Nestled at the north end of Lake Lucernethe charming city of Lucerne boasts an array of attractions that appeal to travelers of all types. With its well-preserved medieval coreelegant historic buildingsand inviting atmosphereit’s no wonder Lucerne is considered one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations.
As you plan your tripprepare to immerse yourself in the city’s rich historynatural beautyand vibrant culture.
Begin your Lucerne adventure by wandering the cobbled streets of Altstadt (Old Town)and admire the iconic Chapel Bridge and Water Towerwhich span the River Reuss. A visit to the medieval Musegg Wall and its towers is a must for panoramic city views.
Switzerland’s iconic peaksincluding RigiPilatusStanserhornand moreare right at your doorstep.
Lucerne Highlights
- Chapel Bridge & Water Tower
- Lucerne Old Town
- Spreuer Bridge
- The Musegg Wall & Clock
- Jesuit Church
- Cruise Lake Lucerne or walk the Promenade
- Glacier Garden & Lion Monument
Top Attractions in Lucerne
Chapel Bridge and Water Tower
You can’t miss the iconic Chapel Bridge and Water Tower in the heart of Lucerne. This historic wooden bridge dates back over 650 years and was once part of Lucerne’s defenses. It was initially adorned with 168 unique paintings by Renward Cysat depicting the history of Switzerland and Lucerne. Unfortunatelythere was a devastating fire on the bridge on the eve of the 18th of August1993.
Luckilythe majority of the bridge and the paintings were quickly restored and 147 of them are still with us to enjoy. Todaythe Chapel Bridge can be seen with vibrant flower boxeswhich make for a picturesque backdrop for your stroll across the Reuss River.
You should also take note of the 34-meter-high Water Tower as you cross the bridge. It has had many uses over the yearsfrom torture chamber and prison to archive and treasury. Todayit is simply the headquarters of the Lucerne Artillery Association and home to returning black and white Alpine Swifts that nest here every year.
Pro Tip: Be sure to come to the Chapel Bridge either early or late in the day to avoid the large numbers of people that come here during the day. Alsoincorporate it into your overall city tour as it joins the two sides of the river and makes for a great way to loop around the old townacross to the Jesuit Church and Spreuer Bridge further downstream.
Old Town
I love to take a leisurely walk through the charmingcobblestoned Old Town of Lucerne. It is for meone of the most stunning parts of this cityspreading itself out along the northern banks of the Reuss River.
There is so much to see and do in this medieval old town with numerous squares linked together by cobbled car-free roads. Here are some of the highlights you cannot miss:
- Weinmarkt – where back in 1332the citizens of Lucerne decided to join the blossoming Switzerland. Don’t miss the beautiful 1481 Gothic fountain and the painted guild halls that are worth attention.
- Alt Rathaus (Old Town Hall) & Kornmarkt – Admire the stunning Town Hall built in the early 17th centurywith its skyline dominating 14th-century clock tower.
- Kapellplatz & St Peter’s Chapel – Towards the Chapel Bridge end of the old townthis is the oldest church in Lucernedating to 1178.
It is also fun to get lost in this part of town’s side streets and alleysso don’t get tied down to this exact list of things to see.
Pro Tip: You will discover countless great cafes and restaurants and also some of the perfect souvenirs along the way. Places like the Swatch and Victorinox shops to get those souvenirs you wantedas well as Läderach or Max Chocolatier for Swiss Chocolate.
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Spreuer Bridge
Another must-visit bridge in Lucerne is the Spreuer Bridgewhich was actually one of three such bridges that used to form the defenses of Lucerne. It too features a series of paintingsthis time created by Caspar Meglinger between 1625 and 1635 depicting the rather macabre “Dance of Death.”
As this covered bridge is so much further downstream from the Chapel Bridgefewer people come here. It is worth the tripthoughas you get some great views up the Reuss River and also get to see some parts of the old town most people miss.
Pro Tip: Use this as the connecting point for a full tour of Lucerneas you can head to the Musegg wall from here or dip straight back into the old townor vice versa.
Musegg Wall and its Nine Towers
For a panoramic view of the city, climb the 800-meter-long Musegg Wall and its nine towers. They also form another integral part of the former defenses of the city. Following the Battle of Sempachthey were primarily constructed at the beginning of the 15th century.
