Sights to See
The following is a curated list of sights that all travellers should have the chance to visit while in Lucerne…
Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)
The beautiful Chapel Bridge is the most iconic attraction of Lucerne. Initially built in 1360 as part of the city fortifications, the covered wooden footbridge crosses the River Reuss diagonally, linking the Lucerne Theatre on the south side with St Peter’s Chapel (its namesake) on the north side. The bridge, which is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, is famous for its series of triangular paintings that hang from the rafters. The 17th century paintings by Hans Heinrich Wägmann, illustrate the history of the Swiss Confederation and depict the patron saints of Lucerne, as well as St Leger and St Maurice. Tragically, in 1993 a fire destroyed much of the bridge as well as many of the original artworks. Although the bridge was quickly repaired, today just 62 of the original 158 paintings are still hanging. Partially along the bridge, though built several decades before the bridge, you’ll find the wasserturm (water tower). Octagonal in shape and standing 34 metres high, the water tower has had many uses over the centuries. These include a home for archives, a treasury and a prison. The bridge today is 205 metres long and makes for a lovely stroll across the river while offering great views of the city. The best views in Lucerne though, must surely be of the bridge itself, colourful flowers streaming down the sides, with the lovely Medieval buildings of the city behind and the majestic Alps in the distance.
Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument)
A walk Just five minutes walk through the Old Town and away from the lake, will take you to the renowned Löwendenkmal, Lion Monument. Designed by the Danish artist Bertel Thorwaldsen in 1820, the monument is a 10 metre by 6 metre carving of a dying lion that has been sculpted out of the natural rock wall surface. The monument commemorates the tragic deaths of over 700 Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution. Surrounded by greenery and with a reflecting pond at the base of the sculpture, it makes for a sombre and poignant experience. So much so that the noted American writer Mark Twain wrote that the sculpture was “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”.
Old Town
While not a specific sight or attraction, exploring the Old Town of Lucerne will be one of the most rewarding experiences during your time in Lucerne. The Old Town is made up of narrow and winding cobblestone roads and pretty squares like Weinmarkt and Kapellplatz with their tinkling fountains. The entire area is full of bustling cafés, restaurants and boutiques. The well-preserved medieval buildings are often half-timbered and many feature beautiful painted frescoes. Every Tuesday and Saturday, markets are held along the river banks where you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and cheese, among other things. Don’t forget to visit some of the lovely historic churches throughout the Old Town including the Hofkirche with its twin 16th century towers.
Lake Lucerne
Known locally as Vierwaldstättersee, the Lake of the Four Forested Settlements, Lake Lucerne is a picturesque lake and a trip out on the lake is the perfect way to explore the stunning Swiss scenery. There are multiple options for getting out on the lake, either by paddle wheel steamer or saloon vessel. From Lucerne you can visit more than 25 towns and villages as well as connect to cable car or train options to get to Mount Pilatus, Rigi, Bürgenstock and Klewenalp. You can also take a one hour round trip called the Panorama-Yacht Saphir which includes an audio commentary. Each vessel has surprisingly good food and drink options as well as heating for the colder months so taking a trip can be a lovely way to spend an afternoon all year round. What better way could there be to take in the majesty of the mountains, beautiful villages and stunning meadows than from the water itself?
Prices depend on how far you would like to travel and whether you have a Swiss Travel Pass or another travel pass such as an Interrail or Eurail pass. The Swiss Travel Pass includes the regularly scheduled journeys (and gets you half price for the one hour round trip) while Interrail and Eurail passes will get you half price tickets for all services.
Verkehrshaus (Swiss Transport Museum)
Lidostrasse 5, 6006 Luzern
The Swiss Transport Museum was established in 1959 with the aim to collect and display the key transportation technologies used since the 19th century. Today the museum offers a huge exhibition space featuring over 3000 objects related to transport by road, rail, sea, aerial cableway, aviation and space. The museum showcases original locomotives and rolling stock, dozens of vehicles on 2, 3 and 4 wheels, aeroplanes, and even full-size Mars rovers. It also includes railway, flight and air traffic simulators, models including a scale model of the Gotthard railway and many more fascinating displays and objects. The museum also houses Switzerland’s largest planetarium and largest cinema screen, as well as a chocolate museum. Just out of the central city on the banks of Lake Lucerne, the Swiss Transport Museum is the most visited museum in Switzerland and really is a fascinating and enjoyable experience.
There are several easy methods to get to the museum including by train, bus and boat or it is a pleasant 30 minute stroll along the lakeside promenade from the train station.
Tickets are CHF 32 and there are discounts for those with the Swiss Travel Pass.
