What to see in Lucerne: 13 best attractions and one day itinerary

Lucerne is without a doubt one of the most fascinating cities in Europe . Equipped with a small medieval center, the city embodies all of Switzerland’s past, which can be retraced thanks to the numerous attractions present, located a short distance from each other. This means that the city can be easily explored on foot , enjoying all its atmosphere and charm!
Let’s find out together what to see in Lucerne , what are the best attractions and things to do to enjoy a 360 ° experience of the city!
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13 Sights in Lucerne

1 – Altstadt and Muhlenplatz
The historic center of Lucerne, called Altstadt, is not just to visit, it is really to experience! And the best solution is to get lost in its streets and canals that cross the city , admire the buildings with ancient frescoes, let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere you breathe. The Old Town is very romantic, even more so early in the morning or at sunset!
Stop at Muhlenplatz, one of the historic squares of the Altstadt , which directly overlooks the river and from which you can admire the Spreuerbrucke, the second bridge of Lucerne. In the square there are also numerous cafes and clubs, ideal for a lunch break, even outside on sunny days.
The historic center develops around the Reuss River and reaches the shore of the lake. Muhlenplatz is easily reachable on foot from the central train station (700m, 9 min) – Get directions

2 – Lion of Lucerne
The Dying Lion Monument, in German Lowendenkmal, but known more simply as the Lion of Lucerne, is the symbol of the city .
Sculpted by Lukas Ahorn in 1820-1821 directly into the rock in a sandstone quarry, it commemorates the sacrifice of the Swiss Guards massacred in 1792, during the French Revolution. Above the lion you can read the inscription “HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI”, which means “to the loyalty and courage of the Swiss”. The work is cited in several literary works, such as those of the American writer Mark Twain, who praised it as the most moving work in the world.
It is located in Denkmalstrasse 4, in the northernmost part of the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from the Hofkirche (500 m, 6 min). Reference bus stop Wesemlinrain (lines 1 and 19) – Get directions

3 – Museggturme
The Museggturme, or the Nine Towers of Lucerca , were built between 1350 and 1408 to defend the city, and are located within a walk in climb ,
Nowadays, only three of the towers are open to the public and can be climbed and they are that of Schrimer, Zyt and Maennli. From the top of the towers it is possible to enjoy one of the most evocative views of Lucerne . And after the visit, many people continue their sightseeing by walking along the entire outer wall of the city, with wonderful views of the center and its surroundings.

Wear comfortable shoes : the path on the walls is not too tiring, it can also be covered with children. But make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water.

• How to get there: in the Altstadt, they run through the entire historic center. They can be visited on foot, the route is simple and not too demanding. Starting point in Bruggligasse from the Nolliturm tower, reference stop Bruggligasse (line 9)
• Opening hours: walls and towers accessible from 1 April to 1 November every day 8: 00-19: 00, from 2 November to 31 March closed
• Ticket cost: free

4 – Kapellbrucke
The Chapel Bridge, original name Kapellbrucke, dates back to the 14th century and was built to connect the Old Town on the north bank with the new settlement on the south bank of the river. What makes it famous are its roof panels, which depict some of the most important events in Swiss history . Just cross it with your nose up to admire this show for free!
It is now a real symbol of Lucerne, as well as being the oldest covered bridge in Europe . Although the water tower is original, some of the parts of the roof have been rebuilt, as they were unfortunately destroyed during the 1993 fire, which enveloped part of the bridge.
It connects the two banks of the River Reuss and is 170m long, and a pedestrian only bridge. The south bank is easily reachable on foot from the central train station (300m, 4 min), the north bank from Muhlenplatz (450m, 6 min) – Get directions

Visit it in the morning : here you will always find people taking pictures to be photographed. If you want to enjoy it in peace, reach it early in the morning. For lovers of long exposure photography, the best time is the Blue Hour!

5 – Rosengart Collection
Photo by WES1947. The Rosengart Collection, in German Sammlung Rosengart, is an important art museum in the heart of the city, housed in the museum of the same name, which is spread over three floors. The collection originally belonged to the art dealer Siegfried Rosengart, to whom it owes its name.
Inside it houses over three hundred works by 23 different authors . These include as many as 125 works by Paul Klee and around 180 works by Pablo Picasso. It also houses works mainly by Impressionists and modern classical art. A paradise for lovers of the genre!