This well-preserved city wall allows you to explore part of the wall and four towerseach offering distinct and stunning views of Lucerne and its surroundings. The most impressive oneand the one I head to the most with visitors is the Zyt Tower (Swiss-German for Time Tower or Clock Tower). It is the oldest clock in Lucerne and you can explore its inner workings from the tower. It rings at one minute before the hourso be sure to be there on timeand make sure your ears are covered when it strikes!
The other three towers that you can visit via the doors at their bases include:
- Wachtturm (Watch Tower) – named in 1768 when the guard room was moved therepreviously the Heuturm (Hay Tower)
- Männliturm (Little Man Tower) named after the iron-clad figure on the tower
- Schirmerturm (Umbrella Tower) functioned as a gate tower to the city
The other towers which cannot be visited are: NölliturmLuegislandturmPulverturmAllenwindenturmDächliturm
Pro Tip: The towers are free to visit but only open from Spring to Autumn – specifically8 am to 7 pm between 1 April and 1 November. Otherwiseif you come out of seasonI recommend walking along the wall at the back so that you can experience the entire length and glory of this masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Jesuit Church
It’s well worth a quick visit to marvel at the beautiful baroque architecture of Lucerne’s Jesuit ChurchI have often ignored this church because it has such a bland facade. But the interior is nothing short of mind-blowing.
It was built between 1666 and 1677 after the Jesuits were invited to Lucerne in 1573 to help reduce the Protestant influence brewing in the north. You may have heard of what was happening with the Reformation in Zurichbut that story is for another time.
The real story of the Jesuit Church is its interior. The church’s ornatefrescoed ceilingsopulent altarsand magnificent organ make your head spin as you stare upwards in this lavish church. Beautiful stained-glass windowsgold accentsand rococo stucco are everywhere you turn. I had trouble deciding where to aim my phone when taking pictures.
Even if you are not into churchesas I am notit is worth popping in to see how crazy churches can get. And given how boring this one appearsI was a little blown away by what was inside!
Pro Tip: If you want to soak up the information on the details of this churchbe sure to get their App for your visit. There is one for the iPhone and one for Android.
Soak Up Lake Lucerne
How can you miss the breathtaking natural beauty of Lake Lucerne while you are in town? It is Switzerland’s fourth biggest lakecovering 114 square kilometers. If you manage to see it from aboveyou will notice that there are four main arms to the lake and at the far end it will remind you of the fjords of Norway.
Lakeside Promenade
There are many ways to enjoy the lake from Lucerne itself. PersonallyI like to walk along the promenadewhich starts right after the bridge where the Ruess River flows into the lake.
Simply follow the left-hand side of the lake and enjoy a pleasant stroll along the shore. You can take in Mount Pilatus and Burgenstock opposite you. And notice all the top-notch hotels with lakeside views behind you!
If it’s warm and sunny outyou can grab an ice cream at the start of the promenadeor go for a dip in the lake at the Seebad Luzern. Nothing beats swimming in a lake for a true Swiss experience!
Lake Cruise
Of coursemy favorite way to entertain visitors is to enjoy some time on the lake with a cruise. There are a few ways you can do that. One is to take a specific Lake Lucerne cruise which might include dinnersunsetor longer tours around the lake.
My best tip is to do the Mt Pilatus Golden Route, which starts with a cruise to the cogwheel train up Pilatus and ends with a gondola down the other side. You can also just take the Lake Lucerne ferries to several destinations like Vitznauto then go up Mt Rigior to Burgenstockto finally walk to the Hammetschwand Lift (more on that below). The options are endless!
You can also rent a pedalosmall motor boat or pontoon boat on the Lake. I saw the sign above along the way to the promenade while walking along the lake. It looks like an ad from these guys at Schwanenplatz Boat Rental. It might be worth checking out.
Glacier Garden
Discover the fascinating Glacier Gardena geological attraction showcasing traces of a prehistoric ice age and a range of other attractions. This place has always fascinated me because of the story behind its discovery. Josef Wilhelm Amrein-Troller found them during construction in the back of Lucerne in 1872. This guy took what he found and instantly knew he had a major tourist attraction!
Over the yearsit has expanded to include a range of thingssometimesthey may even seem confusing. There is
- the Glacier Garden itselfincluding the pots
- The Swiss House Museum
- The relatively new Rock Underworld
- The Alpine Park on the top
- and the Mirror Maze
Soeven if you think that geology is boringyou can enjoy the amusement of the mirror maze or views from the Alpine Parkfor example. The museum itself was the highlight for me because there are so many fascinating things collected by the Amrein-Trollers to see in their old house.
