The Canton of Lucerne is located in the heart of central Switzerland and is one of the country’s most attractive cantons. With over 420,000 inhabitants spread across approximately 80 municipalities, it offers an exceptional living environment between Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstattersee), iconic mountains (Pilatus, Rigi) and the green countryside of the Lucerne Mittelland. Its capital, Lucerne, is one of Switzerland’s most visited cities thanks to its famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke, the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe), its lake and its proximity to alpine peaks.
The Canton of Lucerne is experiencing steady population growth, attracting families and professionals drawn by the quality of life, good rail connections (Zurich in 45 min, Bern in 1 hr) and a property market more affordable than Zurich (on average 20% cheaper). The canton serves as a hub for central Switzerland, connecting the cantons of Zug, Schwyz, Uri, Obwalden and Nidwalden.
The challenges of moving in the Canton of Lucerne
Historic old town
The old town of Lucerne, with its covered bridges (Kapellbrucke, Spreuerbrucke), pedestrianised lanes, frescoed houses and historic buildings, presents major access constraints. Vehicles are subject to size and weight restrictions, and a furniture lift is often needed.
Lake and sloping properties
The municipalities bordering Lake Lucerne (Horw, Meggen, Weggis, Vitznau) offer magnificent views but often sloping access towards the lake. Lakeside properties require specialist equipment (climbing trolleys, reinforced carrying straps).
Pre-alpine zone (Entlebuch)
The southern part of the canton, the Entlebuch (a UNESCO biosphere reserve), is a pre-alpine zone with mountain roads, scattered farms and sometimes difficult winter conditions.
Tourism and events
Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most touristic cities. During peak season (summer, carnival in February), traffic is heavy. The Lucerne Carnival (Luzerner Fasnacht) is a period to absolutely avoid for a city-centre move — streets are closed for several days.
Our moving services in the Canton of Lucerne
- Residential moving: full service for all property types
- Commercial moving: offices, shops, hotels and tourist establishments
- Free quote: compare offers from Lucerne movers
- Professional packing: careful protection of your personal effects
- Storage: secure storage in the Lucerne agglomeration
- Furniture lift: for the old town’s historic buildings and sloping properties
- End-of-lease cleaning: professional property restoration with guarantee
- Pre-alpine zone moving: service adapted to mountain municipalities (Entlebuch, Sorenberg)
Moving prices in the Canton of Lucerne
Lucerne rates are at the Swiss average, lower than Zurich but slightly higher than the surrounding rural cantons.
Local move
| Property type | Estimated volume | Price range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 room | 10-15 m3 | 600 - 1,200 |
| 2 rooms | 20-25 m3 | 1,000 - 1,800 |
| 3-4 rooms | 30-45 m3 | 1,600 - 3,400 |
| 5 rooms and above | 50-70 m3 | 2,800 - 5,200 |
| Villa / house | 60-90 m3 | 3,500 - 6,500+ |
Intercantonal move from Lucerne
| Route | Estimated supplement |
|---|---|
| Lucerne - Zurich (50 km) | + 300 - 600 CHF |
| Lucerne - Zug (25 km) | + 150 - 350 CHF |
| Lucerne - Bern (100 km) | + 500 - 900 CHF |
| Lucerne - Basel (100 km) | + 500 - 900 CHF |
| Lucerne - Ticino (150 km, Gotthard) | + 600 - 1,200 CHF |
Main cities and municipalities in the Canton of Lucerne
- Lucerne: cantonal capital (~82,000 pop.), tourist jewel on the lakefront, cultural centre (KKL, Rosengart), music festivals
- Emmen: largest municipality in the canton (~31,000 pop.), industrial and residential zone, undergoing transformation
- Kriens: neighbouring municipality (~28,000 pop.), foot of Pilatus, new Mattenhof district
- Horw: sought-after residential municipality on the lake (~14,000 pop.), exceptional views
- Sursee: small Mittelland town (~10,000 pop.), regional centre, charming old town
- Ebikon: agglomeration municipality (~14,000 pop.), Mall of Switzerland
- Meggen: premium lakeside residential municipality (~7,500 pop.)
- Willisau: medieval town in the Hinterland (~8,000 pop.), jazz festival
Services available in the Canton of Lucerne
- Residential moving: the most requested service
- Commercial moving: hotels, offices, shops
- International moving: for expatriates and cross-border workers
- Free quote request: compare with no obligation
Tips for your move in Lucerne
- Avoid the carnival: the Luzerner Fasnacht (February-March) makes moving impossible in the city centre
- Avoid peak tourist season: in summer, city-centre traffic is heavy
- Apply for a parking permit: mandatory in the old town and centre (from the city)
- Plan for a furniture lift: virtually essential in old city-centre buildings
- Anticipate lakeside access: lake-facing properties are often on slopes
- Book 4-6 weeks ahead: for quarter-ends
- Compare offers: the Lucerne market is competitive with variable prices
- Check Entlebuch access: for mountain municipalities, confirm the mover has adapted vehicles
FAQ — Moving in the Canton of Lucerne
Questions fréquentes
Prices range from 600 CHF for a studio to over 6,500 CHF for a lakeside villa. Lucerne rates are at the Swiss average, around 15% lower than Zurich. Sloping lakeside properties cost more.
The old town requires special permits and smaller vehicles. A furniture lift is often essential (budget 400-800 CHF). Local movers know the access and constraints of every street.
Absolutely avoid the Lucerne Carnival (February-March) and peak tourist season in summer for city-centre moves. Quarter-ends are also the busiest.
Yes, our partners cover the entire canton, including the UNESCO biosphere reserve of the Entlebuch. Vehicles adapted to mountain roads are used. Budget a supplement of 15-25%.
Most are German-speaking, but some partners have French-speaking or bilingual teams. Indicate your preference when requesting a quote.
Yes, in the old town and Lucerne city centre, a temporary permit is required (30-80 CHF). Your professional mover can handle this. Apply at least 5 working days ahead.
Excellent connectivity: Zurich in 45 min by train, Bern in 1 hr, Basel in 1 hr. The A2 motorway (Gotthard axis) and A14 cross the canton. It is the hub of central Switzerland.
Request your free quote for a move in Lucerne
Request your free quote and compare offers from professional movers in the Canton of Lucerne. From the historic city centre to the lakeside municipalities and the Entlebuch, our partners deliver quality service at competitive prices throughout central Switzerland.