|
Background |
Located on the northwest shore of Lake Lucerne, this 700 year old city is considered wealthy and conservative. Its medieval town is a city for pedestrians! Lined with old guild halls, houses, churches and market buildings gaily painted in pastel tones, bridges, narrow streets, towers, squares and, of course, Luzerne's trademark - the Chapel Bridge. Lucerne is often likened to a permanent Disneyland. Although Swiss folklore has its dark side, on the surface they tend to like everything bright, happy and spotlessly clean. | |
|
Ana has
put together some suggested itineraries for you. |
||
 |
|
|
|
1 Day
Tour
|
If You Have 1 Day, take an easygoing walk through a maze of small streets, bridges, promenades and plazas dominated by countless historical towers, fountains and frescoed buildings. Start in the heart of Lucerne at Schwanenplatz (Swan Square), on the north bank of the Reuss River, reached by crossing the Seebrücke bridge from Bahnhofplatz on the south bank, site of the train station. Adjoining the square on the west is Kapellplatz (St. Peter's Church). From here, continue west along Kapellgasse, until you reach the Rathaus (Old Town Hall). Continuing to the left is the Picasso Museum at Am-Rhyn-Haus. After leaving the museum, follow Rathausquai east toward Schwanenplatz again and cross the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), view the Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church), Wasserturm (Water Tower), and Nadelwehr (Water Spikes). Spreuerbrücke (Mills Bridge). Make a sharp right through the Mühlenplatz (Mills Square), site of the 16 century Lucerne markets. Go east down Kramgasse to Altstadtplatze (Old City Squares). From Hirschenplatz, go east along Weggisgasse to Falkenplatz. From Falkenplatz, continue east along Hertensteinstrasse until you come to Löwenplatz - the site of the Bourbaki Panorama. Next you'll go north along Denkmalstrasse - high above your head you'll see one of the most famous statues in the world - the Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument). Now go back to Löwenplatz and head south along Löwenstrasse to the lake and Kurplatz. A few steps east of Schwanenplatz is the site of the Hofkirche (Hof Church) are visible. Kurplatz is a good way to end the tour. It has the best view of the lake from its northern rim. You can also take steamers from this area to visit various resorts along the lake. The view from here includes the lake and the Alps from Rigi to Pilatus. This area is great for exploring and shopping. At the end of the promenade is the Lido (beach), called Lucerne's "Riviera." | |
|
2 Day Tour
|
If You Have 2 Days, spend the first day as outlined above. On the second day rent a bike for the Train Station (open 7am to 7:45pm) and ride along the north shore of Lake Lucerne. The tourist office will provide a map and you can set off from the Lucerne train station heading for St. Niklausen and Kastanienbaum in the direction of Tribschen. If you have time, visit the Richard Wagner Museum. The most beautiful part is along the lake to Winkel-Horw beach where you can go swimming on Lake Lucerne if the temperature is right. The duration of this 8-mile (13km) ride, including the return to Lucerne, should take about 1 1/2 hours. Or take along a picnic lunch and make a day of it! | |
|
3 Day Tour |
If You Have 3 Days, spend the first 2 days as outlined above. On the third day, take a steamboat to visit various resorts along the lake. Lake Luzern is fascinating for its picturesque beauty of landscape and its historic sites. 20 boats - 5 of them are nostalgic steamwheelers - enable you to take round trips as well as endless excursion possibilities and combinations with mountain railways along the lake. Boat cruises are free if you have a Eurail or InterRail pass. For more information visit www.lakelucerne.ch | |
|
4 Day Tour
|
If You Have 4 Days, spend the first 3 days as outlined above. On the fourth day take a major mountain excursion to Mount Pilatus, a 7,000-foot (2,100m) summit overlooking Lucerne. Take the bus at railway bus station, platform 1 to Kriens. After a brief walk from the bus station a smooth and pleasant gondola ride will take you up the mountain from Kriens to the base station Fräkmüntegg. This is the ideal starting point for various hiking trips or taking a toboggan run. Continue on to the summit of Pilatus with an enjoyable ride up the cable car or hike up the mountain (approx. 2:45 hrs.). Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Alps while savoring a typical Swiss fondue and listening to Swiss Folklore. You may also try to blow the longest playable alphorn in the world. (Daily June 1st to Sept. 30th from 12:00 - 1:00 PM). Then board the "steepest cogwheel railway in the world" to Alpnachstad where, if time allows, you may take a boat ride (90 min) back to Lucerne, or you can board the train back to Lucerne. The pier and the railway station are next to the base station of the cogwheel. | |
