If you’re visiting Lucerne with kids, the Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz) should be at the top of your itinerary. Located just a short trip from the heart of Lucerne, this museum offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Getting There
From Hotel Des Balances, getting to the Swiss Museum of Transport is a breeze. You can either take a quick bus ride (Bus number 6, 8, or 24) from Luzern, Schwanenplatz to Verkehrshaus or enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk along the lakeside promenade.
Tickets and Passes
Tickets can be easily purchased through platforms like Klook, offering the convenience of planning ahead. Various ticket options are available, including:
- General Admission: Grants access to the museum’s main exhibits.
- Combo Tickets: Include access to additional attractions like the Planetarium and the Swiss Chocolate Adventure.
What to Expect
The Swiss Museum of Transport is one of the most comprehensive transportation museums in Europe, showcasing the evolution of transport and mobility through interactive exhibits and displays. Here’s what you can expect:
Exhibitions and Displays
- Road Transport: Discover a wide range of vehicles from vintage cars to modern electric cars. Kids can hop on and explore many of the vehicles, making it an interactive experience.
- Rail Transport: This section highlights Switzerland’s impressive railway history. You can explore real trains, model railways, and learn about the technology behind them.
- Air and Space Travel: Featuring planes, helicopters, and even space exploration, this section will fascinate young and old alike.
- Maritime Navigation: Dive into Switzerland’s naval history with boats and maritime artifacts.
- Cableways and Funiculars: Learn about Switzerland’s famous mountain transport systems, essential for navigating the Alpine terrain.
Interactive Experiences
- Flight Simulator: Feel the thrill of flying in one of the museum’s flight simulators.
- Train Simulator: Experience what it’s like to drive a train through the Swiss landscape.
- Swiss Chocolate Adventure: Take a sensory journey through the world of chocolate production, a highlight for both kids and adults.
Swiss Chocolate Adventure
Our boys enjoyed the Swiss Chocolate Adventure the most. The experience starts with a container lift taking you down to the lower floor. You’ll then board a revolving chocolate cup that can fit 4 to 5 people, and you’ll remain in the cup throughout the tour. The journey offers a delightful exploration of chocolate production, from cocoa beans to the final product.
A special surprise awaits at the end of the tour: your kids can reach out and grab chocolates. So, make sure to let them sit at the front of the cup!
Additional Attractions
The museum also offers several other attractions that can be added to your visit:
- Planetarium: Explore the universe with exciting shows in the museum’s state-of-the-art planetarium.
- Cinema: The museum features a 3D cinema with documentaries and educational films. (Note: Our boys found the 3D experience a bit overwhelming and didn’t stay long.)
Dining Options
We had our lunch at the self-service restaurant. The Swiss Museum of Transport offers several dining options, including a self-service restaurant, a bistro, and a lakeside café.
Final Thoughts
Our visit to the Swiss Museum of Transport was a highlight of our Lucerne trip. It’s not just a museum; it’s an adventure through the past, present, and future of transportation. The interactive and educational exhibits kept our boys entertained and engaged throughout the day. Walking back to Hotel Des Balances via the picturesque promenade, we enjoyed the sunset and reflected on a day well spent. Whether you’re a transport enthusiast or a family looking for a fun day out, the Swiss Museum of Transport is a must-visit attraction in Lucerne.
Click here to book via Klook!
Read about our Switzerland Adventure here!
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