Will be in Lucerne on the 1st and 2nd of Feb and we found out much later that there is a Lucern Carnival that starts a day earlier which looks like fun !

We will be in Zurich on the 31st of Jan but should we instead go to to Lucern a day earlier to experience the Carnival ? We are not from Europe and this sort of carnival is not common so I would love to find out if its worth seeing. I understand there is a parade on Thursday (31st of Jan)

So should we visit Lucern a day earlier and watch experience the Carnival ?

Thanks for your help !

This year's Carnival in Luzern runs from January 31 until February 5:

http://tinyurl.com/2dnt7p

A couple of years ago a group of us were in Engelburg. A bunch of the group went to the Carnival in Basel & had a fabulous time.

I don't really think it matters which days of the Carnival you are in Luzern. You'll have a great time.

Thanks. I hear it's fantastic and we can't wait to be there !

The key here is to look at the festival dates in the above attached link.

Thursday, Monday and Tuesday are the biggest days for Fasnacht in Lucerne. Thursday and Monday will have wonderful parades as well.

On Saturday, there will be lots of costumed amateur bands wandering through the streets and restaurants playing.

There won't be much going on Friday or Sunday.

Personally, I'd try to be there on Thursday and experience one of the most fantastic days of the year to be in Lucerne.

Looks like we need to change our plans !

But, from what you're saying, Saturday also looks like fun ! with all the band wandering through the streets !