A Scenic, Vibrant Swiss City - Lucerne, Switzerland

City Walks

Sep 16

Lucerne is a compact city known for its preserved medieval architecture and sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Lake Lucern is not only one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, but also the largest.

The pedestrian-friendly Old Town is on the right bank of the Reuss and consists of squares with tall timber-framed buildings painted in bright colors and some with elaborate frescos all connected by cobblestone streets. The picturesque squares are filled with shops and restaurants. There is a city wall with watchtowers constructed in the 1300’s to protect the city.

This is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

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The stunning view of Lake Lucerne with Mount Pilatus in the background

A boathouse on Lake Lucerne

The Lion of Lucerne memorial commemorates the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution. It has been called the saddest stone in the world.

Another view of the Lion of Lucerne memorial, which was designed by the Danish sculptor Bertel Thovaldsen

A swimming spot on Lake Lucerne

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Lake Lucerne

Boats on Lake Lucerne

The Grand Hotel Europe near Lake Lucerne

The Grand Hotel Europe afternoon garden

Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

A Lake Lucerne boathouse

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Chapel Bridge, spans the Reuss, and is said to be the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. Built in 1333, it links the old town to the Ruess River’s right bank.

The interior of historic footbridge, Chapel Bridge

Chapel Bridge contains a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century, although many were destroyed in 1993 fire.

The small alter in the chapel on Chapel Bridge

The riverfront view from Chapel Bridge

The century-old Chapel Bridge serves as on of Switzerland’s main tourist attractions

The Lucerne Jesuit Church was the first Baroque church built in Switzerland, north of the Alps. Built between 1666 and 1673, the facade is quite plain.

This is the ornate, richly decorated white marble interior of the Jesuit Church.

The next couple of pictures are of the picturesque River Reuss waterfront

Classy waterfront dining

Needle Dam (Reuss Weir) was built between 1859 and 1861, and is a marvel of 19th century engineering. The water level of Lake Lucerne is still regulated manually with this dam to prevent flooding.

A colorful mural painted on the side of building

Old buildings, cobblestone street and fountain on a square

The winding streets

A side street near the fortification

A little place we stumbled apon while looking for a washroom near the fortification

This is one of nine original towers built in the 13th-14th centuries as part of the best preserved and longest fortifications in Switzerland.

Looking down on Lucerne from the tower window

This is the view from the Hotel Chateau Gutsch restaurant terrace overlooking Lucerne. There is a private funicular that takes you to the top.

Another view from the hotel / restaurant

Looking up at the Hotel Chateau Gutsch is set in a 19th century castle, overlooking Lucerne and Lake Lucerne.

Nolliturn Tower, part of Lucerne’s ancient city Musegg Wall

This is a picture of the beautiful Fritschi fountain in Kapellplatz. Built in 1918, the fountain stands in the tradition of much older fountains with painted allegoric figures on top. The story of the legendary Brother Fritschi plays an important part in Lucerne’s Carnival tradition dating back to about 1450.

Murals painted in the exterior walls of Restaurant Fritschi

Bavarian-style architecture

The Church of St. Leodegar built between 1633 and 1639 and was one of the few churches built in the Alps during the Thirty Years War.

The interior of the Church of St. Leodegar

Beautifully carved pews in the Church of St. Leodegar

The cemetery and cloister at St. Leodegar

A view of some of the burial sites at St. Leodegar’s Church

Another view of the cloisters at St. Leodegar

Extremely ornamental architectural details

A scooter on Haldenstrasse

Four-course dining and lodging are offered at the Pilatus Kulm Hotel

A view from the top of Mount Pilatus

Table and chairs at the cafe on Mount Pilatus

The Mount Pilatus Visitors Center

The view from Mount Pilatus Visitors Center

The cable car takes you on the journey to the top of Mount Pilatus

Mountains and valleys as far as the eye can see

A farmhouse seen from the world’s steepest cogwheel railway down from Mount Pilatus

What you should know:

You will need a valid passport and a travel power adapter if you are from the US.
The currency used is the Swiss franc.
Many people speak English.
People are friendly and helpful.
The Old Town is walkable.
You could spend a couple of hours to a few days exploring here.
There are many restaurant options.
Some of the hotels may not have air conditioning.
Tipping is not generally expected.
There is a charge to use most public restrooms.