Lucerne - 7 things not to miss

View of the old town accross the River Ruess in Lucerne Lucerne is one of Switzerlands most visited cities and, in spite of the many meaninglessly over-euphoric platitudes, Lucerne remains photogenic. A tourist-free photo, however, remains elusive for all bar the early riser and late sleeper. Most of the interesting places for tourists are concentrated around the Old Town (Altstadt) on the right bank but don't miss the Fransiscan Church and the Jesuit Church on the left bank either.

What to see / do in Lucerne

  1. Old Town (Altstadt) - the old town of Lucerne is amongst the prettiest in Switzerland and a great way to spend several hours wandering around. Many of the buildings are ornately decorated on the outside.

  2. The Water Tower adjacent to the Chapel Bridge (Kappelbrucke) in Lucerne with Rigi in the background Chapel Bridge (Kappelbrucke) - the Chapel Bridge is probably the most photograph attraction in Lucerne. Straddling the Ruess River through the central old town. Although much of the bridge was destroyed by an arson attack in the early 1990's, the bridge was rebuilt in original style and the water tower remains as it's original construction. Many of the original triangular images which decorate the covering of the bridge were badly damaged in fire but have either been restored or replaced but some originals remain.

  3. Jesuit Church (JesuitenKirche) - The Baroque Jesuit Church on the left bank of the Ruess is one of the most beautiful and aesthetically cohesive buildings in Switzerland. Dating from th 17th century, much of the interior stucco decoration is original.

  4. The Collegial Church of St Leodgar (Hoifkirche) in Lucerne Lion Monument - the Lion Monument is one of the most iconic monuments in Switzerland and commerates the Swiss mercenaries who lost their lives at the Tuileries palace during the French revolution.

  5. Collegial Church of St Leodgar Hofkirche - the twin spires of the Chuch of St Leodgar along the waterfront of Lake Lucerne.

  6. Old City Walls - part of the city walls - built in 1386 - remains almost totally intact and three of the towers (Schirmer, Zyt and Männli) remain open to the public. The oldest clock in the city dates from 1535 designed by Hans Luter is housed in the Zyt tower. Take a walk along the city walks and climb the towers for fantastic views over the old town and lake.

  7. Golden Round Trip - the Golden Round Trip is a most excellent journey which takes you by boat across Lake Lucerne and on the worlds steepest cog railway to the top of Mount Pilatus for great views across the surrounds.

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