12 Reasons Everyone Should Visit Lucerne, Switzerland ASAP

Switzerland’s fourth largest lake is one not to be missed. Its setting is simply stunning, with the tops of the nearby mountains glistening all year round and the lake’s fjord-like offshoots giving a more Scandinavian feel than Swiss. You can take it all in from one of the historic paddle-boats that ply the lake, or tour the water’s edge on foot.

Lucerne has a curious history as it’s still debated when the city was actually founded. Some sources say the first semblance of a settlement dates back to 840 AD, while others say the city was born much later around 1178. The best way to delve into the city’s history is with a guided tour of the local history museum, housed in the old city armoury.

The Museggmauer and its nine towers are an icon of Lucerne, dating back to the 14th century. They make up the remnants of the old wall that surrounded the city, defending it against would be attackers. Four of the towers are open to the public and you can gaze out of the ramparts at the city below.

The Chapel Bridge is Lucerne’s most iconic site. It’s an old wooden footbridge, the oldest of its kind in Europe, with a number of decorative paintings all along its interior. Take a stroll along and admire the artwork within, sit on the walls of the river and watch as the bridge lights up at night, when the Kapellbrücke is at its most spectacular.

For the best panoramic views of Lucerne and the surrounding landscape, you’ll have to scale nearby Mount Pilatus (or you can just take a gondola and cable car). The mountain is steeped in history, some of it rather fantastical, as it is said a dragon once dwelled there in the Middle Ages. But most people come for the breathtaking views which allow you to count 72 other mountain peaks on the clearest days.

Depicting one of the great tragedies of the region, the famous Lion of Lucerne in its death throes is a must visit. During the French Revolution, hundreds of Swiss mercenaries fighting for Louis XVI were massacred. Many years later, the Lion monument was carved to commemorate those who died. It is a powerful and moving monument and has become one of the city’s top tourist attractions.

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a journey that starts off from Lucerne and takes you by boat and train to Bellinzona, in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland’s Mediterranean heart. The first stage is a leisurely paddle steamer to Flüelen on Lake Lucerne, with splendid views of Mount Pilatus and Rigi. The rest of the journey is by train as you wind through valleys and gain altitude to a maximum of 1141 metres, passing through the Alps by the Gotthard tunnel until you finally arrive in temperate Bellinzona.

At Lucerne’s annual festival you’re treated to several days of riotous fun. Music players, “Guggenmusigen”, blast out tunes as marchers with wild and wacky masks parade through the streets. The dominant figures of this festival are old man Fritschi, his wife and child. This odd trio set the tone by riding through the streets on a float on so-called Dirty Thursday, driving away winter and kicking off the festivities that take over almost the entire city for the next few days.

One of the best things about Lucerne is that it’s at the heart of Switzerland, meaning you can explore the surrounding area on some great day-trips. You can head to the icy heights of the Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station and home to the Great Aletsch Glacier, as well as a number of famous peaks. Other cities are a short train ride away as well. You can take a trip to the capital of Bern, or check out Interlaken which is known as the adrenaline capital of Switzerland.