Lucerne, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#975
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lucerne is a picturesque city located in central Switzerland, known for its preserved medieval architecture and stunning lake views. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 82,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CHF ≈ 1.08 USD, 1 CHF ≈ 0.94 EUR. Major banks include UBS and Credit Suisse. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Swiss providers include Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Services accommodating international transfers available, with options like Revolut and Wise. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, Airbnb, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer various short-term lodging options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Lion Lodge provides affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Town (Altstadt), known for its historical buildings and charm. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Lucerne City Center, offering various amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hub Lucerne, popular for remote work and networking. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de Ville offers a cozy atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and tech events at the local university. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Lucerne International Community organizes various events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Lucerne, providing convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobility is available for bike and scooter rentals across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Lucerne has several accessible beaches such as Lido. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Swiss International Air Lines serves the regional area. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international airlines include Lufthansa and British Airways. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A2 highway runs through Lucerne, connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lucerne Railway Station is the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes available for unlimited travel on public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains connect Lucerne to Zurich and Interlaken frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Luzerner Kantonsspital is the main healthcare provider. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Luzern offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Park provides comprehensive facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin-operated laundromats are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats covers many restaurants in Lucerne. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Luzerner Chügelipastete, a local pastry dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan restaurant Vegitopia offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Confiserie Sprüngli is famous for its Luxemburgerli macarons. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local market at Kornmarkt offers fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Digitec serve as popular online shopping sites. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Town area has vibrant bars and nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Bruegg offers tours and local beer tasting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino & Co. serves a wide selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Check out food stalls at the Lucerne Market during weekends. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as Da Vinci offer diverse international choices. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Water Tower (Wasserturm) are iconic. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Richard Wagner Museum and Rosengart Collection feature significant art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Musegg Wall offers insights into Lucerne's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche) showcases Baroque architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Lucerne Festival occurs every summer, celebrating classical music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Lucerne's Old Town is rich in culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Thekkem Theater hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Historic markets in Old Town offer local products and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Café Kultur hosts live music events regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art installations can be found around the city, particularly in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Swiss Cooking School offers courses on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kunstmuseum Luzern features contemporary and classical art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Town is lined with beautifully preserved medieval buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Lucerne's history is showcased in its architecture and cultural events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Pilatus and Rigi mountains offer hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Swiss National Park is a scenic drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The lakeside path offers picturesque walking and cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The height of Mount Pilatus gives breathtaking views of the Alps. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nature reserves around Lake Lucerne attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the lake allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services include Swiss Post and DHL. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Swisscom store provide repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public tables are available in various parks. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Schools offer German language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Lucerne City Library is a great study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers host cultural events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Lounge Lucerne provides a hub for esports enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Luzern offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 7,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 280,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 200,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 6,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 390,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 270,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 6,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 480,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 320,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approx. 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on residence. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approx. 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7.7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Switzerland has regulations regarding CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 2% to 4% depending on the canton. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Switzerland offers favorable tax agreements for foreign income. |