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Similar to the Old City of Bern, which is home to gorgeous landmarks and picturesque views, Old Town Lucerne is another destination in Switzerland that I find wander-worthy.
I discovered beautiful sights, unique attractions, and best of all, eye-pleasing landmarks that are all free to visit! I simply can’t overstate the amazing experience of wandering through Old Town Lucerne on foot. Don’t miss it, whether you’re visiting Lucerne for just a day, staying in the city for two days, or planning a three-day getaway.
Get this: there is no need to worry about finding these attractions in Old Town Lucerne. I’ve got them plotted on my map, and I’ve included brief descriptions of each attraction for your convenience.
If you’re looking for assistance in exploring Old Town Lucerne, though, a local guide could be just what you need. They can provide amazing insights and tips to help you make the most of your trip to Lucerne.
Map of Old Town Lucerne
The old town of Lucerne is both compact and filled with sights to see. To help navigate, I’ve divided the map of the old town into four sections. This allows me to pinpoint the attractions and show you their exact locations. The four sections are the Reuss River area, the Musegg Wall area, the central part, and the eastern portion of the old town.
Important: The way I’ve divided Lucerne’s old city on the map above doesn’t have any historical or geographical basis. I simply sectioned it off, grouping together the tourist destinations that are closest to each other.
Map of the Reuss River Area in Old Town Lucerne
If you’re traveling by train in Switzerland, you’ll likely visit the attractions along the Reuss River first.
These sites are near the train station, including the Chapel Bridge which is Lucerne’s iconic landmark. A map of the old city is provided below, marking the tourist spots along the Reuss River. In addition to the Chapel Bridge, there is Torbogen Luzern, Rathaus, Jesuit Church, and Spreuer Bridge.
Impressions and tips for exploring the Reuss River of Old Town Lucerne
I find the area around the Reuss River in Lucerne’s old town to be very scenic. You can relax at Rathausquai and watch swans under the flower-decked Chapel Bridge, a favorite spot for photos. You might also enjoy walking on the other bridges over the Reuss River. Their iron railings and old-fashioned street lamps could make you want to take out your camera and snap some pictures. The beautiful house fronts are another highlight. If you find yourself at Jesuitenplatz, you can see their reflections in the Reuss River.
You’ll likely need about 1 to 1.5 hours to leisurely explore the Reuss River area. This includes crossing the river via the Chapel Bridge and Spreuer Bridge, photographing Torbogen Luzern and Rathaus, and visiting the Jesuit Church. But just to give you an idea, you can walk from Torbogen Lucerne to Spreuer Bridge in less than 15 minutes. If you’re quick and don’t dwell on the details, my estimate of 1 to 1.5 hours might be more than you need.
Map Of Central Part of Old Town Lucerne
In the old town of Lucerne, the central area is where you’ll discover charming details. If you’re into exploration and art, you won’t want to miss this part! The “hidden gems” can be found in the town squares indicated below:
Impression and tips for exploring the central area of Old Town Lucerne
These four squares are great examples of typical European city squares. They’re beautiful because they were designed with a focus on aesthetics. As the heart of the city’s political, social, and cultural life, they were made to be visually pleasing, reflecting the city’s wealth and status.
From these squares, you can see some of the city’s most beautiful buildings and charming fountains. The buildings are decorated with impressive murals, some of which are truly breathtaking! These murals, known as Lüftlmalerei, are a traditional Alpine art form. They often show the profession and favorite religious scenes of the people who own the houses.
You can probably explore the squares in the central part of Lucerne’s old town in about 20 minutes. But with so many shops and restaurants in the area, you might want to spend more time there.
Musegg Wall Area Old Town Lucerne
If you’re in Lucerne and want to experience something like a medieval movie, go to the Musegg Wall.
It’s like stepping into a scene from Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. There are 9 towers on the wall, but you can only visit 6 of them because the other 3 are in a private area. Here’s a map showing where the Musegg Wall is in the old town of Lucerne:
What you can expect + tips in visiting Musegg Wall
The Musegg Wall has great spots for seeing the old town. You can go up the towers and walk on the wall. But, it involves a lot of walking and climbing steps. So, wear comfy shoes… Overall, it takes a bit over an hour to climb the towers, walk around, sightsee, and take photos. But, it could be less or more time depending on how quickly you move. For example, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk from the Nölliturm to the Schirmerturm without stopping.
The best photo spots are north of the wall, between the Männliturm and Nölliturm towers. Here, you can get a great shot of the Hotel Château Gütsch with the Musegg Wall towers in the back. Want more tips?
Map Old Town Lucerne, Eastern Part
In the eastern part of Lucerne’s old town, you’ll find two of the most impressive and meaningful works of art: the Lion Monument and the Bourbaki Panorama.
By visiting these, you’ll also be near the Glacier Garden and Hofkirche, another notable landmark. Known as the Church of Saint Leodegar, Hofkirche boasts an imposing facade that makes a beautiful backdrop for a souvenir photo.
If you happen to visit the Church of Saint Leodegar, I recommend also checking out the lakeside promenade for some refreshing and relaxing views. It’s just a few steps away from the Hofkirche. Below is a map of the eastern part of Lucerne’s old town
Tips + expectations in exploring the eastern part of Old Town Lucerne
Each of these tourist attractions typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to visit, except for the Glacier Garden, which usually takes about 2 hours. So, you might need around 3.5 to 4 hours for a relaxed trip to these spots in the eastern part of Lucerne’s old town.