• How to get there: in Pilatusstrasse 10, in the Atlstadt. Easily accessible on foot from Kapellbrucke (210 m, 3 min). Reference stop Luzern (numerous train and bus lines) – Get directions
• Hours: from April to October every day 10: 00-18: 00, from November to March every day 10: 00-17: 00
• Ticket price: full 18.00 CHF (€ 16.60), reduced 10.00 CHF (€ 9.20)

6 – Swiss Museum of Transport
Photo by Yannick Bammert. Since its inauguration in 1959, the Swiss Museum of Transport, in German Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, has been a great success among young and old, becoming one of the most visited museums in the whole country .
Over the years, the complex has undergone several additions, with the addition of the first and so far only large planetarium in Switzerland , the Aeronautics and Astronautics Pavilion, the Hans Erni Museum, and several other pavilions dedicated to navigation, cable cars and tourism. But not only that: it is an interactive museum, which involves the visitor 100%, therefore also ideal for the little ones. Perfect for a family morning!

Organize your visit in the best possible way: to avoid queues at the ticket office, we recommend that you purchase your entrance ticket online, to be shown once you arrive at the entrance.

• How to get there: at Lidostrasse 5, 2.3 km from the Kapellbrucke from the Atlstadt, on the lakeside. Reference train stop Luzern Verkehrshaus, from Luzern Bahnhof direct train lines 6, 8 and 24 (7 min) – Get directions
• Hours: every day 10: 00-18: 00, in winter until 17: 00
• Ticket price: all exhibitions full 32.00 CHF (€ 29.60), reduced 14.00 CHF (€ 13.00)

7 – Garden of the Glaciers
Photo of Leiju. Located near the Lion Monument, the Gletschergarten Luzern is one of the oldest attractions in all of Switzerland . Discovered in 1872, it consists of a series of glacial holes dating back to the Ice Age, and an even older marine beach , integrated into a lush park.
But these ancient testimonies are not the only strong point of the park. Inside the Garden of the Glaciers it is in fact possible to attend a multimedia show suitable for all ages, which shows the history of the Earth, and the labyrinth of the mirrors of the Alhambra , considered the greatest attraction of the whole park.

• How to get there: in Denkmalstrasse 4, north of the Atlstadt. Easily accessible on foot from the Lion Monument (150 m, 2 min). Reference bus stop Wesemlinrain (lines 1 and 19) – Get directions
• Hours: from April to October every day 10: 00-18: 00, from November to February every day 10: 00-17: 00
• Ticket price: full CHF 15.00 (€ 13.90), reduced CHF 8.00 (€ 7.40)

8 – Hofkirche
The church of San Leodegario in Corte, full name Hofkirche Sankt Leodegar was built in honor of Saint Leger, a French bishop who was accidentally blinded by a drill. Dedicated to the patron saints of the city , the works lasted from 1633 to 1639 and the style is Renaissance.

Important point of reference of the religious community of Lucerne , the church is in fact the most important in the whole city. Located in an Italian cloister, inside it is possible to admire a series of works of art of great beauty , such as the carved pulpit, dating back to the seventeenth century, the same main entrance and the descriptive altar of the Death of the Virgin, which dates back to 15th century.

• How to get there: in St. Leodegarstrasse 6, in the Atlstadt. Easily accessible on foot from Kappelbrucke (600m, 8 min). Reference bus stop Luzernerhof (many lines) – Get directions
• Hours: every day 7: 00-19: 00. Limited tourist visits during the celebration of religious functions and anniversaries
• Ticket cost: free

9 – Jesuitenkirche
Another church not to be missed is the Jesuitenkirche St. Franz Xaver, or the Jesuit church of San Francesco Xaverio. It is an important Catholic place of worship , located on the left bank of the river.
This beautiful church was built in 1666 and officially opened in 1667, by Italian and Austrian architects. Considered to be among the most beautiful Baroque-style buildings in all of Switzerland , the church has its particularity in the shape of the dome of the two towers, and in the color of the internal plaster: white and pink. Inside there are 420 fixed seats, which on certain occasions even become 900.

