Lucerne
The prettiest of Swiss cities - a lakeside old town of painted houses and a famous covered wooden bridge, beneath mountains, gateway to central Switzerland.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Lucerne is the prettiest of Swiss cities, set where the river Reuss leaves its lake beneath a ring of mountains. Its car-free old town of painted facades, frescoed squares and medieval walls is crossed by the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge from the fourteenth century hung with old paintings, the emblem of the city and gateway to the lake steamers and peaks of central Switzerland.
What you actually see
- The Chapel Bridge - the famous covered wooden bridge and its water tower.
- The old town - the painted houses and frescoed squares.
- The Lion Monument - the moving carved lion in the rock.
- Lake Lucerne - the steamers and the mountains of Rigi and Pilatus.
When to go
Spring to autumn for the best weather, lake steamers and mountain excursions; it is a lovely base at any warm-season time. It can be busy with day-trippers and cruise tour groups, so mornings are calmer.
Honest expectations
It is very popular with tour groups and day-trippers, so the old town and the famous bridge get crowded midday; mornings are calmer. Switzerland is expensive. The city is small and seen in a day, best as a base for the surrounding lake and peaks.
Nearby
The peaks of Rigi and Pilatus rise above the lake; the excursion to Mount Titlis is nearby.
What to pack for Lucerne
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
