Lucerne region

Lake Lucerne (434 m.a.s.l.) fascinates with its scenic beauty, the charms of inland navigation and the historical sites located on the lake. Some say it is the most beautiful lake in Switzerland.

The world-famous Chapel Bridge is the landmark of Lucerne, one of the most famous sights in Switzerland and the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. The water tower was built before the construction of the Chapel Bridge in the first half of the 14th century. It served as an archive, vault, interrogation and torture room, and prison. Today it is the most photographed monument in Switzerland.

Encounter works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee and a further 21 artists of Impressionism and Classical Modernism. Thanks to Siegfried and Angela Rosengart's decades-long friendship with Pablo Picasso, the most inspiring artist of the 20th century is present with over 32 impressive paintings, mainly from his late work. 125 watercolours, drawings and paintings by Paul Klee form the second focus of the Rosengart Collection.

The Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne (KKL Luzern) is the work of Parisian architect Jean Nouvel. The concert hall with 1840 seats is famous for its phenomenal acoustics. The view of the lake and the old town from two roof terraces is impressive.

The "Dying Lion of Lucerne" is one of the most famous monuments in the world. In 1792, it was carved into the natural rock to commemorate the heroic death of the Swiss soldier who fell in the Tuileries. The American writer Mark Twain called "the Lion of Lucerne the saddest and most moving piece of stone in the world".

The painter Edouard Castres has immortalised a defining event in Swiss history in a huge circular painting: a defeated French army flees to Switzerland in the harsh winter of 1871 and is saved in a remarkable act of solidarity. Complementing the large circular painting, the permanent exhibition delves deeper into the historical theme and presents additional details and information in a visitor-friendly way.

The Lucerne Theatre is the only professional multi-discipline theatre in Central Switzerland (music theatre, drama, dance, puppet theatre).it aims to inspire its visitors and convey artistic content while appealing to as many and ever new audiences as possible. As a "discovery theatre", it sets clear accents in the areas of innovation, memory and entertainment.

Lucerne's old town is car-free. Historic and frescoed houses line the picturesque squares. Anyone who opens their eyes here will be delighted by the countless architectural, artistic and cultural-historical details.

Lucerne City Hall is rightly considered one of the most beautiful public buildings in Switzerland. Its location is in no way inferior to it. Around the town hall, which stands in the middle of the old town and on the Reuss river, countless possibilities open up for spending the day and the evening.

Get out of the daily grind and into the adventure realm of Rigi. That is the motto of the Rigi. Situated in the middle of Central Switzerland, the Rigi is easily accessible from every direction. The mountain railway takes you up to the heart of the impressive mountain world. During the summer months, the Weggis-Rigi Kaltbad cable car is transformed into a floating restaurant.

Enjoy the 646-metre-long train journey from Fräkmüntegg to Pilatus Kulm to the full. Thanks to the cockpit-like cabin design and the floor-to-ceiling windows, you will feel like you are flying. The view of Lake Lucerne and the rocky planks of the Pilatus massif are breathtaking.

In the Nature Museum you can learn how nature has evolved. This in an attractive and lively way - in a museum you can touch. In accordance with its legal mandate, the Lucerne Nature Museum is a cantonal collection, education and research institution and the only museum in central Switzerland that is completely focused on natural history.

The lake promenade is extremely popular with tourists, but also locals. Take a 50-minute walk from Lucerne railway station along the lake to the Hotel Seeburg. This city walk takes you past the boat landing stages over the pier to Lucerne's quayside promenades.

Find out what Lucerne looked like a long time ago in the Glacier Garden. Travel back in time to when glaciers still covered the land. Or when subtropical palm beaches dominated the area.

Richard Wagner is one of the most famous composers in the history of music. For six years (1866-1872) he chose the Tribschener Landhaus on Lake Lucerne as his place of residence and work.