Attend a concert: the church is very active from a musical point of view. If you like the genre, don’t miss an organ or choir concert. Find the complete calendar on the official website.

• How to get there: in Bahnhofstrasse 11A, in the Atlstadt. Easily accessible on foot from Kappelbrucke (270 m, 4 min). Reference stop Luzern (numerous train and bus lines) – Get directions
• Hours: every day 6: 30-18: 30, Mon and Thu from 9:30. Limited tourist visits during the celebration of religious functions and anniversaries
• Ticket cost: free

10 – Bruchquartier
Photo of Gryffindor. Bruchquartier is one of Lucerne’s must-see districts! If in the past it was the place that hosted the traditional livestock market, today it is a modern and extravagant neighborhood , as well as being a residential area of ​​great value, inhabited by people from all over the world. This was possible thanks to important redevelopment works.
It is the district of original clubs, cozy cafes and trendy bars. Here you will find life both day and night, thanks to the many offers and proposals! Obviously there is no shortage of shops of all kinds, small ethnic shops and refined boutiques, and even restaurants of all kinds and sizes, from the most intimate and small ones to those with large and large rooms. In short, a neighborhood to be experienced at any time of the day !
It develops in the western part of the Altstadt. Easily reachable from the central train station on foot (1 km, 13 min) or by numerous bus lines to the Kasernenplatz stop (4 min, 4 stops), your reference stop – Get directions

Spend an evening at the Medeleine: and one of the top clubs in the neighborhood, inspired by the years of American Prohibition, it offers excellent cocktails, live music concerts, comedy shows and cultural events.

11 – Bourbaki Panorama
Photo by Alessandro Gallo. The Bourbaki Panorama, located within walking distance of the Lion Monument, is one of the last preserved gigantic circular paintings in the world . This gigantic painting, which measures 112 x 10 m, is the work of Edouard Castres and dates back to 1881.
The canvas shows the French army of General Bourbaki during its passage in Switzerland, which took place during the Franco-German war of 1870 / 71. To make the vision more impressive, sound effects have been added to the environment, which recall the epoch of events. It is a true European cultural monument and a symbol of Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition

• How to get there: in Lowenpl. 11, in the Atlstadt. Easily accessible on foot from the Lion Monument (150 m, 2 min). Reference bus stop Lowenplatz (lines 1 and 19) -Get directions
• Hours: from April to October every day 10: 00-18: 00, from November to February every day 10: 00-17: 00
• Ticket price: 12.00 CHF (€ 11.10), reduced 7.00 CHF (€ 6.50)

12 – Lake Lucerne It is
impossible to visit Lucerne without dedicating at least an afternoon to discovering its lake , also called Lake Lucerne, or Vierwaldstattersee.
On fine days the lake becomes the place of relaxation for the Swiss , thanks to the many seaside resorts scattered along the entire shore. In the designated areas you can take a dip and cool off, while in other areas your children can feed the swans that have always populated its waters. Minigolf, walking trails and lots of clubs with incredible views of the lake, there are truly activities for all tastes!
Lucerne develops on the north-western shore of the lake, where the Reuss river flows. Along the entire shore there are several seaside resorts served by numerous bus lines, also you will find boarding points to participate in spectacular panoramic boat cruises – Get directions

13 – Pilatus
And visiting Lucerne, you certainly cannot miss a day in the middle of nature , the wonderful nature that has made Switzerland so famous and fascinating! Pilatus is a mountainous massif in the Swiss Prealps and affects the cantons of Lucerne, Nidwalden and Obwalden. Also called the Dragon Mountain, and crowded with hikers and walkersin the summer, while its summit is a paradise for climbers and nature lovers.

