Which Boat Routes Are Available on Lake Lucerne?

Von Team switzerlandviews.com | Mai 9, 2025

Lake Lucerne offers a variety of scenic boat routes operated by the region’s official navigation company. These regular cruises connect historic towns, charming lakeside villages, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a full-day journey or a short scenic ride, there’s a route for everyone. (Special cruises such as dining experiences or private charters are not covered here – we’ll explore those in a separate article soon.)

Lucerne – Flüelen (Full Lake Cruise)

This is the longest and most scenic route, stretching across the entire lake. The cruise takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, passing highlights like Weggis, Vitznau, Bürgenstock, Beckenried, and the dramatic cliffs near Sisikon before reaching Flüelen at the southern end. Perfect for travelers who want to sit back, relax, and experience the full beauty of Lake Lucerne.

Lucerne – Vitznau / Weggis (Half-Lake Cruises)

Shorter but equally picturesque, these routes are ideal for travelers with limited time.
Vitznau is the base station of the famous Mount Rigi cogwheel railway, while Weggis offers lakeside charm, cafés, and stunning views. These cruises typically take 45 to 60 minutes one way, and you can combine them with other activities or return to Lucerne later – either by boat or by public transport.

Lucerne Scenic Roundtrip (Approx. 2 Hours)

On selected routes – especially with modern ships like the MS Diamant – it’s possible to enjoy a relaxing loop cruise from Lucerne to Weggis and back, without changing boats. These trips last about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours and let you stay on board as the ship turns around in Weggis and returns to Lucerne. Perfect for a peaceful scenic experience – or if you simply love being on the water.

Some of these roundtrips are operated with a single ship and require no changes. Others may involve a short wait or a change of boat in Weggis or another stop, depending on the timetable. Also, certain short cruises (especially those starting at the Schweizerhofquai station) may not be included in the Swiss Travel Pass or GA. Please check the official timetable to confirm coverage and connections.

You can watch one of these real-life roundtrips in the video below.

Connections Between Villages

You can easily get off at charming lakeside stops like Weggis, Vitznau or Beckenried – and continue your journey later on. With a day pass or a Swiss Travel Pass, hopping on and off is possible as long as you follow the timetable.

We’ve put together an overview of selected routes on Lake Lucerne to help you plan your journey. The table shows which trips are available and in which seasons. In many cases, you can return to Lucerne by the same boat or a later one – depending on the time of day and schedule. Alternatively, returning via public transport on land may also be possible.

Important: Always make sure to check the current timetable before your trip.

Useful links and files:

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Is Lake Lucerne by Boat Worth It Even in Bad Weather?