With summer in full swing in and around Luzern, we’ve pulled together a list of summer bars where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sunshine (or cool down in the shade!). Let’s hope the warm weather is here to stay. We all know the popular spots on the river: Rathaus, Opus, Pickwicks and even Suite Bar, but where are the hidden gems? Where are the less known summer bars of choice in and around town? Below is a list with covering the casual spots to something a little more special.
Café Bar Salü – Wäldstatterstrasse 5
The first place that is perfect for a summer evening is Café Bar Salu. Salu has a large outdoor seating area that captures the early evening sun. This is a perfect spot for a couple of drinks after work. It is open Tuesdays to Saturdays
Nachbar – Moosstraase 7
Just around the corner from Salu, Nachbar has a cozy leaf covered terrace. Open Monday to Saturday. Nachbar is good for wine and cocktails, they also have reasonably priced finger food if you get a little hungry. On their website you can also find a list of events hosted each month.
Buvette & Voliere – Inseliquai
Both Buvette and Voliere are two bars which you might often forget about, but when you do head there you can’t help but question yourself as to why you’re not there more often. Located at Inseliquai they offer you a retreat from the main streets of Luzern, just a short walk from the centre. Using a container for a building Buvette, nearest to the KKL, has deck chairs that you can angle towards the sun and on an evening has good music playing. They also regularly have events on when the weather is good.
Voliere is run by 3Fach radio and also operating out of a container, this bar has outside seating right on the lake, there are often live music events on throughout the season as well as good snack food.
Both also have great views across the lake which you can admire whilst you sip your drinks.
Sopranos – Mühlenplatz
Nestled between a material shop and Mamma Leones it is easy to miss this gem. Although the bar selection is limited they have the usual beer, wine and a few cocktails. Sopranos best feature is its outdoor seating area located in the middle of Mühlenplatz – perfect for people watching and enjoying the breeze. Don’t forget the sunscreen though as the seating offers very little shade in the hot summer sun.
Penthouse – Pilatusstrasse 29
Located on the top floor of the hotel Astoria, Penthouse is a 360 rooftop bar which offers great views of the city and also a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a drink during the quieter hours. They are open late and offer a range of good cocktails to try!
Wirtshaus Eichhof – Obergrundstrasse 106
A little out of the centre of Luzern is the Eichhof Brewery where you can also find a nice restaurant with outdoor seating. If you’re looking for a casual bite to eat, or just somewhere easy to have a drink, the Wirsthaus Eichhof has nice garden seating to relax in. They have wine and, of course, lots of beer to choose from.
Sunset Bar – Seeburgstrasse
If you fancy getting out of the city then just a short walk out of town is the Sunset bar, located in the Hotel Seeburg. is always worth a visit on a sunny day. The bar is situated in the garden of the hotel with direct access to the lake. Sunset bar has all that you might need for a day in the sun from loungers, cabanas and beach furniture and food to keep you fuelled while you enjoy few drinks and chill. As it’s name might predict, it is a great choice for evening drinks as you can watch the sunset right across the lake.
If you are looking for something a little more up market then it is always worth going to the National Bar (inside the Grand National Hotel) or Montana’s Miami Beach. The National Bar overlooks the lake and has the full bar service you would expect from this setting. Whilst at the Miami Beach Club the terrace has been decked with beach furniture and if you fancy something completely different cabanas or a hot tub to rent.
Let’s hope the sun continues to shine for the rest of the summer, and in the meantime let us know if you have any other bars you would recommend to try in and around Luzern!