You can reach the top thanks to the most daring cog railway in the world, the Pilatusbahn, with a maximum gradient of 48%, which starts from Alpnach and runs from May to November. The summit can also be reached by means of an aerial cableway from Kriens. From the top you can enjoy a spectacular view over the entire Lake Lucerne region.
The cable car departs from Alpnach, reachable by car via the A8 and A2 (15 km, 15 min) or by direct train line S5 from the central railway station Luzern to the Alpnach Dorf station (21 min, 7 stops), then a 7 min walk to the cable car departure station – Get directions

Organize your visit : if you are traveling with children, or do not want to organize a visit on your own, take advantage of the beautiful tour by cable car and train with cruise on the lake, ideal for a day in the middle of nature to discover dream landscapes

Other attractions and things to do
Lucerne is a wonderful city but not very big, a weekend is enough to experience it to the fullest . In case you stay a few more days, perhaps because you have also included visits in the surrounding area, there are other attractions that you could include in your itinerary according to your interests.
As for the museums, if you are traveling with children you can visit the natural history museum Natur-Museum Kanton Luzern (10.00 CHF / € 9.20). If you love nature and mountains, you can instead visit the Alpineum, dedicated to mountaineering (6.00 CHF / € 5.50). Speaking of churches , in addition to those already presented you can visit the Matthauskirche (free) and the Katholische Franziskanerkirche (free), both located in the historic center.
Finally, if you are feeling particularly lucky , you can spend an evening at the Grand Casino Luzern, the casino of Lucerne (all the info on the official website).

8 things to do in Lucerne
Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Cross the Spreuerbrcke

Sphinx Astronomical Observatory at the Jungfraujoch

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1. Cruise on the lake : enjoy a relaxing panoramic cruise on the lake, thus admiring the city from another perspective. Info and costs here
2. Take part in the Lucerne Carnival : one of the most anticipated events of the year, from Shrove Thursday to Shrove Tuesday. The city is invaded by masks, parades and events. Great protagonists are the masks of the Fritschi family
3. Eat the real fondue : you can’t say you’ve been to Lucerne, or Switzerland in general, without having tasted the real cheese fondue, really excellent! You will find it in practically all restaurants
4. Cross the Spreuerbrucke : less famous and less popular than its colleague Kapellbrucke, and a wonderful 15th century wooden bridge, with wonderful frescoes and paintings
5. Discover the city at night : the history of Lucerne is closely linked to legends, especially dating back to the medieval period. Discover them all accompanied by the night watchman. Info and costs here
6. Shopping at the Mall of Switzerland : shoppers will certainly not be able to miss this shopping center, the largest in central Switzerland
7. Excursion to Mount Rigi : discover the beauty of Mount Rigi, the Queen of the Mountains, reachable by river and by carmillera train, thus admiring the wonderful landscapes. Info and excursion costs here
8. Discover the roof of Europe : less than 90 km from Lucerne, the Jungfraujoch is considered the roof of Europe. You can admire the majestic panorama on a day tour from Lucerne. Info and excursion costs here

What to see in one day
Not all destinations can be adequately explored in a single day, but Lucerne is just the right size to enjoy many of the wonders available in less than 24 hours. Here are the stages of the recommended itinerary:

• 9:00 – Chapel Bridge, Jesuitenkirche and Spreuerbrucke
• 11:00 – Passeggiata in Altstadt e Muhlenplatz
• 12:00 – Monument to the Lion of Lucerne
• 15:00 – Garden of the Glaciers
• 16:30 – Museggturme
• 18:00 – Cruise on the lake

Plan your stay in Lucerne: flights and hotels

• How to get there: Lucerne is easily accessible by car or train for those departing from Northern Italy, those arriving by plane must instead land in Zurich (compare flights) and then continue by train.
• When to go : The destination can be visited all year round, in summer for the wonderful nature and events, in winter for Christmas and winter sports.
• Where to sleep: we recommend finding accommodation in the historic center (compare the accommodation on booking), and the best choice especially if you are looking for nightlife!
• How to get around : generally on foot, for more distant attractions and to explore the surroundings, you can rely on punctual and efficient public transport.
• What to do with children : If you are traveling with children, you certainly cannot miss a boat ride on the lake, a day in the midst of nature in the surrounding area and the Transport Museum!