Moving to Lucerne

Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne with breathtaking views of the Alps. Its Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is the most photographed monument in the country. A tourist city, Lucerne is also a regional economic center with a dynamic SME network.

The cost of living is lower than Zurich (just 45 minutes by train) and the exceptional living environment makes it an increasingly popular choice for expatriates seeking a balance between professional life and quality of life.

Lucerne, pearl of Central Switzerland

Lucerne, with its 82,000 inhabitants and a conurbation of 220,000 people, is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) with a spectacular view of the Alps, the town is dominated by the peaks of Pilatus (2,132 m) and Rigi (1,798 m). The famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), built in 1333, is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe.

Lucerne's economy is based on a diverse network of SMEs, tourism (more than 10 million visitors per year), financial services and industry. The city is also a renowned conference center thanks to the KKL (Cultural and Congress Center, designed by Jean Nouvel) and the Swiss Transport Museum, the most visited museum in the country.

Lucerne is attracting more and more expatriates who work in Zurich (45 min by train) but prefer to live in a more natural setting and at more affordable prices. The canton of Lucerne has also lowered its tax rates in recent years to strengthen its attractiveness.

Neighborhoods and municipalities around Lucerne

The Lucerne rental market is more relaxed than in the big cities. Rents are 25 to 35% lower than Zurich, offering excellent value for money.

Cost of living in Lucerne

Lucerne offers a moderate cost of living compared to major Swiss cities, with competitive salaries thanks to its proximity to Zurich.

Transport and commuting from Lucerne

Lucerne is an important railway hub in central Switzerland. Direct trains connect Lucerne to Zurich in 45 minutes (every 15-30 minutes), to Bern in 60 minutes, to Zug in 20 minutes and to Zurich airport in 1 hour 05 minutes. The network is reliable and punctual.

The VBL (Verkehrsbetriebe Luzern) bus network serves the city and surrounding communities. Liners sail on Lake Lucerne, connecting Lucerne with Weggis, Vitznau, Brunnen and other places, providing a means of public transport in their own right.

For lovers of gentle mobility, Lucerne is a cycling city with relatively flat lakeside terrain. The A2 motorway (Basel-Gotthard-Ticino axis) passes nearby, providing a good road connection to the north and south.

Quality of life and nature in Lucerne

Lucerne is the ideal choice for nature lovers who do not want to sacrifice access to urban services. In summer, the lake offers swimming, sailing and paddle boarding. In winter, the ski resorts of Engelberg (Titlis), Melchsee-Frutt and Sörenberg are less than an hour away. The Rigi and the Pilate offer hikes accessible all year round.

The city hosts the Lucerne Festival, one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world, as well as Carnival (Fasnacht), a colorful popular festival. The gastronomic scene is excellent, with several Michelin-starred restaurants and a central Swiss culinary tradition.

For expatriate families, the International School of Central Switzerland (ISCS) in Cham (20 mins) offers an IB program. The international community is smaller than in big cities, but dynamic enough to organize events and facilitate integration. The city is extremely safe and the natural setting incomparable for raising children.