Lucerne Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Lucerne
Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture surpassed by majestic snowcapped Alps, Lucerne is one of the prettiest cities in Switzerland. Sitting compactly on the shore of the eponymous lake, its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by a 14-century rampart called Museggmauer (Musegg Wall).
The town grew around St Leodegar Abbey, established in 840 AD, on the territory known then as Luciaria. The origin of that name is uncertain – possibly derived from the Latin word for pike, lucius, thus designating a pike fishing spot in the river Reuss. The more popular etymology, however, associates it with Latin lucerna, which means "lantern".
In 1178 the town acquired independence and gained importance as a strategic gateway for commerce. It was among the growing towns of the Swiss confederacy, and especially popular in attracting new residents. In 1798, nine years after the beginning of the French Revolution, the French army marched into Switzerland, causing the collapse of the old confederacy and establishing democratic government.
In the second half of the 19th century Lucerne became a popular destination for artists, royalty and people of prominence. The German composer Richard Wagner settled here in 1866; British Queen Victoria boosted the city by her visit in 1868; and the American writer Mark Twain further popularized Lucerne in his travel writings after visiting twice, in 1878 and 1897.
Lucerne's status as a fashionable destination led to it becoming one of the first centers of modern-style tourism. Some of the city's most recognizable buildings are from that period, such as Lucerne Railway Station built in 1896.
Straddling the Reuss where it drains the lake, Lucerne has a number of bridges. The most famous of them is the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) – the oldest covered bridge in Europe, built in 1333. Further downriver there is another landmark overpass, the Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrücke), constructed in 1408.
The twin needle towers of the Church of St. Leodegar, which was named after the city's patron saint, sit on a small hill just above the lake front. Originally built in 735, the present Renaissance-style structure was erected in 1639.
Another not-to-miss local attraction is the carving of a dying lion (the Lion Monument, or Löwendenkmal) found in a small park just off the Löwenplatz.
To explore these and other major sights of Lucerne in more detail, take our self-guided introduction walk and enjoy yourself!
The town grew around St Leodegar Abbey, established in 840 AD, on the territory known then as Luciaria. The origin of that name is uncertain – possibly derived from the Latin word for pike, lucius, thus designating a pike fishing spot in the river Reuss. The more popular etymology, however, associates it with Latin lucerna, which means "lantern".
In 1178 the town acquired independence and gained importance as a strategic gateway for commerce. It was among the growing towns of the Swiss confederacy, and especially popular in attracting new residents. In 1798, nine years after the beginning of the French Revolution, the French army marched into Switzerland, causing the collapse of the old confederacy and establishing democratic government.
In the second half of the 19th century Lucerne became a popular destination for artists, royalty and people of prominence. The German composer Richard Wagner settled here in 1866; British Queen Victoria boosted the city by her visit in 1868; and the American writer Mark Twain further popularized Lucerne in his travel writings after visiting twice, in 1878 and 1897.
Lucerne's status as a fashionable destination led to it becoming one of the first centers of modern-style tourism. Some of the city's most recognizable buildings are from that period, such as Lucerne Railway Station built in 1896.
Straddling the Reuss where it drains the lake, Lucerne has a number of bridges. The most famous of them is the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) – the oldest covered bridge in Europe, built in 1333. Further downriver there is another landmark overpass, the Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrücke), constructed in 1408.
The twin needle towers of the Church of St. Leodegar, which was named after the city's patron saint, sit on a small hill just above the lake front. Originally built in 735, the present Renaissance-style structure was erected in 1639.
Another not-to-miss local attraction is the carving of a dying lion (the Lion Monument, or Löwendenkmal) found in a small park just off the Löwenplatz.
To explore these and other major sights of Lucerne in more detail, take our self-guided introduction walk and enjoy yourself!
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Lucerne Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Lucerne Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Switzerland » Lucerne (See other walking tours in Lucerne)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 12
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Author: doris
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Switzerland » Lucerne (See other walking tours in Lucerne)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 12
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Author: doris
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Lucerne Railway Station
- Rosengart Collection
- Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche)
- Chapel Bridge
- Rathaus (Town Hall)
- Spreuer Bridge
- Museggmauer (Musegg Wall)
- Bourbaki Panorama
- Lion Monument
- Glacier Garden
- Church of St. Leodegar
- Lake Lucerne Promenade
1) Lucerne Railway Station (must see)
The Lucerne Railway Station is the main hub of Switzerland's rail network. It serves domestic and international traffic on several rail lines. The station is located in a waterfront location on the south side of Lake Lucerne just above the outflow of the Reuss river. A square occupies the area between the front of the station and the lakefront, and is heavily used by the local buses. The landing stages used by the passenger ships are located at the lakeside of the square, providing interchange between rail and water transport. An underground shopping mall lies below both the concourse of the railway station and the square.
