Once more Lucerne is hosting the amazing Lucerne LILU Light Festival during the month of January.
From the 11th to 21 January 2024, Lucerne will once again become a luminous meeting place! Every day for eleven days some of the city squares, facades, and alleys in Lucerne will be artistically illuminated from 6 to 10 p.m.
Actually, it is much more than just coloured lights shining on some of Lucerne City’s main buildings. Swiss and international artists have created an amazing atmosphere whilst producing very high-quality light shows some of which even tell stories.
And if you are visiting Lucerne for more than just one night, READ our 3-Day Itinerary – Luceren in Winter – City & Peaks Getaway
Getting to the Lucerne LILU Light Festival
As for many Swiss city visits, it is always better to travel on the Swiss public transport system. And as the 1st light installation is at the big arch at the train station you arrive at the right place to start the walking tour of the Lucerne Light Festival.
Should you still prefer to arrive by car here is a list of some car parks available in Lucerne.
- Parkhaus Altstadt; right off the motorway and ideally located to visit Lucerne City
- Parkhaus at the train station, Bahnhofparking P3.
- The Löwencenter shoppingcentre, Zürichstrasse 5. Good for weekdays.
All of these places are close to the centre and Lucerne LILU Light Festival.
LILU Light Festival Walking Map
Although this article has been written for the 2022 Lucerne LILU Light Festival. The map might be different for the upcoming years. But this will give you a great idea of the distances and what it is all about.
Here is the 2024 information about the LILU Luzern
Travel Tip: This is also a great walking map should you visit Lucerne at another time of the year. Or check out our Best self-guided walking tour in Lucerne article which will show you the best of Lucerne.
Good to know when visiting the LILU Light Festival
It doesn’t matter where you start the light tour as you can pick up the trail at any point. But to get a map is super handy.
So, just follow the trail at the point nearest to your accommodation in Lucerne or parking.
Time to walk the whole LILU Tour
This is of course up to you, but I would say count 3 hours (we watched some of the shows twice). Each animated light story lasts about 3-5 minutes and some stations are static displays.
You will also find snack stands/bars at some of the displays.
Remember it is winter and can get quite cold. Be prepared and dress warmly to enjoy the whole tour.
Special Tickets to the Lucerne LILU Light Festival
You can enjoy some amazing light shows, in the Churches of Lucerne. A spectacle unique and not to be missed.
We watched one is the Hofkirche (church) “Wonders” and one at the Casineum “The Refrakto Light Show” (laser). But whichever year you are visiting the LILU festival inform yourself in which church the shows will be held.
In 2024 I got informed that the Eternity show is in the Jesuit Church.
Both of these shows need to be booked and you need to be Covid vaccinated to enter. We visited the Wonders. For 20 minutes (whilst lying on the church floor) we were submerged into some of the most amazing light art I have ever seen.
Even the kids were amazed and loved it. Check out our Instagram reel to get a more virtual feel of what the LILU is all about.
To enjoy these shows you can buy your ticket at the LILU website.
Where to stay in Lucerne City
As this is a special event you may as well stay at a special place. We had the privilege to stay at the Hotel Des Balance overlooking the River Reuss from our private balcony.
The tower of the famous Chapel Bridge was not far from the hotel, and we could watch the last show of the LILU from our balcony with a hot chocolate.
If you arrive by car the hotel has a valet service, drive to the hotel, leave your key and enjoy your stay.
The view in all directions is amazing and on a clear day you see Mount Rigi to your left and Lucerne’s own mountain Mt. Pilatus to your right. Such a beautiful place right in the city centre.
On the map below you will find Hotels in Lucerne that still offer rooms during your stay. Just add the correct dates.
Things to do during the day whilst at the Lucerne LILU Festival
The great thing about visiting the LILU Festival is that you have plenty of choice of activities during the day. The below suggestions are easily reachable from Lucerne City and perfect to pass the time until 6pm which is when the Lucerne LILU Licht Festival commences.
Visit Mount Pilatus
Only a short 30min journey (bus ride and walk) from Lucerne City and you are sitting in the cable car riding up Lucerne’s own mountain peak. The famous dragon mountain The Pilatus.
Mount Rigi and Sledging
The perfect combination of city and mountain is definitely to hop on a boat to Vitznau and take the train up the Queen – Lucerne’s Mount Rigi. Rent a sledge and forget city life for a moment, whilst gliding down Mount Rigi.
Bürgenstock and it’s Hammetschwand Lift
Or if you would like to have the experience of riding up in Europe’s longest outside elevator then exit the boat at the Bürgenstock and visit the Hammetschwand lift where views over the Lake Lucerne region will take your breath away.
Read our Full Guide to the Hammetschwand Lift in how to get there.
Swiss Museum of Transport – The Verkehrshaus
If the weather does not allow an escape up a peak, you can always visit the Swiss Museum of Transport – The Verkehrshaus. The exhibition shows all forms of transport including trains, ships, automobiles, and aircraft as well as communication technology. The Verkehrshaus is one of, if not the most popular museum in Switzerland.
Also read Best Day trips from Lucerne
Guided Tours and Tickets from Lucerne
Swiss Travel Guide
- Where are the Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland
- Lucerne in winter – 3 day itinerary – City & Peaks Getaway
- Self-Guided Walking tour in Lucerne City – Family friendly
- Stanserhorn – Viewpoint and Panorama Hike – Winter & Sommer Peak
- Lucerne Willisau – Glamping and Biking for the Family
- Stoos – Ridge hike Fronalpstock (summer only) For Winter Visit the Fronalpstock Viewpoint
- Zermatt – Winter Dream vacation at the Matterhorn
I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when you visit the LILU Lucerne Light Festival
If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries.
Thank you & Never Forget to Explore
