Nestled amongst alpine lakes and mountainous panorama, Lucerne is sited on Lake Lucerne. It’s Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Swiss transport museum; old city squares make it the ideal place to experience the beauty of Switzerland. Woven in tradition and modernity, Lucerne offers something for one and all.

Getting Acquainted

Lucerne, an ancient Swiss town is situated in the tourist region of Central Switzerland (Zentralschweiz). The shores of Lake Lucerne and mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus in the distance form a breathtaking backdrop of this picturesque quaint town.

Lucerne is home to fresco-adorned historic houses, Baroque churches and the Bourbaki panorama, a mammoth circular painting. The covered, medieval Chapel Bridge with its gable paintings forms the centerpiece of Lucerne’s townscape.

Sightseeing Extravaganza

Most of the prominent landmarks and historical tourist attractions are in the Old Town Lucerne. A stroll around the Old Town district will take you through half-timbered buildings and houses. You will come across fascinating medieval remains of the city walls, standing tall on a hill and still with nine original watchtowers.

Chapel Bridge

The Chapel Bridge is the main tourist attraction and the most famous landmark in Lucerne. It is often seen on postcards and guidebooks. An iconic structure, the Chapel Bridge straddles the Reuss River, stretching for just over 200 metres. Built entirely in wood, the bridge is covered with a small gabled roof. It is one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe built in 1333. Most of the bridge was damaged in a fire in 1993 but it has been fully restored to its former glory now.

Museums Aplenty

Lucerne is known for its museums and churches.

Transportation has always been an integral part of Lucerne with almost 6 million trains, buses, and boat passengers in all. So it’s not a surprise to have a Swiss Transport Museum. It has a large hall covered with all forms of transport, including air and space travel, communications and tourism. There are models of railroad locomotives and rolling-stock, ships, aircraft rockets and automobiles (originals or models) along with a Planetarium.

The Richard Wagner Museum was the residence of Wagner, the great composer. His works includes Die Meistersinger. The museum has some original scores and memorabilia, including letters and pictures. In the summer, there is an exhibit of antique musical instruments.

Glacier Garden has been built around a glacial pothole, having survived since the Ice Age. Discovered in 1872, it also displays artifacts taking you through the history of the town. The mirror maze is sure to keep all children amused and entertained.

Fine Arts Museum (Kunstmuseum) has many paintings by renowned Swiss artists, dating from the 16th century to date. The museum also has changing displays of modern-day Swiss and international art.

Picasso Museum has the choicest collection of the works of Pablo Picasso showcased in the form of paintings, drawings, original prints, sculpture, and ceramics from the last 20 years of the artist’s life.

Cathedral of St. Leodegar

The medieval Cathedral of St. Leodegar stands tall atop a small hill, alongside Lake Lucerne. Built in early part of the 8th century, it has a long and chequered history. However, the structure seen today is from the 1630s and is adorned with late Renaissance architecture. There are a few towers from before the remodeling, giving a glimpse of its original appearance. The church offers a plethora of elaborate carvings and décor.

Story of the Nine Towers

Overlooking the city, the nine towers offer an up-close view of the old city defenses. They are a part of the Musegg Wall, one of the old rampart walls built in 1386. The nine towers are called Maennli, Nolli, Luegisland, Heu, Pulver, Allenwinden, Dachli, Schirmer and Zyt tower.

Lion Monument- A salute to the soldiers

The Lucerne Lion Monument is one of the most acclaimed attractions, dedicated to the soldiers of Switzerland who died during the tragic French revolution of 1792. The highly detailed carved lion has been described by Mark Twain as being the ‘world’s saddest and most moving piece of rock’.

Excursions Galore

Lucerne is the best starting point for many excursions into central Switzerland. One of the most popular trips is to Lucerne’s regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi- the queen of mountains. But do not miss excursions to the Stanserhorn, the Bürgenstock or a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne with its many bends.

The Wilhelm Tell Express starts at Lucerne and takes passengers upto the foot of the Gotthard pass via Lake Lucerne. It later continues by rail into Ticino, south of the Alpine ridge.

Cogwheel Railway

Enjoy some of the most spectacular sights on a ride of the cogwheel railway at Alpnachstad. It takes you up to Mount Pilatus showing you some truly panoramic vistas across the Alps. It is the steepest railway of its kind in existence.

Lucerne connotes the very essence of Switzerland with its astounding landscape and preserved tradition and culture. A trip to this City of Lights will be etched in your memory forever- so start planning now!!