before you all jump on me - I know this is not ideal and I will get back one day, but for this trip this is what I have so please help!

I will be coming from Lichtenstein mid afternoon and will have a car. I would like to see the swiss alps - even just a little bit, even from a distance. I need to end up that evening in Gebenstorf (about 1/2 hr north/west of Zurich). I was hoping to see Lucerne that afternoon but if I do that, then I am missing the Alps correct? Id rather not be driving 4 hours to my final destination in a strange country at 11pm at night so I am really looking for that one city that can help me view this mountain range and not take me that far off my path.

Any thoughts? Thank you in advance!

Instead of driving to Lucerne, I would drive over the Klausen pass to Altdorf and then head back to Zürich that way (you'll be going over a pass and the views are magnificent but it's a long drive)

What time of year? Sunset in summer months is quite late... 9:00 p.m. or later until mid-August. Once you reach Altdorf, you'd know whether you have enough daylight left to make a brief visit to Luzern. The drive from Luzern to Gebenstorf would take 90 minutes or less (and the same from Altdorf to Gebenstorf). FWIW, in fiddling around on google maps, the "detour" to Luzern after Altdorf would only add about 15 minutes to the overall drive time. Obviously, if you make several stops along the way, the drive would take longer than the estimated 4.5 hours.

I will be there July 15 so yes late sunset, good point. So from Lichtenstein to Altdorf via the Kalusen pass is about 2 hours. So if i understand you I would get views of the Alps along the way. Is Altdorf a nice village to stop in for bit? Then I can continue to Lucerne time permitting? That sounds reasonable lol

I am desperately trying to rearrange some things - if i was reversing this a bit and coming from Gebenstorf for say 4 hours in "the alps" before heading back to Zurich is there one place you would recommend?

Thank you again for your help!!

Ladybug
If you drive over the Klausen, you are literally driving through the alps. Altdorf is fine to stop for a meal but fir another glorious view, stop in Brunnen.

I work in Lucerne and I’m not really a big fan of the city touristic-wise. It’s nice enough for the architecture but I don’t think you’ll get better views there.

going over the Klausen will take you through the heart of the Swiss alps and the views are marvelous. It’s a narrow toad at times so you’ll need to be careful driving.

That sounds perfect!! Thank you so much for the advice!!