Lucerne: what to see and do
In central Switzerland, the city of Lucerne stands beside Lake Lucerne, where the lake empties into the Reuss. The city serves as the capital of its namesake canton. Mount Pilatus and Rigi are visible from Lucerne in the Swiss Alps.
Things to do in Lucerne
The covered wooden Kapellbrücke dates from the early 14th century, is first recorded in 1333 and is about 204 metres long. Inside the bridge are paintings from the 17th century. A fire on 18 August 1993 destroyed most of its interior paintings. Beside the Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower is an octagonal defensive structure dating from around 1300. Its height above ground is 34.5 metres.
Lucerne has two surviving covered wooden footbridges, including the Spreuer Bridge. Kaspar Meglinger oversaw the creation of the bridge paintings between 1616 and 1637. On the hill above the city, the surviving sections of the old town walls include several watch towers.
Bertel Thorvaldsen supplied the design for the Lion Monument, which Lukas Ahorn carved in 1820 and 1821. It honours the Swiss Guards killed in 1792. The monument is ten metres long and six metres high.
The Rosengart Collection is a museum devoted to art in Lucerne. At the Swiss Museum of Transport, the exhibits cover trains, cars, ships, aircraft and communication technology. The museum began welcoming visitors on 1 July 1959 and also has a planetarium and a cinema with a large format screen. Jean Nouvel designed the Culture and Convention Center, known as KKL, beside the lake. At Tribschen, the lakeside Richard Wagner Museum focuses on the composer.
Lucerne in Switzerland
The Reuss crosses Lucerne towards the northwest from the southeast. The municipality extends over 29.1 square kilometres, and at the end of 2024 it had 86,234 residents. At the city, the lakeshore sits about 435 metres above sea level.
Lake Lucerne occupies 114 square kilometres in central Switzerland. Its German name, Vierwaldstättersee, translates as the lake of the four forest cantons. The lake adjoins Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, the original Swiss cantons.
The Lucerne Festival began in 1938 on the initiative of Ernest Ansermet and Walter Schulthess. Its classical music programme takes place in summer. Towards the end of winter, Fasnacht brings carnival to the streets, alleyways and squares of the old town.
A Lucerne day trip
Lucerne railway station handles national services alongside the local rail network. The Pilatus massif overlooks Lucerne in central Switzerland. From Alpnachstad, the Pilatus Railway ascends by cogwheel train. Rigi Kulm has an elevation of 1,797 metres above sea level.
A private day tour from Zurich to Mount Titlis and Lucerne lasts 8 hours, with a private luxury vehicle, a chauffeur and transport between destinations included.
The private day tour from Geneva to Lucerne and Mount Titlis lasts 14 hours and includes a private vehicle with a chauffeur, a flexible itinerary that can be customised, professional assistance and trip coordination.
The Swiss Alps day trip from Zurich by train, boat and cogwheel railway lasts 10 hours. It includes a local professional guide throughout the day, an ascent on the Mount Rigi cogwheel railway, a Lake Lucerne cruise, a Gotthard Panorama Express rail segment, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn mountain railway, the Rhaetian Railway through the Ruinaulta and a return train journey to Zurich in a restaurant carriage.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Lucerne?
In central Switzerland, the city of Lucerne stands beside Lake Lucerne, where the lake empties into the Reuss.
When was the Kapellbrücke built?
The covered wooden Kapellbrücke dates from the early 14th century, is first recorded in 1333 and is about 204 metres long.
What does the Lion Monument commemorate?
It honours the Swiss Guards killed in 1792.
What is exhibited at the Swiss Museum of Transport?
At the Swiss Museum of Transport, the exhibits cover trains, cars, ships, aircraft and communication technology.
How does the railway reach Pilatus from Alpnachstad?
From Alpnachstad, the Pilatus Railway ascends by cogwheel train.
