Top 25 Lucerne Attractions, Switzerland

Lucerne is located among the pastoral landscapes of central Switzerland. It is surrounded by mountains, alpine meadows and green valleys. The city is spread on the shores of the lake of the same name with clear mountain water and picturesque inhabited shores.

Lucerne is the same exemplary and prosperous city as Zurich, Geneva or Bern. Tourists will definitely enjoy walking along old wooden bridges and cobbled squares, gatherings in street cafes and contemplating the architecture of Lutheran cathedrals.

Perhaps the most important reason why travelers come here is the natural landscapes of extraordinary beauty that surround the city. What is worth climbing to the top of Pilatus or walking along the mirror water of Lake Firwaldstet!

What to see and where to go in Lucerne?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Kapellbrücke Bridge

Wooden bridge over the Reuss River, built in 1365. Over the course of seven centuries, many of its structures were replaced, and in 1993, after a strong fire, almost nothing remained of it. However, renovated and opened in 1994, Kapellbrücke is considered to be the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. It is also a symbol of Lucerne and an iconic landmark. Under its roof are 111 paintings (78 of them restored after a fire) with scenes from the history of Switzerland.

Vierwaldstet lake

The body of water is also known as Lake Lucerne. It is located in the central part of Switzerland on the territory of several cantons at an altitude of 434 meters above sea level. The shores of the lake are a picturesque and inhabited area, which is called the "cradle of Switzerland". About 30 species of various fish are found here, which is why the place is quite popular with fishing enthusiasts.

"The Dying Lion"

A sculptural group dedicated to the fallen in 1792, the Swiss who defended the Tuileries Palace during the events of the French Revolution. The monument was created in 1821 by the sculptor L. Ahorn according to the sketch of another famous master B. Thorvaldsen. The monument is a high relief carved into a rock ledge, which depicts a mighty lion in the last minutes of his life.

Sproerbrücke bridge

The bridge of the beginning of the 15th century, which, like the Kapellbrücke, was also built of wood. In its covered gallery there is a series of unique paintings of the 17th century, united by a common idea called the “dance of Death” (this plot was quite popular in the dark period of the Middle Ages). During the 16th century flood, the Sproerbrücke was seriously damaged, but later it was completely restored.

Dam "Nadelwehr"

A hydraulic structure on the Reuss River, built in the 1860s. to maintain the water level in the Firwaldstet lake. The dam was built from wooden gate stakes that are raised and lowered by hand. At the same time, a lock is formed that restricts the flows of water falling into the Royce River. The Nadelwehr was the first building of its kind in Europe. The historic dam is located next to the Sproerbrücke bridge.

Royce River

The fourth largest river in Switzerland is over 164 km long. It flows through the cantons of Schwyz, Lucerne, Uri, Obwalden and Nidwalden. The water artery originates in the mountain range of the Alps (St. Gotthard) and flows into Lake Firwaldstet. Along the banks are picturesque buildings of past centuries and well-kept gardens. Walking along the river is a popular pastime for tourists.

Kornmarkt square

The main square of the historical part of the city, which previously housed a bustling public market where grain was traded. It is surrounded by picturesque facades of city mansions of past centuries. The walls of the houses are painted with frescoes on various themes, depicting biblical scenes and scenes from everyday life. The place still retains the unique spirit of the Middle Ages.

Old Town Hall

The town hall building is located on the Kornmarkt square. This is one of the first attractions that a tourist who has arrived in Lucerne pays attention to. Initially, the building was erected for the needs of the grain market, but in the 16th century it was adapted for an administrative building for the city authorities. The appearance of the building has pronounced features of the Renaissance style. Today, the town hall houses a historical museum.

Fortress wall Museggmauer

The only military fortification of the Middle Ages in the vicinity of Lucerne, which has survived and has come down to our days. The wall was built in the 13th century and was used for its intended purpose until the 19th century. The preserved section of the Museggmauer stretches for almost 900 meters. Watchtowers are located along its entire length. Some of them are open to the public. There is a hiking trail along the wall.

Chateau Gooch Hotel

The hotel is located on the territory of the castle of the XIX-XX centuries, which stands on top of the mountain. The surrounding area is decorated in the best traditions of "palace" landscape design. In front of the building there is an observation deck with a magnificent view of Lucerne, Lake Vierwaldstet and the valley. Among the guests of Chateau Gooch are royalty, famous actors and famous directors.

Center for Culture and Congresses

A modern complex consisting of several spacious halls and a museum. Many events are held here - festivals, congresses, presentations, ceremonies and concerts. The building was erected in a modern high-tech style according to the project of the architect J. Nevel in 2000. In terms of acoustics, the halls of the Center are among the best venues in all of Europe.

