Venue: University of Lucerne

Getting There

The closest Airports to Lucerne are Zurich (ZRH) and Basel EuroAirport (BSL).

The train from Zurich Airport to Lucerne takes about 1hr, with a change in Zurich Main Station, and runs every 30 minutes.
From Basel EuroAirport, you will first need to take the direct bus No 50 to Basel Main Station, where you will have two direct trains to Lucerne every hour. The journey takes a bit more than 1hr 30 mins.

For train schedules and ticketing, go to https://www.sbb.ch/en

Local Transport

Overnight guests in city hotels will receive a Visitor Card, which includes free use of buses and trains within Zone 10 of the city network. On the first arrival to your accommodation, the reservation confirmation will be accepted as a valid public transport ticket.

About Lucerne

We are pleased to welcome you to Lucerne, the city hosting this year’s ESfO conference. Situated in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne is a compact city that offers a mix of historical charm and modern infrastructure, making it a convenient and pleasant place to visit.

Lucerne lies on the shore of Lake Lucerne and is bordered by mountains, most notably Mount Pilatus. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and the adjacent Water Tower. The old town on the right side of river Reuss features cobbled streets, painted facades, and a variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants. The newer parts of the city on the left side of the river offer a more contemporary urban atmosphere, with bars, galleries, and performance venues. The lakeside promenade is ideal for walking or running, and several parks along the water provide green space for relaxation or informal gatherings.

Mount Pilatus is accessible via cable car or cogwheel railway and offers panoramic views of the region. There are also marked hiking trails for those who prefer to explore on foot.

For those with an interest in transportation and technology, the Swiss Museum of Transport is one of the most visited museums in the country. Nearby, a lakeside park offers space for recreation and leisure. The Sunset Bar, a short walk away, is a popular spot to enjoy the view in the evening.

On the opposite lake shore, Inseli Park and the Ufschötti area are local gathering points, especially in summer, with opportunities for swimming, informal sports, or simply spending time outdoors. For a quieter experience, the café at the Richard Wagner Museum offers a peaceful setting in the former residence of the composer.

If you are staying in Lucerne beyond the conference, you may be interested in the World Rowing Cup III, taking place at Lake Rotsee from 27 to 29 June 2025. This international regatta draws top athletes from around the globe. On the same weekend, the city will host the annual Luzern City Festival, featuring live music, food stands, and various cultural activities in the city centre.

General information

Passports and Visas
Switzerland is part of the Schengen area. For citizens of EU/EFTA states an identity card or passport valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave Switzerland is sufficient. For others, all information regarding visa requirements can be found on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs: https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa.html

If a participant requires a letter of invitation (e.g. to obtain a visa or to satisfy their institution’s requirements), the ESfO Board will provide one on request. Please contact the conference organizers (esfo2025@gmail.com) ahead of time. The provision of such a letter does not imply that travel expenses will be covered by ESfO.

Insurance
The conference organisers do not take responsibility for individual, medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are advised to get their own travel insurance policies.

Currency
The official Swiss currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF).

Electricity
The voltage in Switzerland, as in most of Europe, is 230V/50 Hz.
Unlike the rest of Europe, outlets are Type J (3-pin) and accept Type J and most Type C 2 plugs (Europlugs), as long as they have thin pins and a hexagonal shape. Type F (Schuko) plugs do not fit Swiss sockets, and you will need an adapter.

Useful Weblinks

For information about Lucerne:
https://www.luzern.com/en/

For information about Switzerland:
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/