Lucerne Carnival is one of the biggest folk festivals in Switzerland. From Dirty Thursday to Guedis Tuesday, the city transforms into a colourful, loud and joyful spectacle with brass bands, imaginative costumes and parades that attract thousands. For families with children, Carnival is an unforgettable experience that amazes eyes and ears in equal measure.

The challenge: finding affordable accommodation that is close enough to the action yet quiet enough to sleep. That is exactly what our holiday apartment in Dierikon offers, just 20 minutes from the city centre.

What makes Lucerne Carnival so special

Lucerne Carnival begins with the legendary Big Bang at 5 in the morning on Dirty Thursday. Bruder Fritschi, the head of Lucerne’s oldest guild, appears on Lake Lucerne and is ceremonially brought ashore. The confetti rain at Kapellplatz marks the official start of the wild days.

On the afternoon of Dirty Thursday and on Guedis Monday, the big Carnival parades move through the city. Brass bands play in the lanes, costumed figures stroll through the old town, and there is something to discover at every corner. For children, the Chendermonschter on Guedis Tuesday is a particular highlight: a children’s parade where the little ones march through the streets with horns and rattles. In the evening, the Monstercorso brings Carnival to a close.

In between, there is pub carnival, brass band stages with live music, the Carnival market and countless spontaneous street scenes. Lucerne Carnival thrives on the creativity and passion of the locals, and you can feel it everywhere.

Enjoying Carnival with children

Carnival is loud and colourful, and that is exactly what children love. But they also need breaks and a quiet retreat. From our holiday apartment, you can reach the city centre in 20 minutes by bus or S-Bahn and return just as quickly when energy runs low. You can divide Carnival into stages: explore the old town in the morning, watch the parade in the afternoon, and wind down the day in the comfort of the apartment in the evening.

A tip for families: dress up yourselves. Carnival is twice as much fun when you are right in the middle of it rather than just watching from the side. In Lucerne, there are numerous shops with costumes and accessories before Carnival, and even a simple arrangement from your own wardrobe is perfectly fine.

Carnival dates

Lucerne Carnival takes place every year between February and March, depending on the date of Easter. The exact dates are published by the Lucerne Carnival Committee (LFK) at lfk.ch. Plan your trip early, as accommodation in Lucerne is particularly in demand during Carnival.

Your accommodation during Carnival

In our holiday apartment, there is space for the whole family. The children sleep in their own room with bunk bed, you cook in the fully equipped kitchen, and after a turbulent Carnival day, Dierikon is pleasantly quiet. The garden, garage and everything you need are included. Pets are welcome, of course.

Find out more about the apartment on our apartment page.