Swiss Transport Museum

The museum was organized in 1959. In addition to the exposition consisting of various types of transport - airplanes, cars, ships, trains, here you can see the collection of local painter H. Ernie. The museum has a superbly equipped planetarium and an IMAX cinema. There are also some interesting attractions for children, such as a ride on a mini escalator and a fire truck.

Rosengart Collection

Art exposition, consisting of works by famous masters. 125 paintings by P. Klee are exhibited here, as well as paintings and drawings (sketches) by P. Cezanne, C. Monet, A. Matisse and other famous artists of the 19th-20th centuries. The museum collection also contains photographs by D. Duncan during the Second World War. Under the creations of P. Picasso, a separate room is allocated, which can be considered as a full-fledged gallery.

Richard Wagner Museum

The brilliant composer R. Wagner arrived in Switzerland in 1866 and settled in a mansion on the shores of Lake Firwaldstet. F. Liszt, F. Nietzsche, the Bavarian monarch Ludwig II and other famous personalities of that era often visited his house. According to the memoirs of the composer himself, the happiest moments of his life passed here, which in the best way influenced his future work. Today, the mansion houses a museum in memory of the composer.

Museum of Nature Lucerne

A relatively small exposition is housed in a former orphanage built in 1811 in neoclassical style. The leading themes of the collection are flora and fauna of the region, geological history and environmental problems. The museum often hosts temporary exhibitions, educational lectures and activities for children on natural topics. Part of the collection consists of stuffed animals and birds.

Historical Museum Lucerne

The exhibition consists of costumes, armor, weapons, handicrafts and archival documents from different periods of Lucerne's history. The collection is located in the former building of the Arsenal. If you wish, you can join an organized tour, which takes place several times during the day. Professional actors work in the museum to create a historical atmosphere.

Panorama of Bourbaki

Panoramic canvas of impressive size by E. Castres, which depicts the transition of the French army of General Ch. Bourbaki through Switzerland. This event took place during the war between France and Germany in 1870-71. The painting is placed in a round pavilion. Its total area is more than 1 thousand m². The panel is one of the brightest examples of panoramic painting of the 19th century.

glacial garden

The Geological Park - Museum of Lucerne, which was founded at the end of the 19th century. Its history began with the fact that the city dweller I.V. Amrain accidentally discovered ancient fossils in his yard while digging out a wine cellar. On the basis of these finds, the scientific council of Lucerne decided to create a museum. Most of the exposition is outdoors. The Glacier Garden consists of many pavilions and themed areas.

Jesuit Church

The temple is located in the historical part of Lucerne near the city hall. This is the first religious building in the city, built in the Baroque style. The name of the architect remained unknown, although the temple was built not so long ago - in the second half of the 17th century. According to one version, K. Vogler worked on the building. Despite the fact that the church belongs to the Lutheran denomination, its interior is decorated quite magnificently.

Hofkirche church

The temple was built in the 17th century in a mixed architectural style, combining features of the late "German" Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic. Previously, on the site of the Hofkirche there was an abbey of the 8th century, which was destroyed in a fire. Bas-reliefs dating from the 14th-15th centuries have been preserved from the abbey church. The temple is one of the main parishes of the Protestant community of Lucerne.

Train station Lucerne

City central station serving suburban and long-distance destinations. The transparent lobby with the original roof crowning the building was designed by the Spanish architect S. Calatrava. The facility is owned by the state-owned company that owns the Swiss Railways. There is a bus station next to the train station.

Pilatusban

Railway with a length of more than 4.5 km, located at a steep slope to the surface of 48 °. It leads to the top of Mount Pilatus. The toothed design of the canvas (for better grip with the wheels) was designed by the brilliant engineer E. Locher at the end of the 19th century. The Pilatusban survived only one upgrade in 1937. Since then, its mechanisms have not been reconstructed.

Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve

Natural area of ​​the canton of Lucerne, recognized by UNESCO as the country's first biosphere reserve. The ecosystem is represented by pre-alpine peat valleys and foothills, consisting of karst formations. The reserve occupies a vast territory of 400 km². There are hiking trails for tourists passing through the most picturesque places.

Riga

A mountain on the border of the canton of Lucerne, located between the Firwaldstet and Zug lakes. It rises above sea level at 1797 meters. You can climb to the top by railway and cable cars or along hiking trails. There are several picturesque towns around the mountain. Local idealistic landscapes attract many tourists here.

Pilatus

The mountain, or rather, the mountain range, which, according to legend, received its name from the name of the procurator Pontius Pilate. There is a belief that his grave is located on one of the slopes. The highest point of the ridge reaches 2121 meters above sea level. Pilatus is located on the border of several cantons - Nidwalden, Obwalden and Lucerne. The Pilatusbahn cogwheel railway and cable lift lead to its top.