Lucerne, switzerland
Attractions Guide

Lucerne is a majestic lakefront city located near the foot of the Swiss Alps with many attractions in town as well as the surrounding area. The city sits on the western shore of the massive and extremely scenic Lake Lucerne. Note that all of these attractions can be quite easily reached via car or public transportation from Lucerne.

Walk the streets of the Alstadt Old Town of Lucerne amongst the brilliant baroque and medieval structures, the most iconic of which is the majestic 700 year old Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge connecting the city over the Reuss River with a large medieval tower in the middle. A bit further back along the river from Lake Lucerne is another covered bridge, the lovely Spreuerbruecke Bridge.

Be sure to walk along the Reuss River's edge on both sides of the Old Town to take in the sights, including the baroque Jesuitenkirche church with its highly embellished white interiors. Nearby you can also admire the Altes Luzerner Rathaus, which is the city's old medieval city hall which also features an impressive clocktower.

The northern side of the Old Town is bordered by the stunning well-preserved Museggmauer medieval city walls, which is lined with nine large watch towers, some of which you can climb for views.

Other popular attractions in Lucerne outside of the Old Town include the Church of St. Leodegar with its tall spired roofs (which you can appreciate from outside), as well as the famous Lion Monument carved out of a rock cliff-face, a must-see attraction.

Nearby the Lion Monument is the Gletschergarten, a museum where you can explore ice age boulder deposits, gardens, and an intricate 19th century mirror maze.

Just outside of Lucerne to the east along Lake Lucerne is the massive Swiss Museum of Transport featuring many types of well-presented exhibits, and a bit further is the impressive Meggenhorn Castle best enjoyed from outside, which features gardens and great views over the lake.

The nearest mountain to Lucerne is Mount Pilatus to the southwest, which can be reached via gondola lifts from Kriens, a suburb of Lucerne. From Mount Pilatus you can take in amazing panoramic views over the area and Lake Lucerne from the southwest.

A bit further away from Lucerne is Stanserhorn Mountain, which can be reached via lift from Stans SthB station in the town of Stans to the south of Lucerne. This mountain offers picturesque views overlooking Lake Lucerne from the south, as well as the lush surrounding valleys.

To the north of Lake Lucerne (and east of the city of Lucerne) is Rigi Mountain, which can be reached via rail from the town of Vitznau, which sits on Lake Lucerne. It's also possible to reach the Vitznau rail station from Lucerne via ferry.

Rigi Mountain offers majestic panoramic views overlooking Zugersee Lake and Lake Lucerne as well as the gorgeous rural landscape surrounding the lakes. If you visit Rigi, be sure to take the rail or walk down to the Aussichtsplattform Kaenzeli viewing platform as well so you can take in breathtaking close-up views overlooking Lake Lucerne.

On Lake Lucerne you'll find the Hammetschwand Lift, the tallest exterior elevator in Europe that has become quite a popular tourist attraction for the amazing views it offers just over the lake. To reach the elevator you'll have to hike up Buergenstock Mountain through the scenic forest from Buergenstock Resort Lake Lucerne.

Note that you can take the ferry from Lucerne directly across the lake to Kehrsiten-Buergenstock terminal and take the rail from here up to the resort where the trail begins, making a large loop back to the ferry terminal.

You can also travel further to the south of Lake Lucerne to Engelberg, where you can take a series of lifts up to popular Mount Titlis.

At the top of the 10,600 foot (3,200 m) tall Mount Titlis you'll find one of the highest suspension bridges in Europe, the Titlis Cliff Walk, as well as the Titlis Glacier Cave, a fantastic ice cave you can walk through. From the top you can take in heavenly views over the Alps and surrounding lush landscapes.

Engelberg Abbey

In the town of Engelberg you might also visit the 800 year-old Engelberg Abbey, a beautiful Benedictine Monastery best appreciated from outside.