Some of the best views of this stay don’t come from land at all. The Lake Lucerne Navigation Company runs boats right from the Vitznau pier, and a ride on one of the historic paddle steamers is a proper slow-travel treat — the kind of afternoon that asks nothing of you beyond finding a seat on deck. Head toward Weggis for a shorter loop, or continue on to Lucerne itself for a full day exploring the old town, the covered bridges, and the lakeside promenade before the boat brings you home again. The onboard restaurant serves a simple lunch if you’d rather not plan around mealtimes on land, and the open decks are made for watching the shoreline villages, church spires and forested hills slide by. It’s an easy win for every kind of group — restful for couples, novel for kids who’ve never been on a boat this size, and unhurried enough for anyone just looking to switch off for a few hours. Mornings tend to be quieter and give you the clearest light for photos; afternoons are a little livelier. Either way, check the timetable before you go, as sailings vary by season.