|
5 Day Tour
|
If You Have 5 Days, spend the first 4 days as outlined above. On the fifth visit Mount Rigi. You may reach Rigi Kulm by cogwheel train from Arth-Goldau (take the train from Lucerne) or Vitznau (boatride from Lucerne). Another option is the aerial cableway from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad which operates daily at half-hour intervals. From Rigi Kaltbad continue by cogwheel railway to Rigi Kulm. Mt. Rigi is a traffic free recreation resort and offers an extensive network of hiking trails in a scenic landscape with superb panoramic views. For instance the "Rotstock hike" takes you from Rigi Kulm on a 2 hour hike to Rigi Kaltbad. The cog railway will take you back to Vitznau or from Rigi Staffel by cog railway to Arth Goldau. There are many hikes possible ranging from the 1 1/2 hr. Summit walk to the 4 1/2 hr Kulmhütte hike. Always remember to wear good footwear as well as to carry some rain gear just in case. | |
|
|
 |
|
| This is the oldest in Lucerne, built in 1178. In the center of the square is a fountain commemorating Carnival revelry in Lucerne. | ||
|
Rathaus (Old Town Hall) |
Built between 1602 and 1606 by Anton Isenmann in Italian Renaissance style and covered with a Bern farmhouse roof for weather purposes. The open arcades facing the Reuss still serve today as a weekly marketplace. The Kornschütte hall opposite an earlier trading goods store is used today as a concert and exhibition locale.The town hall has impressive masonry, a tremendous roof, and a tall rectangular tower. The tower is a good vantage point from which to survey the crowded market scene on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. | |
|
The Picasso Museum is
one of the city's most beautiful 1618 Renaissance-style building, the
historic Am-Rhyn-House. An extraordinary collection of important works
displayed on three levels, include paintings, drawings, original prints,
sculpture, and ceramics by Picasso from the last 20 years of his life. Works
include Woman and Dog Playing (1953), Woman Dressing Her Hair
(1954), The Studio (1955), Rembrandtesque Figure and Cupid
(1969), and a sculpture, Woman with a Hat (1961). Also on
display is an exciting exhibit "Picassso, photographed by David
Douglas Duncan" with nearly 200 photos. Address: Furrengrasse 21 Phone: 041 410 35 33 Hours: Daily 10am-6pm Admission: 4 CHF Adults, 2 CHF Children Transportation: Bus: 1 |
||
| Constructed first half of the 14th century as a part of the city's fortifications. Named after nearby St. Peter's chapel. The paintings that were added in the 17th century illustrate scenes of Swiss and local history including the biographies of the city's patron saints, Leodegar and Mauritius. | ||
|
Wasserturm (Water Tower) |
This octagonal over 34 meter high (111.5 ft.) tower was built ca. 1300 as part of the city wall. Used as archives, treasury, prison and torture chamber. Luzern's trademark and the most photographed monument in Switzerland. | |
|
Nadelwehr (Water Spikes) |
An unique sight from the technical standpoint. The so-called "spikes" are lowered or withdrawn by hand into the water to regulate the water level. It replaced the Reuss steps in 1859-60 that channeled the water over the city mills. | |
|
Spreuerbrucke (Mills Bridge) |
Was completed in 1408 as a part of the city fortification. Between 1626 and 1635 Kaspar Meglinger added 67 paintings that represent the "Dance of Death", the mural commemorates a plague that swept through the city. Called the Spreuer bridge because chaffs of wheat were thrown in the river here. | |
|
Altstadtplatze (Old City Squares) |
Historical, frescopainted buildings border the old city on the right bank of the Reuss at a few picturesque squares. The Weinmarkt, where the Luzerners swore a federal oath with Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, is especially attractive. Take a few moments and enjoy this old square with a fountain. This is a good place to enjoy a pastry and a fresh cup of coffee. There are many colorful buildings. One interesting building is the Müllersche Apotheke, a "drugstore" from 1530. So are the Hirschenplatz square, named after an old inn from the Middle Ages, and the Kornmarkt square which features the Town Hall and beautifully painted Pfistern guildhall. | |
|
This unique circular
panorama is one of the largest canvases in Europe, covering 11,836 sq.ft.
