Old Town Lucerne Travel Guide

Lucerne

Old Town Lucerne which includes religious elements, a river or creek and a bridge
Old Town Lucerne showing vehicle touring, street scenes and a city
Old Town Lucerne featuring a bay or harbour, street scenes and a bridge
Old Town Lucerne featuring street scenes, markets and food
Old Town Lucerne showing outdoor eating, drinks or beverages and dining out

With Lake Lucerne at your feet, appreciate the historical setting as you walk across this city’s iconic covered bridge, crooked streets and airy squares.

Even in a country renowned for its stunning cities, Lucerne is exceptional. This Swiss city, located where the Reuss River meets Lake Lucerne, is known for its remarkably preserved Old Town. Spend several days here enjoying the varied attractions in this cosy area of the town.

Look for the iconic Lion Monument on the north side of the Reuss River. It commemorates the Swiss soldiers who lost their lives in the French Revolution. Mark Twain called this figure of a mortally wounded beast "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."

Immerse yourself in history and art at the Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne. This circular painting is 368 feet (112 metres) long. The 1881 artwork by Edouard Castres portrays the harsh realities of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

The Old Town is full of charming squares. Explore Kornmarkt, once the medieval market, now home to Rathaus, the town hall. Continue to Weinmarkt, a spacious plaza ornamented by a huge stone fountain.

No visit to Lucerne is complete without a walk across Chapel Bridge. The covered footbridge spans diagonally across the Reuss River. Said to be the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, it was originally built in 1333 to protect the city. Look up during your crossing the inside is covered with paintings depicting the history of Lucerne.

On the other side of the river, recognise the Church of St. Leodegar by its soaring twin spires. Its cavernous interior features ornate artwork, intricate carvings and a historic organ.

Stroll down Old Town’s waterfront boulevard, which stretches along the Reuss River between City Hall and Chapel Bridge. Quaint cafés and restaurants have outdoor seating so that you can enjoy the view as you dine.

Many of the streets of Old Town are accessible only to pedestrians. Travel by the Swiss railway to connect with other destinations in the country.

If you’re unsure where to begin your visit to Old Town Lucerne, the Tourism Office is a great place to start. Located near the south side of Chapel Bridge, it offers maps and historical pamphlets for the area.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Old Town Lucerne

Barabas - Hostel
Barabas - Hostel
3 out of 5
Löwengraben, 18, Lucerne
The price is ₹11,206 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹11,206
₹12,365 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hostel in Lucerne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (359 reviews)
"Super friendly and helpful staff. Room, shared bathroom and building in general very clean. Excellent breakfast buffet. Looking forward to my next stay!"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Barabas - Hostel
The Lubo - self check-in
The Lubo - self check-in
3 out of 5
2 Rössligasse, Lucerne, LU
The price is ₹17,226 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
₹17,226
₹19,819 total
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (329 reviews)
"Great stay. Being English it was difficult reading some directions in the laundry we-wash app required. No coffee available in the rooms - tea in the laundry area. Never could get the elements on the stove to work - no instructions. Other than maid service a truly no contact experience. Crazy stairwells ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

The Lubo - self check-in
Hotel Luzernerhof
Hotel Luzernerhof
4 out of 5
Alpenstrasse 3, Lucerne
The price is ₹28,213 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
₹28,213
₹30,341 total
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (658 reviews)
"Great hotel - excellent location, good rooms, good air conditioning, friendly staff. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Hotel Luzernerhof
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
5 out of 5
Schweizerhofquai, Lucerne, LU
The price is ₹57,070 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹57,070
₹60,295 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (411 reviews)
"Fantastic location. Close to everything. Very helpful staff and excellent services."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern
Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern
3 out of 5
Brandgässli 1, Lucerne, LU
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (908 reviews)
"Excellent location, right in the heart of old town. Only challenge was that we happened to pick a time when Lucerne was having a heat wave and the room we had was hot and there’s no air conditioning. They did have at least one working fan but it was still very hot"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern
Hotel Des Balances
Hotel Des Balances
4 out of 5
Weinmarkt, Lucerne, LU
The price is ₹31,647 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹31,647
₹33,906 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (828 reviews)
The best of the best
"This is an upscale hotel in an excellent location in the beautiful city Lucerne. The staff and service are excellent and the food at the restaurant at the hotel was superb!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Hotel Des Balances
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town Lucerne

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Littau

4/5(1 area review)

Littau is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Lucerne area, you might plan a trip to Chateau Guetsch or Jesuit Church.

Littau

Old Town Lucerne Travel Guide