The station building was built in 1896. It featured an amazing entrance hall with a distinctive cupola and an elegant curved roof. A fire broke out in 1971 and destroyed much of the building including the cupola, the station frontage and concourse.
A new station was eventually built, and opened on 5 February 1991, exactly 20 years after its predecessor was destroyed. The historic entrance portal facing the lake was re-erected to honor the legacy 1896 building. The portal is crowned by a sculpture named "Zeitgeist" by the well known Swiss sculptor, Richard Kissling.
The station building was built in 1896. It featured an amazing entrance hall with a distinctive cupola and an elegant curved roof. A fire broke out in 1971 and destroyed much of the building including the cupola, the station frontage and concourse.
A new station was eventually built, and opened on 5 February 1991, exactly 20 years after its predecessor was destroyed. The historic entrance portal facing the lake was re-erected to honor the legacy 1896 building. The portal is crowned by a sculpture named "Zeitgeist" by the well known Swiss sculptor, Richard Kissling.
2) Rosengart Collection (must see)
The Rosengart Collection, formerly the Picasso Museum, is fondly visited by art lovers who come to Switzerland. The museum's collections include sculptures, photographs and paintings. The best part is the collection entitled "Picasso, photographed by David Douglas Duncan", which features 200 photographs of Picasso himself. There are also many books and documentary films that reveal every detail of Picasso's life.
The former neoclassical building of the Swiss National Bank, built in 1923-1924 by the Zurich architect Hermann Herter, was bought and converted to he art museum which opened its doors on March 26, 2002.
The ground floor is devoted to the works of Picasso, the basement to those of Paul Klee, the famous Swiss painter with German origin, and the second floor to the works of other artists. The old meeting room of the bank is preserved as it was and accessible to visitors
The Rosengart is an incredible collection of paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries! In no other museum will you be able to enjoy the works of Picasso, Klee, Kandinsky and other masters with such calm and privacy. The collection also includes some of the most beautiful Chagall and Matisse paintings.
Tip:
Start with the video on the top floor, showing how the collection came about, and how Angela Rosengart was introduced to art at an early age by her father, an art dealer.
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am-6pm (Apr–Oct); 11am-5pm (Nov-Mar)
The former neoclassical building of the Swiss National Bank, built in 1923-1924 by the Zurich architect Hermann Herter, was bought and converted to he art museum which opened its doors on March 26, 2002.
The ground floor is devoted to the works of Picasso, the basement to those of Paul Klee, the famous Swiss painter with German origin, and the second floor to the works of other artists. The old meeting room of the bank is preserved as it was and accessible to visitors
The Rosengart is an incredible collection of paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries! In no other museum will you be able to enjoy the works of Picasso, Klee, Kandinsky and other masters with such calm and privacy. The collection also includes some of the most beautiful Chagall and Matisse paintings.
Tip:
Start with the video on the top floor, showing how the collection came about, and how Angela Rosengart was introduced to art at an early age by her father, an art dealer.
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am-6pm (Apr–Oct); 11am-5pm (Nov-Mar)
3) Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche) (must see)
The Lucerne Jesuit Church is a Catholic church in Lucerne. It is the first large Baroque church built in Switzerland north of the Alps.
The Jesuit order, founded by Ignatius of Loyola in 1534, were active participants in the Counter-Reformation, the Catholic fight against the birth of Protestantism. Protestant reformers such as Zwingli in Zurich and Calvin in Geneva divided the predominately Catholic Switzerland. In response, the Jesuits were called in to Lucerne by the city council in 1573 to establish a college.
Ludwig Pfyffer, mayor of Lucerne, offered annual financial support to the Jesuits out of his private funds. The Jesuit College of Lucerne was established in 1577 in Ritter Palace, a building originally erected in 1557 as a residence for mayor Lux Ritter.
Construction on the associated church began in 1667. By 1673 the shell of the church and the main façade were completed. The church was consecrated in 1677, though the interior was not yet really finished. Several side altars were still missing and even the high altar was only erected four years later, due to financial problems. The onion topped towers were not completed until 1893. The vault was redecorated in the mid-18th century. The original vestments of Brother Klaus, a famous Swiss patron, are stored in the inner chapel.
