Self-Guided Walking Tour in Lucerne

Lucerne, the beautiful city in central Switzerland also known by it’s local Swiss-German name of “Luzern” lies where the Lake of Lucerne / Vierwaldstättersee (its original name) meets the River Reuss.

The city is small compact and lively which makes this self-guided walking tour in Lucerne city perfect even for families.

We took a good 2hours (count more with kids and if you add the Hotel Gütsch viewpoint) of our time whilst visiting Lucerne and did a proper self-guided walking tour. We included some of the most beautiful landmarks Lucerne city has to offer.

If you do have more time than just one day in Lucerne, you might also like to consider visiting the imposing Swiss mountains around Lucerne like The Rigi – queen of the mountains. Other peaks like Stanserhorn, Bürgenstock, and Mount Pilatus also make Lucerne City the perfect place for nature lovers. The combo City & Peak is perfect. Read our great 3-day Itinerary in Lucerne during the winter months, where we do cover some of the mountain peaks as well.

Families in Lucerne

This is definitely a family self-guided walking tour in Lucerne. You have many options to buy snacks, gelato, sit down by the river and just take it slowly. Even with a good city pushchair (larger wheels recommended) it is possible, although keep in mind, that many roads are cobble roads and it might get a bit bumpy for your little one. On this city walking tour  you will pass 2 public toilets as well. And as you are in a city, you will have plenty of options to shorten the route if needed.

Self-Guided Walking Tour in Lucerne City

If you are already in Lucerne or whether you are arriving just for the day, we will start this self-guided Lucerne city walking tour by the train station. I have listed the points below in order of how you would walk it.

Click on our Lucerne City map and save it to your phone for when you are on site.

Lucerne Train Station

Unfortunately, in 1971 the entire train station was destroyed by fire and had to be rebuilt. Only in 1991 was the new station officially inaugurated.

Honouring the legacy of the old station, the historic entrance portal crowned with the beautiful sculpture named «Zeitgeist» by the most famous Swiss sculptor of the day, Richard Kissling – welcomes you to the city.

Travel Tip: Right at the train station you also find the Lucerne Tourist Information Centre, pop inside and get yourself a map and other useful information.

Lake Lucerne – Vierwaldstättersee

Before heading off on our self-guided walking tour in Lucerne and into the old town, let’s check out the lake shore. And as it is situated right next to the train station you are not even making a detour.

Lake Lucerne has a spectacular shape and many villages and mountain tops can be accessed by a boat cruise directly from here.

The lake makes it so easy to travel the region on public transportation – boat cruise – rather than by car.

All day trips from Lucerne would start here at the pier. Like the Bürgenstock and its Hammetschwand-lift, Stanserhorn, Mount Rigi and even Mount Pilatus, although the last one you are quicker on the bus.

If you are planning on cruising on Lake Lucerne, check the time table carefully as depending on the season you are visiting, some boats may not be running. The main sailing season runs from June through to late September.

Facts About Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne is the fourth largest lake in Switzerland. It has the form of complicated shapes, with several sharp bends and four arms. The whole shoreline is 143.7km and the deepest part is 104m.

Chapel Bridge – Kappelbrücke

From the lake cross over the road bridge and to your left you will see the famous wooden Chapel Bridge.

This will most probably be THE landmark you have seen and heard of in many articles and postcards.

And rightly so, the bridge is one of the main landmarks from the medieval town Lucerne no matter the season you visit. It is beautiful whether it has glorious flowers hanging along the bridge during the summer months, or whether the snow gives the roof a white cap. Or even better, if you visit in January, you might even see it illuminated by the LILU – Luzern Licht Festival. You will see it is special.

As you cross the 170-meter wooden pedestrian Chapel Bridge the River Reuss flows underneath it.

Chapel Bridge History

The bridge is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe and was part of the fortifications of Lucerne. It takes its name from the nearby St. Peter’s Chapel, and dates back to the 14th century.

When walking the bridge, admire the paintings placed below its roof in triangular shapes. It shows events from the history of Lucerne, and represents the life and death of two legends, St. Leger and St. Maurice.

The paintings were painted in the 17th century by a local Catholic painter. During the 1993 fire, unfortunately most of these 147 masterpieces got destroyed. Only 30 were successfully restored and can be seen today.

Lucerne Town Hall

As you are crossing the Chapel Bridge look to your right over to the river shoreline. You will see the Town Hall from Lucerne which was built in the early 17th century in the Italian Renaissance style.

A weekly market still finds its place in the open arcades facing the Reuss river.

Location: Kornmarkt 3, 6004 Luzern

Jesuit Church Lucerne City

Our next stop along our self-guided Lucerne city walking tour is only a few minutes walk away from the Chapel Bridge you have just crossed.

Make your way to the Jesuit Church along the south side of the river Reuss. The church was the first large baroque church in Switzerland, built next to the Jesuit College way back in the 17^th century. Although the towers were only completed in the late 19^th century.

Step inside and you will be absolutely in awe. Admire the beautiful interior of this majestic church, which is well known for its organ concerts and I can see why. An absolutely beautiful church.

Location: The Jesuit Church is at the Bahnhofstrasse 11, 6004 Lucerne

Gütschbahn, Viewpoint & Swiss Grand Tour Photo Spot

If you have enough time, I highly recommend to add the Hotel Gütsch viewpoint to this self-guided Lucerne walking tour.

The best way to get to the Gütschbahn from the Jesuit Church on foot is to head to the main road 2 – Baselstrasse -and follow it until the Gütschbahn. It will take about 10 mins.

By the Gütsch Funicular walk a further 50 metres to the bus stop and buy the tickets there. A single ticket was in January 2022: CHF 2.50.
The Funicular is self-operated, push the button and in only a few minutes you are up at the Hotel Gütsch. A sculpture park, the Grand Tour photo spot and the beautiful hotel are all overlooking the City of Lucerne. Without a doubt it is gorgeous.

Up there is also a forest ideal for a picnic or a stroll. To get back down to the city ride down the Gütsch Funicular again or you can also walk down.

Location: Bus station Gütsch by the Baselstrasse.

The Spreuer Bridge – Die Spreuerbrücke

Lucerne not only has one wooden bridge but two. Even though the more famous Chapel Bridge has taken the fame, you should not miss to walk over Spreuer Bridge.

And as you are following our self-guided Lucerne City walking tour that is exactly what you will do next, cross the bridge.

History of the Spreuer Bridge

The name Spreuer comes from “Spreu” which means chaff. The custom of throwing chaff from the wheat and leaves into the river from this bridge.
The bridge dates back to early 15^th century although was rebuilt in late 16^th century.
Like the sister bridge, the Spreuer bridge also carries paintings dating from the 17^th century and represents the “Dance of Death”. A selection of 67 paintings designed by chief painter Kaspar Meglinger.

Musegg Wall and its nine Towers

Note: Open Only from 1^st of April to 1^st of November each year.

This is an extra highlight on your self-guided Lucerne City walking tour if you are visiting between the dates mentioned above. Unfortunately for winter visits, like ours, it was not open to the public and you will not be able to climb the towers. In that case still walk up to the Musegg wall and where you find a gate head through to the other side of the wall.

It feels like you have left Lucerne City as a large green open field opens up in front of you. The school and a football field are there and the view of the wall and some of its towers is pretty.

Visiting during the opening times.
Your 1^st tower and also the start of the Musegg wall will be the Nolli Turm.

While walking the walls of the Musegg, you will pass the other eight towers including the ‘Zyttower’ (Zyt meaning time) which is home to the city’s oldest clock. As a sign of respect, you will always hear this clock first as it has the privilege to chime one minute before all other town clocks.

