This Swiss city sits by a lake, surrounded by mountains. Its medieval center, Lion Monument, and Rosengart Collection draw visitors. Nearby ski resorts add to its appeal.
Lucerne, a city of 82,000 people, sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Walk across the 14th century Chapel Bridge, decorated with historic paintings, or take a boat cruise on the lake. Visit nearby Mount Pilatus, accessible via cogwheel railway. In Lucerne's Old Town, see preserved medieval guild houses and frescoed buildings that reflect its past as a trade center.
Exploring Lucerne's Old Town
Lucerne's compact Old Town invites exploration on foot. Narrow cobblestone streets lead past buildings with frescoes depicting scenes from Swiss history and folklore. In Weinmarkt square, find a Gothic fountain surrounded by guild houses with decorated facades. The medieval lanes contain small shops selling Swiss chocolates, watches, and souvenirs. Walk along sections of the Old Town walls for elevated views over the city's red rooftops.
Historic Bridges of Lucerne
The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) spans the Reuss River in central Lucerne. This covered wooden footbridge dates from 1333, making it the oldest of its kind in Europe. The bridge's rafters contain triangular paintings depicting events from Lucerne's history. Next to the bridge stands the octagonal Water Tower, which previously served as a prison and torture chamber. Downstream, the Mill Bridge (Spreuerbrücke) is another historic covered bridge, featuring 17th century "Dance of Death" paintings.
Cruising on Lake Lucerne
Take boat trips on Lake Lucerne for views of the city and surrounding mountains from the water. Paddle steamers and modern boats depart regularly from the piers near the train station. Choose from short sightseeing cruises around the bay or longer journeys to lakeside villages like Weggis and Vitznau. Sunset cruises offer views of the Alps in the evening light. Some boats have onboard restaurants for dining on the lake.
Ascending Mount Pilatus
Mount Pilatus rises above Lucerne with its two prominent peaks. Reach the summit on the cogwheel railway, which climbs at gradients up to 48%. At the top, hiking trails lead to viewpoints overlooking Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. On clear days, the view extends to the Black Forest in Germany. The summit area has restaurants and a hotel for overnight stays. Paragliding is an option for descending back to Lucerne for visitors seeking a thrill.
Museums and Culture in Lucerne
Lucerne has several museums with varied collections. The Rosengart Collection displays works by Picasso and other modern artists in a renovated bank building. The Swiss Museum of Transport contains exhibits on locomotives, classic cars, and includes a planetarium. The Glacier Garden showcases glacial potholes and a mirror maze from 1896. For performances, the KKL Luzern cultural center hosts classical concerts in its modern lakeside building known for its excellent acoustics.