Today while the church looks very pleasing from outside along the river promenade, the rich, unchanged interior in pink and white is what really stands out. It is free to enter and once you do, you will see one of most amazing churches in all of Switzerland.
Opening Hours: daily: 6:30am-6:30pm
The Jesuit order, founded by Ignatius of Loyola in 1534, were active participants in the Counter-Reformation, the Catholic fight against the birth of Protestantism. Protestant reformers such as Zwingli in Zurich and Calvin in Geneva divided the predominately Catholic Switzerland. In response, the Jesuits were called in to Lucerne by the city council in 1573 to establish a college.
Ludwig Pfyffer, mayor of Lucerne, offered annual financial support to the Jesuits out of his private funds. The Jesuit College of Lucerne was established in 1577 in Ritter Palace, a building originally erected in 1557 as a residence for mayor Lux Ritter.
Construction on the associated church began in 1667. By 1673 the shell of the church and the main façade were completed. The church was consecrated in 1677, though the interior was not yet really finished. Several side altars were still missing and even the high altar was only erected four years later, due to financial problems. The onion topped towers were not completed until 1893. The vault was redecorated in the mid-18th century. The original vestments of Brother Klaus, a famous Swiss patron, are stored in the inner chapel.
Today while the church looks very pleasing from outside along the river promenade, the rich, unchanged interior in pink and white is what really stands out. It is free to enter and once you do, you will see one of most amazing churches in all of Switzerland.
Opening Hours: daily: 6:30am-6:30pm
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
4) Chapel Bridge (must see)
The Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden foot bridge spanning diagonally across the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne. Named after the nearby St. Peter's Chapel, the bridge is unique since it contains a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century, although many of them were destroyed along with most of the centuries-old bridge in a 1993 fire. Subsequently restored, the Chapel Bridge is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, as well as the world's oldest surviving truss bridge. It serves as the city's symbol and as one of Switzerland's best known tourist attractions.
The bridge itself was originally built in 1333 as part of Lucerne's fortifications. It linked the old town on the right bank of the Reuss to the new town on the left bank, securing the city from attack from the south of the Lake Lucerne. The bridge initially had a length of over 200 meters (660 ft), but due to numerous shortenings throughout the years and river bank replenishments, the bridge today totals 170 meters (560 ft) in length.
Lucerne is unique in that its three wooden pedestrian bridges, the 14th-century Hof Bridge (now destroyed) and Chapel Bridge and the 16th-century Spreuer Bridge, all featured painted interior triangular frames. None of Europe's other wooden footbridges have this feature. The paintings on the Chapel Bridge date back to the 17th century and were executed by local Catholic painter Hans Heinrich Wagmann, and they depict events from Lucerne's history. Of the original 147 paintings existed before the 1993 fire, 30 were fully restored.
Tip:
Experience it at night with the city lights, swans, flowers and romantic atmosphere. Both banks are full of great shopping and fantastic restaurants.
The bridge itself was originally built in 1333 as part of Lucerne's fortifications. It linked the old town on the right bank of the Reuss to the new town on the left bank, securing the city from attack from the south of the Lake Lucerne. The bridge initially had a length of over 200 meters (660 ft), but due to numerous shortenings throughout the years and river bank replenishments, the bridge today totals 170 meters (560 ft) in length.
Lucerne is unique in that its three wooden pedestrian bridges, the 14th-century Hof Bridge (now destroyed) and Chapel Bridge and the 16th-century Spreuer Bridge, all featured painted interior triangular frames. None of Europe's other wooden footbridges have this feature. The paintings on the Chapel Bridge date back to the 17th century and were executed by local Catholic painter Hans Heinrich Wagmann, and they depict events from Lucerne's history. Of the original 147 paintings existed before the 1993 fire, 30 were fully restored.
Tip:
Experience it at night with the city lights, swans, flowers and romantic atmosphere. Both banks are full of great shopping and fantastic restaurants.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
5) Rathaus (Town Hall)
The Lucerne Town Hall, known as Rathaus, is an Italian Renaissance style building that is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Lucerne. Construction began on Rathaus in 1602 and was completed in 1606. It was designed by architect Anton Isenmann.