Pro Tip: Combine a visit to the Glacier Garden with the Lion Monument (below) and the Hofkirche St. Leodegar. You could do it all on foot via the Lake Promenade from the old town in half a day and catch the bus back.
Lion Monument
The final stop on any complete tour of Lucerne is the Lion Monument. The monument was designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn by Lukas Ahornit between 1820-1821. Whichif you see the monument up closewas quite a feat to do in the rock face!
It is a moving tribute to the Swiss Guards who perished during the French Revolution. This poignant sculpture is carved directly into the rock and shows a lion being impaled by a spear and lying on a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarch. It is meant to symbolize Switzerland’s independence and its willingness to defend its sovereignty.
If history or sculptures are not your thingit is worth visiting here to take a load off your feet for 15 minutes because the park is so quiet and relaxingespecially if you have walked from the old town and taken in the Glacier Garden too!
Pro Tip: Take a short stroll up to the Felsberg Park above the Lion’s Monument for some great views of Lucernethe lakeand Pilatus in the distance. You get similar views at the viewing platform in the Glacier Gardenso if you are also going thereyou can skip it.
Short Trips Outside The Old Town
Not everything worth visiting in Lucerne is in the old townso if you don’t find a short bus ride or walk to get to those less-visited spotsthen this section is for you.
Dreilindenpark
If you want some peace after the hustle and bustle of Lucerne’s old townhead out to Dreilindenpark for a stroll and some epic views. This is not somewhere most tourists comeso you will only see other locals there (or people who have read this :>). Consider it an insider tip!
The English garden- park is the largest in the city at 35,000 square meterswith plenty of ancient trees to keep you company. The views alone are worth the 10-minute bus ride from downtown Lucerne. But you could also walk here in 30 minutes if you fancy getting your 10,000 steps in today!
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There is also a “stately” villa called the Villa Vicovarothe park’s centerpiece. And interestinglythis used to be the home of the Lucerne School of Music until 2020. There are now plans to make an art museum in the building.
The locals like to call this place “Konsipark,” but if you want to find it on Google Mapsthen type in Dreilindenpark.
Chateau Gütsch
- Hotel Location: Google Maps
- Funicular station: Google Maps
Another short jaunt from downtown Lucerne with epic views is a ride in the funicular up to Chateau Gütsch. It is a stunning castle-like hotel that watches over Lucerne from the hills above. You may have noticed it from the old town and wondered what it is.
The hotel has been watching over Lucerne since 1879 when it was converted from a small Inn to a rather impressive hotel there today. It has seen such prominent guests as Queen VictoriaHenry KissingerMadeleine AlbrightShirley Bassey and Tom Jonesto name a few.
You can’t go inside the hotel (unless you are cheeky)but you get amazing views from the viewing platform next to itas well as a quick but fun ride in a cheap funicular. If you have the Lucerne visitors cardthe trip is included. Otherwiseit is just the cost of a local ticketwhich you can get at the machine at the entrance to the funicular.
You can also walk up to the Chateau Gütsch in around 10-15 minutes from the path that enters the forest to the left of the funicularwhich is what I did. I love to walk up and take transport downbut it is uphillso not for everyone. You can see a quick map of that route here.
Meggenhorn
The Meggenhorn is another unforgettable destination just on the edge of Lucerne. It is a small peninsular facing the cityoffering stunning views of the Lake and surrounding mountains.
Like the Dreilindenparkit also features a beautiful castlenot surprisingly called Meggenhorn Castle. It was built between 1868 and 1870 by Edouad Hofer-Grosjean and was said to have been inspired by Châteaux Chamborda castle in the Loire Valley in France.
There is lots to do in Meggenhorn aside from admiring the views; you can visit the castle on Sundays and public holidays between 12pm and 5 pm. There is also a cafe in the historic Orangeriewhich is open in summer and well worth a cup of coffee in if you have the time.
Oryou can simply bring a picnicgo for a dip in the pristine lake and enjoy the views!
Museums
Like most Swiss citiesLucerne is chock full of great museumsso you could easily spend one day of your trip here enjoying them. A few of the best are below if you need me to choose for you!