In total you will be able to climb four of the towers which give you excellent views of the lake and city of Lucerne.

Musegg Wall History

The 800-metre-long wall, erected in the early 15th century, and its nine towers where once a symbol of power and part of the historic fortifications. Building a crown around Lucerne’s Old town, the Musegg wall (Museggmauer) is considered one of the longest and best-preserved defensive walls in Switzerland.

Location: The start is at the Brüggligasse 17, 6004 Lucerne.

The Dying Lion of Lucerne – Löwendenkmal

Before strolling through the old town of Lucerne and having lunch, dinner or just a cup of coffee, wander to the Löwendenkmal.
Seen on many postcards, flyers and other publicity of Lucerne, the iconic Dying Lion of Lucerne, is today one of the most famous monuments in Switzerland. It is pretty, but what does the Lion of Lucerne represent? Let me tell you.

History of the dying Lion of Lucerne

The stone monument, commemorates the fallen Swiss guardsmen who died in 1792 while serving the French King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. It was inaugurated in 1821, and soon became one of Lucerne’s major tourist attractions.

The latin inscription on the Lions Monument «HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI» means “To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss”.

The Lucerne Lion Monument was a joint work by the Danish sculptor, Bertel Thorvaldsen, who designed it and the stonemason Lucas Ahorn who late carved it out of the sandstone rock. It is regarded as one of the most impressive stone sculptures in the world.

Location: The Dying Lion of Lucerne is located at the Denkmalstrasse 4.

Old Town of Lucerne

After you have admired the dying Lion of Lucerne, head back and explore the old town of Lucerne. Look for all the amazing paintings on the facades, one prettier than the other.

You will also find many high street and local artisanal crafts shops amongst the alleys. And when you are done head to the river front, find a nice coffee shop – restaurant, and there are many – and have a well deserved lunch or dinner break.

Where to stay in Lucerne

If you are  planning on sleeping in Lucerne City, then we highly recommend the beautiful Hotel Des Balance. Located right at the River Reuss in the heart of the old town in Lucerne. Ask for a riverside room as the view is just stunning. The featured photograph of this post was taken from our balcony.

Also read Where to find the best Hotels in Lucerne

Here below are a few more Hotels in Lucerne with great ratings and locations that could also be of interest should the above hotel be fully booked.

Luxury Hotels in Lucerne

If you want to treat yourself we highly recommend these hotels

• Hotel Des Balance Luzern
• Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
• Belle Epoque Luzern

Mid Range Hotels in Lucerne City

• The Tourist City & River Hotel
• Hotel Pickwick and Pub

Other Walking Tour Options in Lucerne

Lucerne has also an official free audio app to download onto your phone so you can enjoy the free self-guided city tour with some extra information.

Or if you are loving more insider stories than a guide is what you are looking for, you can book one here . Another option is to book in at Free Walk. Locals and volunteers will guide you around Lucerne City free of charge although a tip (Chf + 10.-) is required.

Another great option if you do visit with elderly persons that cannot walk that far anymore, is to hop on the tourist train and enjoy Lucerne City in comfort. Definitely a great alternative and you will not miss out on the beautiful city when visiting Lucerne. Keep in mind this option is not possible if you visit Lucerne during the winter months. Check out times and more.

Day Trips from Lucerne

More from Lucerne and its Region

• Visit Mount Rigi from Lucerne (overnight or day trip itinerary)
• Winter in Lucerne – 3 Day Itinerary City & Peaks Getaway
• LILU – Light festival Luceren (only in January)
• 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 itself useful when you will plan your Self-Guided Walking tour in Lucerne City.

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 also.

Note: We have been invited by Lucerne Tourisem to visit LILU- Licht festival Luzern and stay 2 days to explore the Lake Lucerne Region. Thank you again for this invitation and trust.
We put our own program together during these two days and this free walking tour in Lucerne, was one activity during our stay.

Thank you & Never Forget to Explore

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