Rathaus is located in the heart of Old Town. Its location on the River Reuss offers perfect photo ops for visitors who want a great view of the Chapel Bridge. This is particularly true on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6 AM to 1 PM when market stalls open and tourists can partake in shopping while admiring the architecture.
Inside the building, visitors will find an exhibit hall and a concert hall. They may view the paintings and coffered ceilings from long ago as they find their way to the dovecote. Located in the Rathaus attic, the dovecote lets visitors both watch and feed the birds. They can even enjoy an exhibit that details the history of the Rathaus doves.
Rathaus is located in the heart of Old Town. Its location on the River Reuss offers perfect photo ops for visitors who want a great view of the Chapel Bridge. This is particularly true on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6 AM to 1 PM when market stalls open and tourists can partake in shopping while admiring the architecture.
Inside the building, visitors will find an exhibit hall and a concert hall. They may view the paintings and coffered ceilings from long ago as they find their way to the dovecote. Located in the Rathaus attic, the dovecote lets visitors both watch and feed the birds. They can even enjoy an exhibit that details the history of the Rathaus doves.
6) Spreuer Bridge (must see)
Spreuer Bridge is a covered, wooden footbridge that begins in the Mills Square in old town and ends in Pfister Alley. Also called the Mills Bridge, it is a popular spot for tourists who wish to see both the stunning architecture and the interior paintings.
The original bridge was constructed in the 13th century but was destroyed by a flood in 1566. It was rebuilt shortly thereafter, which was when the paintings were added. The paintings are the largest known paintings of the Dance of Death during the late Middle Ages.
Kaspar Meglinger directed the 67 paintings from 1616 to 1637. Most paintings contain information about the donors, including their names and family coat-of-arms. Some also have portraits of the donors. Forty-five of those paintings have survived. The paintings at Spreuer Bridge have also created the nickname "The Dance of Death Bridge."
Visitors are welcome to walk across the pedestrian bridge at any time, though the paintings are best viewed with natural daylight.
The original bridge was constructed in the 13th century but was destroyed by a flood in 1566. It was rebuilt shortly thereafter, which was when the paintings were added. The paintings are the largest known paintings of the Dance of Death during the late Middle Ages.
Kaspar Meglinger directed the 67 paintings from 1616 to 1637. Most paintings contain information about the donors, including their names and family coat-of-arms. Some also have portraits of the donors. Forty-five of those paintings have survived. The paintings at Spreuer Bridge have also created the nickname "The Dance of Death Bridge."
Visitors are welcome to walk across the pedestrian bridge at any time, though the paintings are best viewed with natural daylight.
7) Museggmauer (Musegg Wall) (must see)
The historic city wall was once part of the fortification of Lucerne. Today Musegg Wall is a beautiful reminder of the past that can be explored up close or viewed from afar.
The wall and nine towers were built in the 13th century. They originally consisted of an inner ring and an outer ring. With much of it still preserved, it is one of the longest defensive walls still standing in the country. Those wishing to walk by the nine towers may do so at anytime as they are all floodlit at night. However, only four are open to public: Mannli, Zyt, Wacht and Schirmer.
Mannli, meaning "little man" is the second tower on the ascending ridge. It was used for military purposes through the end of World War II before it was eventually opened to the public. Wacht Tower, also called Heu Tower, was used for storing gunpowder. It was rebuilt after a 1701 lightning strike caused an explosion. Zyt Tower is a clock tower whose bell, the Leodegar Bell, strikes the hour prior to the city's church clocks. Schirmer Tower holds the city gate.
Musegg Wall and four of its nine towers are open to the public from 8 AM to 7 PM from April through November.
The wall and nine towers were built in the 13th century. They originally consisted of an inner ring and an outer ring. With much of it still preserved, it is one of the longest defensive walls still standing in the country. Those wishing to walk by the nine towers may do so at anytime as they are all floodlit at night. However, only four are open to public: Mannli, Zyt, Wacht and Schirmer.
Mannli, meaning "little man" is the second tower on the ascending ridge. It was used for military purposes through the end of World War II before it was eventually opened to the public. Wacht Tower, also called Heu Tower, was used for storing gunpowder. It was rebuilt after a 1701 lightning strike caused an explosion. Zyt Tower is a clock tower whose bell, the Leodegar Bell, strikes the hour prior to the city's church clocks. Schirmer Tower holds the city gate.
Musegg Wall and four of its nine towers are open to the public from 8 AM to 7 PM from April through November.