Painted in 1889 by Edouard Castres and contained in a round building
that was designed especially for it, it depicts the bloody retreat of
the French army into Switzerland during the Franco-Prussian War. This
panorama is an impressive statement against war and a testimony of the
first humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross. Address: Lowenplatz 11 Phone: 041 412 30 30 Hours: Daily 9am-6pm Admission: 6 CHF Adults, 4 CHF Children |
||
|
Lowendenkmal (Lion Monument) |
"The dying Lion of Luzern" is one of the world's most famous monuments. It was hewn out of natural rock in memory of the heroic death of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792. Globetrotter Mark Twain described the Lion of Luzern as "the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world". Carved in deep relief into the sandstone cliff above the town, the monument is an allegorical reference to the bravery of the Swiss Guards who died in the Tuileries of Paris in 1792 trying to save the life and honor of Marie Antoinette. Designed by the great Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, it was dedicated in 1821. | |
|
Hofkirche (Hof Church) |
This is the most important church in the city, named after the patron saint of Lucerne, St. Leodegar and Mauritius. A benedictine monastery was founded here in the 8th century, but was destroyed by fire in 1633. The church, rebuilt 1645, is the most important Renaissance church building in Switzerland. Especially noteworthy are the facade, Mary's alter (with a relief panel from 1500), the souls' altar, the wrought-iron work, carvings, and the famous organ from 1640, with 4,950 pipes. Concerts are presented in the summer. The church also has a beautiful courtyard with arcades. | |
|
Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church) |
First large sacral Baroque building in Switzerland. Constructed in 1666 by Father Christoph Vogler for the Jesuits. 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. | |
|
Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church) |
Typical medieval mendicant architecture. Built second half of 13th century, Gothic style. Most ornate pulpit in Switzerland from the period between Renaissance and Baroque era. Flag frescoes represent Luzern's conquests in the Middle Ages | |
|
Museggmauer (Musegg Wall) |
A part of the rampart walls built in 1386. Wall almost entirely intact. Three towers are open to the public: Schirmer, Zyt and Männli. The oldest city clock built by Hans Luter in 1535 is on the Zyt tower. This clock is privileged to chime every hour one minute before all the other city clocks. | |
|
An outstanding natural
monument with 32 gigantic glacial "potholes" and erratic
blocks from the Ice Age 20,000 years ago, and fossilized shells and palm
leaves from 20 million years ago when ice covered Lake Lucerne. Inside,
the oldest and famous 8th-century relief map of the Alps, and a Swiss
homeland museum with a fun hall of mirrors. A 12-minute film is also
shown to visitors. For more info visit
www.gletschergarten.ch Address: Denkmalstrasse 4 Phone: 041 410 43 40 Hours: May-Oct 15 Tues-Sun 8am-6pm; Mar-Apr and Oct 16-Nov 15 Tues-Sun 9am-5pm; Nov 16-Feb Tues-Sun 10:30am-4:30pm Admission: 8 CHF Adults, 4 CHF Children Transportation: Bus: 1 |
||
|
The
Fine Arts Museum includes many paintings by Swiss artists, dating from
the 15th century to the present. Ferdinand Hodler, Dufy and Utrillo are
among those represented. The museum also presents changing exhibits of
