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Lucerne lies at the point where the Reuss River leaves Lake Lucerne, in the heart of central Switzerland, with mountains such as Pilatus and the Rigi rising around the shoreline. It developed as a medieval market town and a stop on the trade route over the Gotthard, and much of its walled old town survives. Painted facades, covered bridges and church spires make it one of the country's most recognizable cities.
The wooden Chapel Bridge and its stone Water Tower are the classic starting point, with the smaller Spreuer Bridge just downstream, both decorated with painted panels inside. From there, the Old Town squares lead to the baroque Jesuit Church on the riverbank. Several towers of the Musegg Wall can be climbed for rooftop views, and the carved Lion Monument sits next to the Glacier Garden. On the waterfront, the KKL concert hall marks the start of the lakefront promenade. The Swiss Museum of Transport is a favorite for families, the Rosengart Collection focuses on Picasso and Klee, and Mount Pilatus can be reached by lake boat and cog railway.
Lucerne is compact and easy to explore on foot, which suits first-time visitors to Switzerland. Lake steamers make relaxed day trips, and the city works well as a base for central Swiss mountains.
WiserMap travel guideLucerne Switzerland Chapel Bridge Pilatus and Rigi DaysExplore Lucerne with this guide to the Chapel Bridge, Old Town, Lion Monument, Pilatus, Rigi and lake cruises, plus local food, where to stay and when to go.Read the guide
A covered wooden bridge built in the 14th century across the Reuss river, with painted triangular panels under its roof showing Lucerne's history. Beside it stands the octagonal stone Water Tower. Much of the bridge was rebuilt after a fire in 1993. Tip: it is prettiest at night when lit.
A covered wooden footbridge from the early 1400s, downstream from Chapel Bridge, with 17th-century paintings of the Dance of Death under its roof. It is usually quieter than the more famous bridge. Tip: look out for the needle dam beside it, which still regulates the level of the lake.
The medieval city wall above the old town, with nine towers, four of which visitors can climb in summer. The Zyt tower holds the oldest clock in the city, which strikes one minute before the others. Tip: entry is free, and the towers give great views of the town and lake.
The Lion Monument is a dying lion carved into a rock face in 1821 to honor the Swiss Guards killed in the French Revolution. Next door, the Glacier Garden shows potholes ground out by Ice Age glaciers, with a museum and mirror maze. Tip: the monument itself is free to see.
The car-free old town has a series of small squares, such as Weinmarkt, Kornmarkt and Hirschenplatz, surrounded by houses with painted facades, guild halls and fountains. They host markets and festivals like the carnival, Fasnacht. Tip: the Tuesday and Saturday markets are on the riverbank.
A large Baroque church on the left bank of the Reuss, built in the 17th century and one of the first major Baroque churches in Switzerland. Its white and pink interior is richly decorated. Tip: its riverside location gives a good view of the Chapel Bridge, and organ concerts are often held.
Switzerland's most visited museum, on the lakeshore east of the center, with trains, cars, ships, planes and space travel, plus a planetarium, a chocolate adventure ride and a giant aerial photo of Switzerland. Tip: plan most of a day, as kids especially love it, and arrive by boat.
A museum in a former bank building with a fine collection of modern art, featuring around 300 works by Picasso and Paul Klee, along with Chagall, Monet, Cezanne and others. There are also photos of Picasso in his later years. Tip: it is small enough to see in about two hours.
The KKL Luzern, a cultural and congress center by architect Jean Nouvel, has a huge flat roof overhanging the lake and hosts the Lucerne Festival. From it, a promenade leads along the lake with views of the mountains. Tip: its concert hall is famed for its acoustics.
Historic paddle steamers and modern boats sail from the piers by the station to villages such as Weggis, Vitznau and Fluelen, past steep mountains and meadows. Boats also link to the Rigi and Pilatus railways. Tip: the Swiss Travel Pass covers lake boats, so use it for a scenic trip.
A dramatic mountain above Lucerne reached by the world's steepest cog railway from Alpnachstad in summer, or by gondola and cable car from Kriens all year. The summit has hotels, trails and views over the lake and Alps. Tip: the Golden Round Trip combines boat, cog railway and cable car.
Known as the Queen of the Mountains, Rigi rises between Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug and is reached by Europe's oldest mountain railway, from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau, or by cable car from Weggis. The summit has a 360-degree panorama. Tip: walking trails link the stations.
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