What to see in Switzerland

Lucerne

The capital of the Swiss canton of the same name, Lucerne sits on the shores of shimmering Lake Lucerne in the centre of Switzerland. A jumping-off point for excursions into the mountains of Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, Lucerne is known for its historic medieval town squares, gabled buildings and pastel-coloured houses. Full of charm, a trip to Lucerne is the perfect choice for a peaceful getaway. 

Life here unfolds against the stunning backdrop of Lake Lucerne, with over-water walkways and lakeside restaurants inviting visitors to linger past sunset and enjoy the glistening reflections of illuminated buildings in the water. With a charming Old Town or Aldstadt, Lucerne is a German-speaking city with one foot in the past and one foot in the future. 

Don’t mistake the old-world charms of Lucerne for nostalgia, this forward-thinking city is home to innovative museums and an action-packed cultural calendar filled with music festivals and concerts. Furthermore, the city is renowned for its shopping streets, making a city break to Lucerne the perfect choice for a spot of retail therapy!

A boat trip on Lake Lucerne is a highlight of any tour of the city, where you can watch the enchanting landscapes of snow-capped mountains from the comforts of Lucern’s famous steamer cruise boats. It’s easy to get around the city on foot or, alternatively rent a bicycle from the train station to enjoy the views from the waterfront promenade on two wheels!

Things to see in Lucerne

The landmark of the city, Chapel Bridge is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in Lucerne. In fact, if you visit Lucerne, a walk across this creaky bridge is almost obligatory! More of a covered walkway than a usual bridge, the 4th-century Chapel Bridge spans the River Reuss in the heart of the Old Town. A historic water tower is also part of the landmark, but the highlight of Chapel Bridge is its fascinating roof panels, which are dotted along the length of the bridge, depicting important moments in Swiss history and mythology. 

Lucerne has a long artistic heritage, and there are numerous galleries and museums where you can uncover the creative heart of the city. The Rosengart Collection stands out as one of the best things to see in Lucerne. Home to a prestigious collection of early modernist artworks, here you can admire the paintings Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Paul Klee and Cezanne. A must-see for art lovers!

For something a little more unusual but no less impressive, the Bourbaki Panorama is one of the most unique sights in Lucerne. This museum displays an 1881 cylindrical painting by Edouard Castres, depicting scenes from the Franco-Prussian War. A unique visual experience, this one-of-a-kind piece of art immerses viewers in the events of the 19th-century.

A family-friendly thing to do in Lucerne is to visit the Swiss Transport Museum. Opened in 1959, it is one of the most visited museums in Switzerland. Showcasing all kinds of transport, such as cars, ships, trains and aircraft, the museum traces the evolution of both Swiss and global transport throughout the centuries. 

Finally, a tour of Lucerne would be incomplete without contemplating the Lion Monument, a rock-hewn sculpture dedicated to Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution.