6 Ways To Walk in the Footsteps of William Turner in Lucerne
The Kunstmuseum Luzern is celebrating its 200th anniversary by hosting an incredible exhibition of the works by the famed British painter. Here’s how to experience the town from his perspective.
The artist William Turner was so enamoured with Lucerne in Switzerland that he visited the town around six times between 1802 and 1844. His sketches and paintings perfectly portray the ethereal beauty of the lake and mountains that surround it, and to this day it is easy to see the scenes that inspired the artist. The snowy peaks, the pastel-coloured houses and the calm waters of the lake are all timeless reminders of what kept Turner coming back to Lucerne. Walk in his footsteps with this guide to your visit.
1. Admire Turner’s work at Kunstmuseum Luzern
Museum, Architectural Landmark
With its stark lines and location right on the waterfront, the imposing KKL Luzern building is hard to miss. This modern steel and glass construction, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, is Lucerne’s cultural hub and also home to the Kunstmuseum Luzern, which will host the temporary William Turner exhibit, entitled Turner: The Sea and the Alps, from July to October 2019. The museum’s permanent collection is also worth a visit, and the bar and restaurant are both ideal if you’re seeking a place to enjoy some of the city’s best culinary delights with an unbeatable view. If music is your thing, check out who is playing in the concert hall – you might be in for a treat.
2. Lunch with a view at the Restaurant Schwanen
Restaurant, Continental
Once called The Schwan Inn, Restaurant Schwanen (Café de Ville) used to offer board and rooms, and it’s here that Turner stayed during several trips to Lucerne. A quick look out the window will tell you why the artist picked it as his base: the views over Mount Rigi are picture-perfect and it’s likely that many of his paintings were drawn right on the river bank outside the inn. Today the restaurant serves traditional European fare, making it a wonderful spot at any time of the day.
4. Catch the panoramic views from the Rigi-Kulm Hotel
Hotel
At the summit station of Mount Rigi’s cog railway, the Rigi-Kulm Hotel is ideal for a drink or a bite to eat while enjoying the fresh mountain air and the incredible views from the panoramic terrace. You can either indulge in a luxury à la carte lunch or, if you prefer, you can grab something quick but equally delicious at the self service: either way you won’t be disappointed as both offer Swiss classics such as bratwurst and rösti.
5. Discover sports, arts and more at Pilatus
Hiking Trail
6. Old Town Lucerne
Historical Landmark
Lucerne’s city centre hasn’t changed much since Turner’s time and is a great place for a stroll. Crossing the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), one of Lucerne’s wooden covered bridges, is the best way to reach the old town. Once on the other side, stop for a beer at the Rathaus brewery right on the quay before getting lost in the maze of streets and alleys of the old town. You’ll discover several beautifully painted houses, especially in Sternenplatz, as you make your way towards St Leodegar church, a monumental masterpiece of the German late-Renaissance period. Back on the South side of the river, the Jesuit Church is worth a visit too. It was the first large Baroque church built north of the Alps and is as impressive inside as it is out. End your walking tour of the sights at the nearby Hotel Wilden Mann. Open for more than 500 years as a bar, then a tavern, it’s now a hotel and restaurant rooted in tradition but with a keen eye for details and innovation.
Looking for another place to stay in Lucerne?
7. Hotel Anker Luzern
Boutique Hotel
The perfect blend of vintage and contemporary design, Hotel Anker is centrally located, making it an ideal base for discovering Lucerne. Bright, colourful accents add a unique character to each of the rooms. The bar and restaurant are equally pleasing in design, and the convivial atmosphere makes the social spaces the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring the city.
Inspired to plan a memorable trip to Switzerland? Discover the best of Lucerne this summer.
This branded content article was published as part of a commercial campaign that has now ended.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.