modern-day Swiss and international art. For information about current
exhibitions and events, consult the daily press or ask at the tourist
office. For more info visit
www.kunstmuseumluzern.ch Address: Europaplaz 1 Phone: 041 226 78 00 Hours: Wed noon-8pm, Thurs-Sun noon-5pm Admission: 5 CHF Adults, 3 CHF Children Transportation: |
||
|
Former residence of the
famous composer from 1866 to 1872 and composed several works, including
Die Meistersinger. This museum presents an overview of his works, some
original scores and a collection of antique musical instruments. Located
about 2 miles (3km) from the city in the suburb of Tribschen. Address: Wagnerweg 27, Tribschen Phone: 041 360 23 70 Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-noon and 2-5pm Admission: 5 CHF Adults, 3 CHF Children Transportation: In summer, motorboats leave every hour from in front of the railroad station (rail passes are valid for this trip). Bus: 6, 7, or 8 to Wartegg |
||
|
This is the most
comprehensive traffic museum in Europe. A hands-on show unfolds the
story of the development of all forms of transportation and
communication. Hundreds of nostalgic original vehicles, railway cars,
airplanes, automobiles, ships, and spaceships, make this museum very
popular with foreign visitors. Also on display is the oldest steamboat
in the country, the Riga, built in 1847. The most popular exhibition is
a scale model of the construction of the railway tunnel through Gotthard
Pass (a dozen trains move simultaneously). The museum has recently
opened many new attractions, including new rail exhibits and an
adventure ride called the Gotthard Tunnel Show. Address: Lidostrasse 5 Phone: 041 370 44 44 Hours: Apr-Oct daily 9am-6pm; Nov-Mar daily 10am-5pm Admission: 18 CHF Adults, 16 CHF Students & Seniors, 10 CHF Children (Combined entry for Zeiss Planetarium Longines & Hans Erni House) Transportation: Bus: 6 or 8 |
||
|
Attached to the Transport
Museum is the only giant planetarium in Switzerland. Observe the
fascinating star constellations and the immensity of the universe, a
solar and lunar eclipse, and simulated space travel. Address: Lidostrasse 5 Phone: 041 370 44 44 Hours: Apr-Oct daily 9am-6pm; Nov-Mar daily 10am-5pm Admission: 18 CHF Adults, 16 CHF Students & Seniors, 10 CHF Children (Combined entry for Swiss Transport Museum & Hans Erni House) Transportation: Bus: 6 or 8 |
||
|
Attached to the Transport
Museum is the Hans Erni House, containing over 300 paintings, prints,
sculptures and book illustrations by this well-known
native son. Address: Lidostrasse 5 Phone: 041 370 44 44 Hours: Apr-Oct daily 9am-6pm; Nov-Mar daily 10am-5pm Admission: 18 CHF Adults, 16 CHF Students & Seniors, 10 CHF Children (Combined entry for Swiss Transport Museum & Zeiss Planetarium Longines) Transportation: Bus: 6 or 8 |
||
|
Attached to the Transport
Museum, experience some of the most breathtaking sights in needlesharp
focus on the gigantic 19 x 25 meter screen. Tickets available at the
theater or call ticketline 041 375 7575 Address: Lidostrasse 5 Phone: 041 375 75 75 Hours: Apr-Oct daily 9am-6pm; Nov-Mar daily 10am-5pm Admission: 16 CHF Adults, 12 CHF Children Transportation: Bus: 6 or 8 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Lucerne FAQs, Insider Tips and Links |
||
|
If you have any questions, comments, or if you have any full or half day trips you
would like to add, we would be very happy to share them with the
world! |
||
|
|
||