Richard Wagner Museum
If you are at all interested in classical musicmake sure to drop by the Richard Wagner Museum. This historical museum is dedicated to German composer Richard Wagner’s life and work and is inside the villa he lived in from 1866 to 1872. Some of the inspiring things you will find in the museum include:
- original sheet music
- personal belongings
- some of Wagner’s letters
Nestled in a beautiful villayou’ll feel inspired as you explore various artifacts; please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.
The museum has been renovated recentlyand the ground floor now includes period furnishings that showcase life as it was during Wagner’s time there. The second floor shows the changes in the museum over the last few decades.
Pro Tip: Getting to this museum on foot takes around 30 minutes. Sofor those who don’t want to walkI recommend you take the boat service from the main pier outside the train station and KKL.
Althoughif you are up for the walkit is part of the Waldstätterwegwhich goes all the way around the lake. This part starts in Lucerne and heads to Alpnachstadbut you can walk the part to the museum. It’s stunning to soak up the lake and the views!
Rosengart Collection
Art lovers should visit the Rosengart Collectionwhich showcases an impressive array of modern art. It is quite a young museum by most standardsas it was a personal collection of Swiss art dealer Siegfried Rosengart and his daughter Angela. She created a foundation after his passing and opened the museum in 2002.
This museum is home to works by renowned artists such as Picasso and Klee (a famous Swiss painter); soak in their creativity while admiring paintingssculpturesand other works. Here are some highlights of the museum:
- Exceptional Pablo Picasso pieces
- Collection of Paul Klee’s work
- Other modern art mastersincluding Matisse and Cézanne
Pro Tip: The museum is behind the Jesuit Churchso you can easily combine these two. The Swiss Museum Pass/Swiss Travel Pass and Lucerne Museum Pass holders get free entry.
Swiss Museum of Transport
Dating back to 1942the Swiss Museum of Transport is an epic dive into all things transport It is Switzerland’s most visited museumfeaturing exhibits related to mobility’s pastpresentand future. With plenty of hands-on displaysyou’ll have fun exploring various forms of transportincluding trainscarsboatsrocketsand planes.
The museum also houses some exclusive attractions that you usually have to pay extra for:
- Film theatre
- Planetarium
- Swiss Chocolate Adventure
- Media World
Pro Tip: This museum is perfect for kids of any age. I have been with my 6-year-old godchild recentlyand he loved it. Alsobuying tickets before you arrive is best as it can get hectic. Andhonestlythe museum is enough for one dayso you don’t have to buy all the extras unless you want to see everything.
Nearby Activities
Lucerne offers a wide range of nearby activitiesand here are some recommended options for you to consider during your visit.
Hammetschwand Elevator
The Hammetschwand Elevator is a fascinating attraction to visit. It is the tallest outdoor elevator in Europe and whisks visitors 153m (502ft) up to the summit in less than a minute. Sobe sure to have your camera ready when the doors close; otherwiseyou will miss your chance. I almost did!
The ride offers breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alpine landscapeand at the topthere is a restaurant where you can grab a drink or sit down to a meal with a view.
To reach the elevatoryou’ll have to go on a short hike along the outer edge of the Burgenstock massivefirst passing through the Bürgenstock Resort. It’s not a challenging hikeand it’s the only way to reach the lift. You can also make a round trip back down the mountain to the resort from the top if you want to make a longer walk of it.
Pro Tip: Make a day of this with a boat road from Lucerne to Kehrsiten Bürgenstockthen take the funicular to the Burgenstock Resort. Enjoy the views from the balcony at the resortthen hike along to the bottom of the lift.
Mount Pilatus
For another unforgettable day triphead over to Mount Pilatus. You can reach the summit by taking the Pilatus Railwaythe world’s steepest cogwheel railwayor by cable car and aerial gondola.
Sothere are several options to do this trip – the best being the Golden Round Tripwhich includes a boat trip from downtown Lucerne. You can spend as long as you like at the top or even partway down at Kriensereggwhere there is a rope part and other fun activities for kids.
Back at the toptake advantage of the multiple viewing platforms and trails to explore this stunning mountain above Lucerne. Don’t forget to stop by the visitor center to learn more about the legend of dragons believed to inhabit Mount Pilatus. And soak up the epic views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne below. It is a unique perspective of the town you now knowlike the back of your hand.