8) Bourbaki Panorama (must see)
The Bourbaki Panorama is a giant, panoramic painting that pays homage to the internment of the 87,000 French Bourbaki soldiers who made their way from Prussia to Switzerland during the winter of 1871. The artist, Edouard Castres, had a first-hand account of this occurrence. He created the painting after seeing the horrors of war as a Red Cross worker.
The incident happened during the Franco-Prussian War. General Charles Bourbaki's French forces fled to Switzerland. They were starving and facing disease, but the Swiss army found homes for them where they could rest during the harsh winter.
The Bourbaki Panorama is on a 112x10 meter canvas. It is thought to be the inspiration for 360 degree filming and virtual reality due to its size and shape. Visitors can go to the museum to see this important painting any day of the week. It opens at 10 am throughout the year. The museum closes at 5 pm from November to March and at 6 pm from April through October.
Tip:
The Bourbaki Panorama is actually comprised of two levels; the first is a video/slide presentation (plus several artifacts), while the upper level is a spectacular 3D presentation with life-size figures in front of the actual painting. Be sure to study the story in order to understand the situation depicted.
The incident happened during the Franco-Prussian War. General Charles Bourbaki's French forces fled to Switzerland. They were starving and facing disease, but the Swiss army found homes for them where they could rest during the harsh winter.
The Bourbaki Panorama is on a 112x10 meter canvas. It is thought to be the inspiration for 360 degree filming and virtual reality due to its size and shape. Visitors can go to the museum to see this important painting any day of the week. It opens at 10 am throughout the year. The museum closes at 5 pm from November to March and at 6 pm from April through October.
Tip:
The Bourbaki Panorama is actually comprised of two levels; the first is a video/slide presentation (plus several artifacts), while the upper level is a spectacular 3D presentation with life-size figures in front of the actual painting. Be sure to study the story in order to understand the situation depicted.
9) Lion Monument (must see)
The Lion Monument, or the Lion of Lucerne, is a rock relief in Lucerne. It was created in 1820 to commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. It is one of the most famous monuments in Switzerland, visited annually by about 1.4 million tourists.
From the early 17th century, a regiment of Swiss Guards had served as part of the Royal Army of France. On August 10th 1792, revolutionaries stormed the palace. Fighting broke out spontaneously after the royal family had been escorted from the Tuileries to take refuge with the Legislative Assembly. The Swiss Guards ran low on ammunition and were overwhelmed by the revolutionaries who had superior numbers.
Around 760 of the Swiss Guards defending the Tuileries were killed during the fighting or massacred after surrender. An estimated two hundred more died in prison of their wounds or were killed during the September Massacres that followed.
The monument is carved into the cliff face, it measures a staggering ten meters in length and six meters in height. The Lion Monument is dedicated "to the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss". The dying lion is portrayed impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the symbol of the French monarchy. Beside the lion is another shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland.
Mark Twain called the sculpture of a mortally-wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."
From the early 17th century, a regiment of Swiss Guards had served as part of the Royal Army of France. On August 10th 1792, revolutionaries stormed the palace. Fighting broke out spontaneously after the royal family had been escorted from the Tuileries to take refuge with the Legislative Assembly. The Swiss Guards ran low on ammunition and were overwhelmed by the revolutionaries who had superior numbers.
Around 760 of the Swiss Guards defending the Tuileries were killed during the fighting or massacred after surrender. An estimated two hundred more died in prison of their wounds or were killed during the September Massacres that followed.
The monument is carved into the cliff face, it measures a staggering ten meters in length and six meters in height. The Lion Monument is dedicated "to the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss". The dying lion is portrayed impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the symbol of the French monarchy. Beside the lion is another shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland.
Mark Twain called the sculpture of a mortally-wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
10) Glacier Garden (must see)
Glacier Garden is the place to go to learn as much as possible about ice age glaciers. Visitors will walk through the museum and gardens where they will find the Rock Adventure Trail, which allows them to effectively walk through the rock and see how it was formed during the Ice Age.
The museum is in a traditional Swiss house. It has an 18th century mountain relief map, which is the oldest in the world. There is also an interactive relief map of Switzerland. After going through the museum, visitors can see themselves in the Mirror Mazer. Made from 90 mirrors, this 19th century maze offers a fun and interesting distraction.
An Observation Tower provides stunning views of Lucerne. Visitors can also find a the perfect area in the park to rest or have an outdoor picnic.
Glacier Garden is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer season and from 10 am to 5 pm through the winter months.
