Candlelight steamer: romantic evening on Lake Lucerne

Advertising: Contribution in cooperation with the Association of Swiss Shipping Companies

Surrounded by a magnificent mountain backdrop, Lake Lucerne is always worth a visit. Last summer, on a beautiful summer evening, we went on a candlelight trip on the oldest paddle steamer in Switzerland and experienced a wonderfully romantic and nostalgic evening. Three hours on Lake Lucerne, which really evokes the holiday feeling.

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In cooperation with the Association of Swiss Shipping Companies, I present you a selection of excursion ideas and culinary tours from Lake Constance to Lake Zurich. To kick off this series, I brought back two tips for boat trips on Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore from a trip to Ticino.

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Holiday atmosphere on Lake Lucerne

The thermometer shows just under 28° Celsius, the sun is shining from the steel-blue sky. Here and there, a few fair-weather clouds form – the most magnificent picture-book summer weather. This wonderful weather has lured us out of the house a little earlier than necessary and we arrive at Lucerne train station a good hour before the departure of the candlelight steamer. We use the remaining time for a leisurely walk along the lake basin to the height of the Hotel Palace and via the Chapel Bridge (a “must” for me on a detour to Lucerne) back to the landing stage. On the way we observe the “hustle and bustle” in the lake. Pedalos and the fleet of the Lake Lucerne Shipping Company put on an entertaining show.

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Take the steamboat on a culinary evening tour

On this evening, various ships will be on special round trips. In addition to the candlelight steamer, the display at the pier also shows the departure times of the sunset cruise and the fajita ship.

The candlelight ride is carried out by steamboat Uri. Built in 1901, it is the oldest steamship still in operation on Swiss waters and is also the oldest ship in the Swiss fleet. We first take a look at the open “technical room” and admire the machines that have been driving the Uri across Lake Lucerne for over 100 years. In 1994, the Uri was completely renovated and at that time the neo-baroque salon was also restored to the style of the 1920s – definitely a harmonious ambience for a romantic candlelight dinner.

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Spumante & sunset to kick off

Half an hour before the scheduled departure, the candlelight dinner starts with an aperitif consisting of appetizers and a glass of sparkling wine. In addition, live music is played on the sun deck. Just before the sun goes down, we cast off. I enjoy the pleasantly mild breeze that arises with the wind and linger on deck until the last rays of sunshine say goodbye behind Lucerne. The candlelight steamer’s departure times are the same from July to November, which means that the sunset takes place at different times (our pictures are from the candlelight cruise in mid-August).

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The meal is then served in the saloon or in the panorama restaurant on the upper deck. The tables are fixed (as you know it from restaurant reservations) and lovingly decorated with rose petals and candles. When it comes to “romantic” decorations, I’m quite critical and quickly find it kitschy. On the Uri, however, the setting was great. The list of eleven personal questions integrated into the menu was also inspiring, such as “name three things that you and I think have in common”. Even those who have been with their partner for a long time will find such questions a thoroughly entertaining conversation stimulus.

3-course candlelight menu

The candlelight dinner consists of an amuse bouche (we served a gazpacho with a breadstick), followed by an appetizer, main course and dessert. Finally, friandise will be served with espresso/coffee. Between the individual courses, there is always the opportunity to go out onto the deck and admire the scenery. You can find out which menu awaits you on this year’s evening cruises with the candlelight steamer on the SVG website (you can find the vegetarian menus in the PDF with the additional information).

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We served a tartare of MSC smoked salmon with shipyard honey dressing and colorful leaf salads as a starter. As the main course, the ship’s crew served a saddle of veal from Central Switzerland and the conclusion was a delicious homemade Felchlin chocolate mousse with Swiss cherries. What I like about the menus is the regional reference. This is also the case in the vegetarian version, where Dallenwil goat cheese is used.

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While we enjoy dinner by candlelight, our candlelight steamer sails at a leisurely pace from Lucerne via Vitznau to Beckenried. There he makes the bow around the Bürgenstock back to the port of Lucerne, where we dock shortly before 11:00 p.m. – with a perfect connection to the train back to Zurich.

Our conclusion: a worthwhile evening excursion for all those who want to treat themselves to a fine and decelerating short break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Practical information for your trip with the candlelight steamer

• The trips with the candlelight steamer take place on one Saturday per month from July to November. The exact dates can be found on the SVG website.
• “Doors open” at 7:30 p.m. and departure at 8:00 p.m. At 10:45 p.m. you are back in Lucerne.
• The offer, including an evening cruise with steamboat, aperitif and 3-course menu, costs CHF 159 per person.
• Reservations can be made until 3:00 p.m. on the same day (subject to availability).
• There is also a vegetarian menu to choose from and the menu changes seasonally (summer menu and autumn menu).

Here you can find even more (summer) excursion ideas around Lucerne. Another excursion tip for a boat trip on Lake Lucerne can also be found in this article: from Lucerne to Bauen