Lucerne
★ 4.7🇨🇭 LucerneSuggested visit 1 dayBest season May to October, when boats and mountain railways run
Historic siteLakeCity walk
A lakeside old town famous for its covered wooden bridge and the Lion Monument, the classic Swiss city day trip.
Overview
At the north-western end of Lake Lucerne, the old town keeps its medieval walls and towers. The Kapellbrücke, built in the 14th century, is among the oldest surviving wooden bridges in Europe, with 17th-century painted panels under its gables. The Lion Monument, the Musegg Wall and the Jesuit Church are also here, and boats cross the lake to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi.
History
Founded in the 13th century and a member of the Swiss Confederacy from 1332, it was long a transport and trade hub north of the Alps; the Kapellbrücke was rebuilt after a partial fire in 1993.
Highlights
- •The Kapellbrücke and its painted panels
- •The Lion Monument
- •The Musegg Wall
- •Boat trips on Lake Lucerne
Practical tips
- •The bridge is quietest for photos in the morning
- •The world's steepest cogwheel railway climbs Mount Pilatus
Practical information
- Best time
- May-October
- Tickets
- The old town is free; lake cruises about CHF 30
- Opening hours
- Old town open all day
- Local food
- Cheese fondue, Chügelipastete, chocolate
- Getting around
- About 45 minutes by train from Zurich.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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