Our family loves taking a roundtrip cruise on the southern section of Lake Lucerne, known as Lake Uri because it lies in the canton of Uri. Starting from the lakeside town of Brunnen, the boat travels to Flüelen and back, offering breathtaking views of the fjord-like landscape and the towering Swiss Alps. The Lake Uri boat cruise takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip and includes several short stops along the way, making it an easy and scenic family-friendly activity in central Switzerland.
Tickets and seating options
The Lake Uri round trip is operated by the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV) AG and is officially called the “Round Trip on Lake Uri.” Tickets can be purchased online, at the Brunnen boat terminal ticket counter, or directly onboard. Discounts are available for holders of the Half Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass, and Junior Card, making this Lake Lucerne cruise more budget-friendly for families. You can choose between second-class and first-class seating. First class, located on the upper deck, is usually quieter and less crowded, with excellent panoramic views of Lake Uri and the surrounding mountains. Second class also offers beautiful views and is perfectly comfortable for families with children. Bringing a stroller aboard is hassle-free thanks to the boarding ramp. Note there are stairs to get to the upper deck.
Dining and kid-friendly features
The onboard restaurant is very family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu and baby chairs. When the weather is nice, we sometimes pack a picnic and enjoy it at the outdoor deck tables while taking in the scenery. Guests can also sit in the indoor restaurant area; however, it’s customary to order at least a drink or snack if you choose to stay there. On cooler days, we like to warm up indoors with hot drinks while still enjoying the mountain and lake views through the large windows.
Scenic views and onboard activities
The mountain views along Lake Uri are a highlight for everyone in our family. The kids love watching windsurfers and sailboats on the lake and sitting on the front deck, enjoying the breeze. To keep them engaged toward the end of the cruise, I bring along small activity books and coloring supplies, which help when they start to get a bit restless. This Lake Uri boat cruise is a wonderful way to experience the dramatic landscapes of central Switzerland without a long hike.
Arrival and Exploring Brunnen
Brunnen is easy to reach by both car and public transport. We parked at “Gemeinde Parkplatz,” a short walk from the boat dock, but Brunnen is also well connected by train and bus. After the cruise, we recommend strolling along the Brunnen lakefront promenade and letting the kids play at the nearby playground (“Nessispielplatz”). One of our favorite stops is Gelateria Artigiana for ice cream before heading home. For more ideas on things to do in Brunnen, check out our blog.
Final thoughts
We love the Lake Uri roundtrip cruise because it offers incredible views of the mountains and countryside in a very manageable amount of time. At around 1.5 hours, the cruise is long enough to feel special but not so long that our kids become overly restless. Starting and ending in Brunnen is a bonus, as the town itself is a beautiful place to explore with children—from the lakeside promenade to playgrounds and cafés. For more information and additional options for boat cruises, browse our Lake Lucerne travel guide on the blog.