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Lake and boat trip · Lucerna, Lucerna
Vierwaldstättersee
The Lake of the Four Cantons, with indented shores among mountains, is navigated by SGV boats, including five paddle steamers built between 1901 and 1928.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vierwaldstättersee
The Vierwaldstättersee is named after the four cantons that surround it: Lucerna, Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. It has indented shores with arms reaching between the mountains, from Lucerna to Flüelen in the canton of Uri.
The SGV shipping company, whose origins date back to 1837, serves about 30 stops on the lake. The fleet includes five paddle steamers: Uri (1901); Unterwalden (1902); Schiller (1906); Gallia (1913); and Stadt Luzern (1928), the flagship. On the steamers you can see the engines in operation.
The boats are part of the transport network and link with the mountain trains: Vitznau for the Rigi, Alpnachstad for the Pilatus, Kehrsiten for the Bürgenstock. They also stop in villages such as Weggis, Gersau, Brunnen and at the Tellsplatte, associated with the legend of William Tell.
There are short cruises around Lucerna bay and longer trips of several hours to the end of the lake.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From one hour for a short cruise to a full day to Flüelen and back.
Best time
From May to September there are more departures and the steamers run more frequently. In winter the timetable is reduced. On cloudy days, the lake is still a good option when the mountains are closed.
How to get there
The main pier is at Bahnhofquai, in front of Lucerna station and next to the KKL.
Tip
Use the boat as transport: go to the Rigi or the Pilatus by lake and return by train. tourist rail passes often include regular boats; check in advance.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vierwaldstättersee
Which boats on Lake Lucerna are steam-driven?
Five paddle steamers: Uri, Unterwalden, Schiller, Gallia and Stadt Luzern, built between 1901 and 1928.
Do boats operate in winter?
Yes, but with fewer departures. Check the timetable for the day.
Where do the boats depart from in Lucerna?
From the Bahnhofquai, in front of the central station.
Do train passes cover the boats?
Tourist train passes often include the regular lake boats. Check the conditions of your pass.