Discover Lucerne

Chapel Bridge is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. It was built in the 14th century and was originally part of Lucerne’s fortifications. At that time, marksmen would position their firearms on the rail along the bridge’s parapet. The bridge stretches from Lucerne’s theatre on the south bank of the Reuss, past the water tower to St. Peter’s Chapel at Rathausquai. It has become the symbol of Lucerne and is now a popular motif for photos.

Chapel Bridge is distinguished by its triangular pictorial panels, which can be found in the tympana beneath the roof. The cycle of images depicts scenes from history of the city and of Switzerland and legends from the lives of Lucerne’s patron saint, Leodegar, and Saint Mauritius. The water tower was built in around 1300 as part of the city wall. With a height of 34 metres, the tower served as a city archive and treasure chamber.

The Jesuit Church lies by the Reuss. It was the first sacred Baroque building in Switzerland. The parts of the church in the Rococo and Baroque style, the high altar, the organ and the church treasury, are particularly impressive. It was first built as a collegiate church for the Jesuit College and to facilitate the general pastoral work of the Jesuits. With 420 permanent seats, it now serves as a place of worship and as a concert venue.

The imposing stone sculpture (6 to 10 metres) of a dying lion is located in a landscape park. The Lion is a memorial to the many Swiss soldiers who fell during the French Revolution in 1792 in the storming of the Tuileries. The sculpture was designed by the famous Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen. The city of Lucerne’s world-famous monument itself has a very unhappy history, which you can learn about on ten information boards.

Would you like to enjoy the best view of the lake basin? If so, visit Musegg Wall. Alongside Chapel Bridge, Musegg Wall is part of Lucerne’s former fortifications. Nine stone towers can be found along the wall and are illuminated at night: Nölliturm, Männliturm, Luegislandturm, Wachtturm, Zytturm, Schirmerturm, Pulverturm, Allenwindenturm and Dächliturm. Some of these towers are largely accessible to the public. 

Should you feel a longing for nature within the city of Lucerne, you will discover a valuable habitat for endangered animals and plants in the wall. It is home to rare species of breeding birds, bats and common wall lizards, as well as wild bees and honey bees. The “Hof Hinter Musegg” farm lies behind the wall and offers a farm shop and an inn. Children and families can also make friends with alpacas and other animals here and learn more about the animals in a quiz.

The Town Hall dates from the start of the 17th century. It is situated in the heart of the city of Lucerne, directly by the Reuss. The building is in the Renaissance style and is one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture in Switzerland. The Town Hall’s tower with its imposing clock is definitely worth seeing in person. Various concerts and exhibitions are now held in the Kornschütte hall on the ground floor. The City Council meets in the prestigious chamber on the first floor.

Would you like to learn more about the history of mobility? The most-visited museum in Switzerland, the Museum of Transport, presents the development of transport and mobility on the road, on rail, on water, in the air and in space. Visitors can look at and experience cars, boats, trains and aeroplanes up close. In addition to the Museum of Transport, it’s also worth visiting the impressive Film Theatre, Planetarium and Swiss Chocolate Adventure. 

Find out more here.

In the Glacier Garden, you can find out what Lucerne looked like when glaciers still covered the entire country and sub-tropical palm-covered beaches characterised the region. Travel back in time and marvel at glacial potholes from the last Ice Age and fossils from the sub-tropical marine region.  Within the Garden there is a museum where you can explore the objects in the Amrein family’s curiosity cabinets, some of which are very comical. The Garden is characterised by numerous historical landscape reliefs, such as the glacier relief. A visit to the mirror labyrinth promises a special experience, with 90 mirrors providing fun and confusion.

The Museum of Art Lucerne hosts Swiss and international exhibitions. Here you can see works by David Hockney and J.M.W. Turner. Once a year, the exhibition “zentral!” places art from central Switzerland on centre stage with the help of a jury. The Museum of Art Lucerne’s collection focusses on Swiss art from the Renaissance to the present day, with the emphasis on art from the 1970s. The Museum of Art is suitable for families; various works of art can be admired here in the company of your children.

Further information is available on the museum website:

The Historical Museum offers its visitors a close-up experience of culture and life in the city of Lucerne. A unique feature of this museum is that actors offer theatrical tours with a cultural history theme and guide you through the museum’s pieces. Lots of exciting information about the 3,000 or so objects and the associated cultural history of central Switzerland can also be discovered via tablet.