The museum is in a traditional Swiss house. It has an 18th century mountain relief map, which is the oldest in the world. There is also an interactive relief map of Switzerland. After going through the museum, visitors can see themselves in the Mirror Mazer. Made from 90 mirrors, this 19th century maze offers a fun and interesting distraction.
An Observation Tower provides stunning views of Lucerne. Visitors can also find a the perfect area in the park to rest or have an outdoor picnic.
Glacier Garden is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer season and from 10 am to 5 pm through the winter months.
11) Church of St. Leodegar (must see)
The Church of St. Leodegar is a 17th century Roman Catholic church. The building was completed in 1639, though the history of the church can be traced as far back as the 8th century.
An older church known as Monastarium Luciaria once stood on the site where the Church of St. Leodegar now stands. It was built around 735 or 736 AE and had many years of patronage. Unfortunately, that building burned in 1633. All that was left behind were two Romanesque towers.
Many consider the Church of St. Leodegar to be the most important example of a church using Renaissance architecture in Switzerland. It is also notable for its organ, which was built in 1640. At the time of its original built, the organ had the tallest and heaviest pipe in the world. It was extended in 1862 and again in the 1970s. There are now 7,374 pipes and 111 registers.
Visitors who wish to see the Church of St. Leodegar may visit on weekdays from 8 am to noon and from 2 PM to 5 pm.
An older church known as Monastarium Luciaria once stood on the site where the Church of St. Leodegar now stands. It was built around 735 or 736 AE and had many years of patronage. Unfortunately, that building burned in 1633. All that was left behind were two Romanesque towers.
Many consider the Church of St. Leodegar to be the most important example of a church using Renaissance architecture in Switzerland. It is also notable for its organ, which was built in 1640. At the time of its original built, the organ had the tallest and heaviest pipe in the world. It was extended in 1862 and again in the 1970s. There are now 7,374 pipes and 111 registers.
Visitors who wish to see the Church of St. Leodegar may visit on weekdays from 8 am to noon and from 2 PM to 5 pm.
12) Lake Lucerne Promenade
The Lake Lucerne Promenade is arguably the best place in the city to take an easy walk. Visitors can join the locals as they stroll along the shore of Lake Lucerne. They can stop to watch the boats, gaze at the Alps, play games or sample one of the local restaurants. Many tourists simply enjoy having a place to sit and relax.
Some of the most popular draws of the Lake Lucerne Promenade are the summer concerts. Free, public concerts are available in the pavilion to anyone who wishes to enjoy listening to music in the open air. This tradition has been going strong since 1908. The evening concerts take place from May to September on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:15 PM. Morning concerts are available at 10:15 AM.
The promenade is in a central location that has easy to access to other tourist sites. Visitors to Lucerne can easily add a side trip to the promenade as they explore the Church of St. Leodegar, which is only a three minute walk. Just a bit further is the Bourbaki Panorama. Neither should be missed on a trip to Lucerne.
Some of the most popular draws of the Lake Lucerne Promenade are the summer concerts. Free, public concerts are available in the pavilion to anyone who wishes to enjoy listening to music in the open air. This tradition has been going strong since 1908. The evening concerts take place from May to September on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:15 PM. Morning concerts are available at 10:15 AM.
The promenade is in a central location that has easy to access to other tourist sites. Visitors to Lucerne can easily add a side trip to the promenade as they explore the Church of St. Leodegar, which is only a three minute walk. Just a bit further is the Bourbaki Panorama. Neither should be missed on a trip to Lucerne.
Walking Tours in Lucerne, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Lucerne
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lucerne is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lucerne's Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Lucerne's long religious and cultural history is duly reflected in its architecture, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. There are quite a few places in the city that need not strive for attention and can easily catch the eye of any passer-by. Such like are:
The Lucerne Railway Station – an architectural jewel and main hub of the Swiss railway network,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The Lucerne Railway Station – an architectural jewel and main hub of the Swiss railway network,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Lucerne's Towers Walking Tour
Lucerne boasts a wealth of spectacular medieval towers, located in the Musegg Wall area. This former symbol of power forms an impressive city crown, shaping up its skyline, and affording great panoramic views of Lucerne and the eponymous lake, the Reuss river, and the surrounding mountain scenery.
Built in the 13th-14th centuries, the 870-meter wall, complete with its nine towers, is one of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Built in the 13th-14th centuries, the 870-meter wall, complete with its nine towers, is one of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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