While there’s no specific time you need to visit these places, the Bourbaki Panorama is usually only open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you’re still planning your Lucerne itinerary, I suggest visiting the eastern part of the old town in the afternoon. If you’re there in the summer, when the weather is often wonderful, you might catch a beautiful golden hour view of Lake Lucerne with Mount Pilatus in the background.
Old Town of Lucerne Tourist Attractions
Let me share more about the various attractions in Old Town Lucerne that are highlighted on my map. More information can be found in the resources section of this post.
Featured Guides, Activities, and Experiences
1. Torbogen Luzern
If you take a train to Lucerne, the first thing you’ll notice is Torbogen Luzern. This used to be the main door of Lucerne’s old train station from the 19th century, but a fire in 1971 almost destroyed it. Now, it’s a famous spot known for its big, Renaissance-like design and a sculpture named Zeitgeist on top.
See Torbogen Luzern on the map.
2. Chapel Bridge
The Chapel Bridge is Lucerne’s most iconic landmark, unique enough to be a compelling reason to visit the city. It’s recognized globally because it’s the oldest truss bridge in the world and the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. One of its unique features is the triangular paintings on its gables that narrate the history of the city and of Switzerland. Read my quick guide to the Chapel Bridge for more information.
See the Chapel Bridge on the map.
3. Town Hall of Lucerne
In Lucerne’s Old Town, many beautiful buildings line the Reuss River. Among them is the Town Hall of Lucerne, one of the city’s oldest structures. It dates back to 1602. Located in Rathausquai, this landmark dominates the city’s skyline. It’s worth a quick stop to admire its Italian Renaissance architecture and ornate door, which is a feast for the eyes. I’m particularly fond of its cute door knob, which bears a charming resemblance to a platypus.
See Rathausquai on the map.
4. Jesuit Church
The Jesuit Church is another beautiful building by the Reuss River. If you’ve seen many European churches, the Jesuit Church in Lucerne might seem ordinary at first. But, it’s actually one of the most beautiful churches in Switzerland, especially when you see the inside. The interior is decorated with intricate rococo stucco designs that are truly impressive! This style really showcases the culture of Catholicism. Here’s what you can expect to see inside the Jesuit Church.
See the Jesuit Church on the map.
5. Spreuer Bridge
Back in the day, there were three wooden bridges in Lucerne. The two surviving are the Chapel Bridge and the Spreuer Bridge. Spreuer Bridge is the shorter version of the Chapel Bridge. They both have triangular gable paintings. However, the ones in the Spreuer Bridge are more special because they form one of the largest cycles of Danse Macabre paintings in the world.
See the Spreuer Bridge on the map.
6. Musegg Wall
The Musegg Wall, Lucerne’s largest landmark, is 9 meters tall and stretches 900 meters from the Reuss River to the old town’s east. It’s a remarkably preserved medieval structure that offers a glimpse into the middle ages. Two must-see spots are the Zytturm and Männliturm. The Zytturm, the fifth tower from the river, houses a unique exhibit of clock mechanisms and offers views of the lake, city, and mountains. The Männliturm, the only tower with an open deck, offers a 360-degree panorama of Lucerne. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Musegg Wall.
See Musegg Wall map.
7. Glacier Garden
The Glacier Garden in Lucerne is a haven for natural history lovers, housing a variety of geological and paleontological exhibits, along with diverse flora. Its main attraction is the rock formations, known as “glacial potholes,” resulting from glacial erosion during the Ice Age. What’s more? The garden features a mirror maze, modeled after the Alhambra palace, providing entertainment for all ages. It also boasts a lookout tower, with a unique yet underwhelming view of the city. (The view from Musegg Wall is better)
See Glacier Garden on the map.
8. Lion Monument
The Lion Monument is another renowned landmark in Lucerne, serving as a poignant memorial for Swiss soldiers who perished defending the last French king during the French Revolution. This massive lion sculpture, measuring 10 by 6 meters, powerfully conveys the sorrow and pain of those who lost their loved ones. The lion’s expression resonates deeply with visitors, underscoring its status as a compelling work of art. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Lucerne’s Lion Monument.
See the Lion Monument on the map.
9. Bourbaki Panorama
In Lucerne, the Bourbaki Panorama is a notable historical artwork alongside the Lion Monument. This circular painting, over 100 meters in circumference, portrays the retreat of General Charles Denis Bourbaki’s French army during the Franco-Prussian War. Housed in a custom-built rotunda, it offers an immersive experience as visitors can view the painting from various angles. The panorama depicts scenes from the retreat, including the piling of arms and a Swiss Red Cross wagon. Interestingly, it incorporates 3D figures that blend seamlessly with the painting.
See Bourbaki Panorama on the map.
10. Hofkirche (Church of Saint Leodegar)
Hofkirche stands as a unique architectural attraction, distinguished by its blend of German Renaissance and Gothic styles. Its towering, pointed twin towers are eye-catching from any point along the shores of Lake Lucerne within the city. The facade and main portal of Hofkirche are simply unmissable; perfect for selfies and photo souvenirs. Check this out to see what awaits you inside Hofkirche.
See Hofkirche on the map.
More Information
For the attractions in Lucerne that I didn’t provide links for, you can find more information about them on the following sites.
Plan Your Trip Now
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At the start, I mentioned that Bern and Lucerne are fantastic places to explore on foot. I have another favorite spot that I think you’d also enjoy. It’s called Lauterbrunnen, which I adore for its heavenly appearance. Its beauty is unreal. Truly, you have to see it. Wander here… you won’t regret it! Lauterbrunnen is located in the Jungfrau Region, home to more idyllic villages like Iseltwald, Grindelwald, Mürren, and Gimmelwald.