Animal lovers can watch wild animals in the middle of the city in the Deer Park. Its history dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when city envoys and traders brought wild animals as gifts during their visits. The Deer Park is now a place for relaxation, with many people visiting every day to seek some well-earned rest. The park is the ideal location for learning more about biodiversity and wild animals in an interesting way.

A lively spectacle

The Lucerne carnival, known as Luzerner Fasnacht, is a traditional carnival celebration. During this lively event, the streets come alive with colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and festive music. Participants, also known as "Fasnächtler", engage in traditional dances and processions, creating a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere. The Luzerner Fasnacht is a cherished annual tradition that brings locals and visitors together to celebrate the carnival spirit in the heart of Lucerne.

Further information about the Luzerner Fasnacht

International comic festival in Lucerne

Fumetto is an international comic festival that brings together artists, comic enthusiasts, and interested individuals from around the world. During the festival, you have the opportunity to experience the diversity of comic art through exhibitions, workshops, readings, and creative events. The festival promotes exchange between artists and the audience, providing a unique platform for discovering new perspectives in the world of comics.

Further information about the Fumetto festival

The annual highlight

The Lucerne city festival is an annual celebration that fills the city with life. With a variety of activities, concerts, culinary experiences, and a cheerful atmosphere, the city festival offers an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike. Experience local culture, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that transforms Lucerne into a unique celebration.

Further information about the Lucerne city festival

World-class music in Lucerne

The Lucerne Festival is internationally renowned for its outstanding musical performances. This prestigious festival showcases a wide range of musical genres, from classical to contemporary sounds. Artists from around the world take the stage to captivate the audience with extraordinary concerts. The Lucerne Festival creates a unique atmosphere where music enthusiasts can experience the diversity and excellence of music.

Further information about the Lucerne Festival

Diversity of art and music

The Blue Balls Festival in Lucerne is a versatile music and art festival that showcases a wide range of artistic performances and musical genres. From concerts by renowned artists to art exhibitions, the festival provides a unique cultural experience. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of art and music on the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne.

Further information about the Blue Balls Festival

The Rigi Kulm-Hotel is located on the summit of Rigi. Here, guests can enjoy the unforgettable view of 125 Alpine peaks and 13 lakes from Rigi while enjoying fine food. The gastronomic offering is varied – try Rigi sausage with a portion of fries or sample an exclusive four-course meal with fine wine in the Art Nouveau dining hall.

Forget everyday life and feel like a king or queen at Château Gütsch. The imposing castle was built in 1888 in the Belle Époque style as a hotel, based on Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Today, Château Gütsch serves as a restaurant and hotel. Here you can marvel at the enchanting view of the city and Lake Lucerne. 

In the Lumières restaurant, you will be treated to Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine in a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere.

The cosy Restaurant Helvetia is situated in the middle of the dynamic and modern New Town district (Neustadtquartier). The enchanting, cosy garden terrace under chestnut trees and the varied cuisine are the trademarks of this restaurant.

The quality of the food is outstanding: the produce is sourced directly from local Alpine and farming businesses, wine growers, fishermen, master brewers, and fruit and vegetable growers. A selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes and pasta are a particular speciality.

If you are hungry or thirsty after visiting the Town Hall, you will find refreshments in the Rathaus Brewery, located right next to the Town Hall building. In the brewery, you can treat yourself to the famous Lucerne Rathaus beer, which is produced from select ingredients. Bring your family along and enjoy traditional dishes and speciality sausages together.

The summer café is situated right by Lake Lucerne in Inseli Park. Volière is part of Radio 3FACH. Here, guests can enjoy refreshing drinks and fine food in summer. Various drinks are available to choose from, with the Radio 3FACH team setting great store by local products: home-made iced tea, coffee from Koffeinshop in Lucerne’s New Town, Lucerne beer on draught, organic white wine from the Sitenrain vineyard in Meggen and Herzögler cider from the Lucerne Seetal valley.

From Monday to Friday you will find a delicious vegetarian and vegan lunch menu here, and in the evening and at the weekend you can calm your hunger with cold snacks.