Lake Lucerne is one of the things that make Lucerne so exceptional. A walk along the shores is part of life in Lucerne, and the promenade along Schweizerhofquai and Nationalquai with the long double row of chestnut trees is the classical choice. But you can also go south from the KKL, towards the large lake-side park and bathing spot Ufschötti (15 min walk) or even further to the Richard Wagner Museum.

The lake also gives you access to a vast area filled to the brim with Alpine beauties. On a nice sunny day nothing can beat a cruise on the lake, whether you stay close to Lucerne or steam south towards the Alps. Due to the labyrinthine shape of the lake, new breathtaking vistas open up again and again.

The long cruise down to Flüelen e.g. will take you to the Rütli and past the Tellsplatte, both involved in Switzerland's founding myths. In German the lake is called Vierwaldstättersee, literally the lake of the four cantons, which refers to Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne. Barring Lucerne, these cantons are considered to be the birthplace of Switzerland and the William Tell saga plays in these mountain areas.