of Lake Lucerne cruises, visit the Schifffahrtsgesellschaft des Vierwaldstättersees (SGV) AG website. If you have a Swiss Half Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass, or Junior Card, you can enjoy discounted tickets—making it an easy and budget-friendly outing.
Cruise Alternatives on Lake Lucerne
Beyond the scheduled ferry routes, we also enjoy renting a private electric pontoon boat in Hergiswil, just a short distance from Lucerne—an ideal choice for a flexible, personalized outing. Families visiting the Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus Luzern) can even take the ferry from Lucerne to the “Verkehrshaus Lido” stop for a fun lake-and-museum day trip.
Final Thoughts
A Lake Lucerne cruise is a must for families visiting Central Switzerland. We prefer shorter trips so our young kids don’t get restless, and we always pack snacks and small activities to keep them entertained. On warm, sunny days, renting a pontoon boat is a wonderful way to explore more of the lake, stop for a quick swim, and soak in the peaceful scenery. It’s one of our favorite ways to experience Lake Lucerne—relaxed, flexible, and unforgettable.