Mount Rigi
Another popular destination, Mount Rigiis often called the “Queen of the Mountains.” You can access the mountain by taking a scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau before hopping on the Rigi Cogwheel Railwaywhich dates back to 1871.
Once at the topyou’ll have a variety of ways to enjoy your time there:
- Take in panoramic views from the top of the mountain (Rigi Kulm)
- Hike along well-marked trails catering to various skill levels
- Enjoy a traditional Swiss meal at Rigi Kaltbad
Pro Tip: There is also a cable car you can take from Weggis right up to Rigi Kaltbadwith a designer spa with views of the lake and Alps! It’s a great place to overnight and enjoy the mountain airstunning viewsand some spa treatments to die for!
Shopping and Dining
Lucerne is quite a large city and the shopping there is not much different from what you will find in the larger citiesjust more compact.
Altstadt
When visiting Lucerneyou’ll love exploring the charming Old Town (Altstadt) for shopping and dining opportunities. Wander through the beautiful alleyways filled with various boutique shopsdepartment storesand markets featuring freshregional products. You’ll find something for everyoneincluding:
- Clothing and accessories
- Handmade crafts and souvenirs
- Swiss chocolates and confectionery
- Art and design pieces
Souvenirs & Chocolate
If you are in the mood for souvenir shoppingthe old town is also so compact you can almost find anything you need there.
Starting with souvenirsyou will find lots of boutiques with Swiss products and the usual souvenir shops (So I won’t bore you with details on those). Howeversome of the ones you might want to watch out for are the Swatch and Victorinox (Swiss Army Knives) shops for genuine Swiss products everyone knows and loves. Each has a store in the old town.
In terms of chocolatewhich you all have to take back homethere are two places I would recommend you visit. Sureyou can pop into Manor or Coop and grab as much Lindt as you can carrybut the following two put you above the rest.
FirstLäderach makes absolutely “to die for” large pieces of chocolate you can break off even bigger blocks. You can choose which flavor and how much and mix and match your own bag. They also have ready-made mixes if you are in a hurry. This idea is so popular now all the other big manufacturers in Switzerland are copying it. They also have boxes of chocolates and other goodiesso pop in even if you don’t want a chunk or block.
Secondthere is Max Chocolatier – they are a premium chocolate maker who handmakes their chocolates in a small factory in Lucerne. Their main store is on the edge of the old townwhich I found on my way back from the Glacier Garden. They also have a small store in the old town of Zurichbut that’s it! Sograb em while you can!
Events and Festivals
Lucerne Fasnacht (Carnival)
When you visit Lucerne in wintermake sure you experience the city’s vibrant carnival atmosphereusually during February or March. At this famous local event called Luzern Fasnachtyou can witness colorful paradesstunning costumesspirited marching bandsand whimsical festivities that combine tradition and modernity. As the streets become filled with laughter and musicfeel free to join in on the funimmerse yourself in Swiss cultureand make unforgettable memories.
The whole season is called Fasnacht and occurs all over the country (and other neighboring countries) around the same time. But the best ones to see are in Basel (with Morgenstreich) and the one in Lucerne!
Here are some key events during the carnival:
- Fasnacht’s Eve: The carnival season starts with an exuberant celebration where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the festivities.
- Carnival Parades: Featuring intricate costumesparade floatsand musicthis is truly a highlight you cannot miss.
Lucerne Festival
Another major event in Lucerne is the internationally renowned Lucerne Festivalwhich consists of various music festivals held throughout the summer (mainly August – September). The festival attracts top musicians and orchestras worldwide to showcase their talent and provide mesmerizing performances.
Some notable parts of the Lucerne Festival are:
- Summer Festival: Lasting for four weeks between mid-August and mid-Septemberthe Summer Festival focuses on a specific theme each yearwith more than 100 events occurring all over the city.
- Lucerne Festival Orchestra: This prestigious group of musicians delights audiences at the Summer Festivaloffering enchanting performances to captivate your senses.
PersonallyI find festivals a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet localstoo. Sureyou can come and see every single attraction Lucerne has to offerbut do you truly get to experience Switzerland that way?
Plan Your Trip to Switzerland
Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rateslongterm dealseasy cancellation and more 
Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums. 
Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland. 
Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland. 
Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland. 
Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in SwitzerlandI have a good idea of what you need to bring! 
Thanksthis is a terrific guide and I e already bookmarked it!