We were captivated by our first visit to Lucerne during our road trip through Switzerland on the way to Italy, so we returned for another look around on a more comprehensive journey through Switzerland. Lucerne is a beautiful Swiss town you must visit.
Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s finest towns. The city sits on a lake surrounded by majestic mountains and an old town, where you can spend hours ambling through its squares and alleyways.
A brief history of Lucerne
From a small fishing village, Lucerne grew after a monastery was established nearby in 750. It was only after a major trading route to Italy opened in the 13th century, passing through the village, that Lucerne grew in prominence.
In the early 16th century, Lucerne was the only major Swiss town to reject the Reformation and soon became a power within the Catholic religion in Switzerland.
While the rest of Switzerland thrived in industrialisation during the 19th century, Lucerne transformed itself into a major tourist destination. Grand hotels and infrastructure were built to attract discerning travellers.
While the new infrastructure was being developed, many old buildings and fortifications were destroyed to make way for the Neustadt(new city quarter). The city did preserve its 14th-century northern wall and towers. These are open to the public to visit during the summer months.
Our favourite things to do in Lucerne
Take a stroll along Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
Lucerne’s most famous landmark is, without doubt, the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge). The oldest covered bridge in Europe spans the River Ruess linking the new town to the old on the right bank.
Built in 1365, the bridge was part of the city’s fortifications. One of the main features of the bridge is the paintings on the gables as you walk along the bridge. Being the only cities in Switzerland to remain Catholic and eager to maintain their faith, the city authorities commissioned paintings recounting the lives of saints as a reminder for townsfolk.
A fire in 1993 nearly destroyed the bridge. Such was the support for the restoration of this major landmark that it was completed within one year.
A walk along the bridge will be the highlight of your time in Lucerne!
Walk over the lesser-known Mill Bridge (Spreuebrücke)
Built in the 16th century, the Spreuer Bridge is worth walking over.
You’ll find it further away from the lakeside next to the old mill’s water wheel. Paintings similar to the Chapel Bridge line the walk. Fire did not destroy this bridge, so you’ll be looking at the originals as you walk over it. And, it’s a part of the city that few tourists visit.
Wander through Lucerne’s Altstadt
You’ll understand why Lucerne is Switzerland’s prettiest city when you take a wander around Lucerne’s old town (Altstadt). Pass through lanes and alleys to reach delightful squares surrounded by buildings with exquisitely decorated facades. You’ll want to stop and linger to really appreciate the beauty of each building.
We’ve listed a couple of our favourite squares below.
Kornmarkt
The highlight of Kornmarkt is Lucerne’s Town Hall, one of the country’s prettiest buildings. The Town Hall was built in the early 17th century and can also be accessed from the Rathausquai alongside the Ruess River, where weekly markets are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Weinmarkt
Originally hosting the city’s fish market, this square transitioned to become the heart of the city’s wine, spice and textile trade. One of the highlights in the square is the Fritschi Fountain, with its ornate figurines standing at its centre.
Sternenplatz
A small square is, in our opinion, one of Lucerne’s most picturesque. Stand back and gaze at the painted murals adorning each of the square’s buildings.
Hirschenplatz
Another charming square in the old town. The square is named after a medieval inn which stood in the heart of this square. The inn has long since disappeared, but the square still has a lot to offer the eye.
Stroll the lakeside promenade
Escape the bustling old town by taking a walk along the tree-lined lakeside promenade. Take a break, sit on a bench seat and marvel at the views as majestic mountains frame Lake Lucerne. Prepare to be amazed at the magnificent scenery all around you!
Take a turn around Lucerne’s Neustadt
From the Altstadt and lakeside promenade, stroll over the Seebrücke where the Ruess River flows into Lake Lucerne. You’ll find yourself in the Neustadt and in front of Lucerne’s Railway Station and the city’s impressive Congress and Culture Centre building.
Stroll along Banhofstrasse, where you’ll find yourself looking across at the beautiful Altstadt and the city’s ramparts on the hills above. Further along, you’ll find another of Lucerne’s jewels, the Baroque Jesuitenkirche. Easily recognisable by its steeples, the Jesuit church was the first sacred building in Switzerland to be built in the Baroque style.
If you have time…
Walk along the old city walls
While we didn’t have the opportunity to walk the city walls and visit the four remaining towers, it was highly recommended to do so in all the recommendations we read before visiting Lucerne.
The walls, or Museggmauer as they are more commonly known, were built in the 14th century to protect the city. The towers are open to the public in the summer months and free to climb for some of the best views you’ll find over the city.
The viewpoint also offers one of the closest views of the fairytale castle, Château Gutsch, which sits high on the hills overlooking Lucerne.
Make a day trip to Mount Pilatus
Mt Pilatus’ peaks are visible from Lucerne. It’s the highest and most rugged of Lucerne’s three mountains, and if you’re looking to make a day trip while staying in the city, then a trip to the peak is ideal.
There are some options to reach the peak, depending on the time of year you are visiting Lucerne, including any combination of bus, gondola, cogwheel train, train and boat.
You can find more details on visiting Mt Pilatus at this link.
In case you’re interested
We stayed in a couple of underrated northern Swiss towns on our way to Lucerne. Unless you’ve arrived on a river cruise, most people are not inclined to visit Basel. And, many visitors don’t linger in the Swiss capital of banking and finance, Zurich. Both are worthy of staying a night or two. Read more about why we loved staying in these two wonderful cities by clicking on the links below.
