Lucerne is just delightful and the Old City adds so much character to the charm of this small city that sits surrounded by snow capped mountains.

We chose to stay near the centre of things so booked the Renaissance Lucerne Hotel. It is close to the railway station, and only a few blocks from the Old City. It has a lovely bar area and there are plenty of shops nearby if you need urgent supplies.

Lucerne is probably best known for the Chapel Bridge, but we think there is a lot more to be enjoyed. We would recommend all of the following.

  1. Chapel Bridge and Water Tower – a covered wooden footbridge which spans the River Reuss and is approximately 170m in length. It is named after the nearby St Peter’s Chapel. The Water Tower was constructed several years before the bridge and has been used as a treasury, an archive, a prison and a torture chamber. One of the main features of the bridge is the painted roof which depicts the history of ancient Switzerland. In spring and summer the bridge is covered in beautiful flowers along the rails creating a magnificent display of colour.
  2. The Dying Lion of Lucerne – one of the most moving memorials we have ever seen, The Dyling Lion commemorates the 700 Swiss mercenaries who lost their lives during the French Revolution. The workmanship of this memorial is outstanding and captures the pain on the face of the dying lion with incredible depth and sensitivity.
  3. Jesuit Church – the first large Baroque Church built in Switzerland north of the Alps. The original vestments of Brother Klaus, a famous Swiss patron, are stored in the inner chapel.
  4. Musegg Wall – the wall was built more as a prestige structure than a military installation. It is almost entirely intact with the towers being open to the public. The oldest city clock built in 1535 by Hans Luter is in the Zyt tower.
  5. Needle Dam – the dam regulates the levels of Lake Lucerne so that the water levels are maintained all year round. It is situated between the Chapel Bridge and the Spreuer Bridge.
  6. Lake Lucerne – taking a cruise on the lake is a must for tourists. There are plenty of cruises to choose from and different dining options. It is a beautiful lake and the scenery along it is quite spectacular. We did not have time for just the cruise component, so we cruised to Alpnachstad where we then took our trip to the top of Mt Pilatus. Whichever way you decide to tour the lake you will not be disappointed.
  7. Mount Pilatus – we strongly suggest you make time for a trip to Mt Pilatus. It is just a wonderful day, with breathtaking scenery. If you do a round trip you will experience the following:
    • Take the cruise down Lake Lucerne and enjoy the scenery, arriving at Alpnachstad where you will disembark.
    • You will then take the cogwheel railway to the top of Mt Pilatus, and this is a really great experience. It is the steepest in the world.
    • Take some time to wander around the top of the mountain and there is plenty to do. Sit on the verandah and have some lunch, or dine in one of the restaurants, and then take time to wander through the shop for some great souvenirs. Walk along the cliff footpath to get spectacular views and photos of the surrounding mountains.
    • At your leisure take the Dragon Ride aerial cableway to Fräkmüntegg where you hop off and enjoy some more beautiful scenery.
    • Finally you catch the gondola to Kriens where you can take a local bus back to Lucerne.
  8. Mill Bridge – also known as the Spreuer Bridge was built to connect a group of mill buildings to the mainland. The mill workers would throw their waste into the river since they were so far downstream. It is also a covered wooden bridge with ancient paintings under its roof.
  9. Old City Square – crossing either of the bridges will bring you to the Old City Square where you will find fresco-painted buildings bordering the Old City. It is situated on the right side of the River Reuss.

Travel Tips

  • Combine your lake cruise with your trip to Mt Pilatus. It will take a full day but it is well worth combining the two together.

Travel Alerts

  • The top of Mt Pilatus is very chilly so you will need to ensure you have warm clothing.
  • In the past Lucerne has had some trouble with gypsies who are not afraid to attempt to steal or pick pocket. We think no matter what country you travel to you should always be alert and protect your belongings.

Travel Adventures