6 Unforgettable Things to Do and See in Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland is a wonderful city found beside picturesque Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.

The city of Lucerne seems to offer the best of both worlds, as it provides both splendid natural scenery and many city diversions.

While Switzerland does have one of the best public transportation systems in all of Europe, many travelers to the city choose to arrange a private rental vehicle for their stay, which allows them the flexibility to enjoy city breaks and day trips to some of the scenic Swiss villages that are within easy driving distance.

If you are planning a Switzerland adventure and plan to spend a day or more in beautiful, Lucerne, here are 6 of our favorite tourist attractions and points of interest in this charming lakeside city.

1. The Lion Monument

The Lion Monument is a spot you’ll want to see during your stay in Lucerne. This monument was designed by a Danish sculptor and was carved into sandstone by Lukas Ahorn in the 1820s. The Lion Monument is a rock relief depiction of a dying lion, which was meant to symbolize the Swiss Guard. There’s a great deal of symbolism in this monument that will give you insight into its history.

2. Jesuit Church

The Jesuit Church features highly decorative stucco-work in its side chapels, as well as a striking Baroque style. It was designed by Australian and Italian architects and was built over the 16th and 17th centuries.

3. Old Town

The Old Town is found on the banks of the Reuss. It is a wonderfully popular spot that you’ll want to devote lots of time to exploring. It comprises the historic core of the city and features several different squares contained by charming painted houses. You’ll also discover shopping streets with cobblestone paving. It’s easy to explore this area of the city on foot, as it is entirely free of vehicles. Devote a whole day or at least an afternoon to this wonderful spot.

4. Musegg Wall

Don’t forget to visit Musegg Wall while you’re in Lucerne. This historic landmark includes many impressive sights. You’ll see nine imposing towers organized in a row. They are divided along the city wall. Four of them can be accessed. Make inquiries for more details. The city defenses date back many hundreds of years.

5. Rosengart Collection

This museum opened in 2002. It was established by Angela Rosengart, the daughter of the art dealer Siegfried Rosengart. Siegfried Rosengart was a well-known figure in the art world who knew many famous modern painters in the early 20th century. The Rosengart Collection features a wonderful array of works of modern art. You’ll find works by Picasso in this wonderful museum.

6. Chapel Bridge

You simply cannot leave Lucerne without visiting Chapel Bridge, which crosses the Reuss River. Chapel Bridge is the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world. If you’re hoping to buy some mementos of your time in Lucerne, you’ll be pleased to find there’s a souvenir shop waiting on the ground floor.

Enjoy These Destinations and More in Lucerne

Make sure you include the attractions we’ve described above in your Lucerne itinerary. You’ll be sure to have a wonderful time and learn a lot about the history and culture of his city and Switzerland in general.

Image Credit:

Dan Cojocari [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons