Lake Lucerne — Boat Trip★★★
The Lake Lucerne (Lucerne Lake) is the original lake of Switzerland: On its shores, the Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291, William Tell played here, and the landscape — fjord-like arms between steep mountains — is among the most impressive Switzerland has to offer.
★★★ Steamship Cruise
The SGV fleet includes five historic paddle steamers (the largest steamship fleet in the world!) and modern motor ships. A cruise on the lake is a must: The paddle steamers (built 1901–1928) are floating monuments — polished brass, wood paneling, thumping steam engines visible under glass. The route Lucerne → Flüelen (3 hours) passes by the Rütli and Tell Chapel — completely included in the Swiss Travel Pass!
SGV from Bahnhofquai Lucerne. Round trip 1 hour: 27 CHF. Lucerne → Vitznau (for Rigi): 1 hour, 30 CHF. Lucerne → Flüelen: 3 hours, 52 CHF. Included in the Swiss Travel Pass. Steamship surcharge: 0 CHF (in the regular schedule!).
★★ Rütli — Birthplace of Switzerland
On a meadow on the southern shore of Lake Uri, according to legend, representatives of the three founding cantons Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden swore the Rütli Oath in 1291 — the founding act of the Confederation. Today a national shrine and only accessible by boat. Free, but emotional: Here lies the soul of Switzerland.
★ Tell Chapel
On the eastern shore stands the small chapel marking the spot where William Tell is said to have jumped from the boat of the bailiff Gessler. Whether Tell lived is unknown — but the frescoes from 1880 vividly tell the story.
💡 Tipp
The steamships operate on a regular schedule — not a tourist special, but real public transport! Take the paddle steamer "Stadt Luzern" (1928, the flagship) or the "Uri" (1901, the oldest). Lunch on board in the 1st-class salon is an experience (menu from 45 CHF). Completely free with the Swiss Travel Pass!
