Old Town Lucerne

Lucerne

Old Town Lucerne showing a river or creek, a bridge and boating
Old Town Lucerne showing street scenes, a city and touring
Old Town Lucerne featuring street scenes, a bay or harbour and a river or creek
Old Town Lucerne showing flowers, markets and street scenes
Old Town Lucerne showing drinks or beverages, dining out and outdoor eating

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Town Lucerne

Barabas - Hostel

Barabas - Hostel

3 out of 5
Löwengraben, 18, Lucerne
The price is €125 per night from 24 Sept to 25 Sept
€125
24 Sept - 25 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hostel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Barabas - Hostel
The Lubo - self check-in

The Lubo - self check-in

3 out of 5
2 Rössligasse, Lucerne, LU
The price is €284 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€284
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (355 reviews)
"The staff was great although they didn’t have enough knowledge about transportation or places of interest. Carpet was extremely all throughout the hotel. The lighting in the room was too strong and in one’s face. One usb outlet didn’t work. The iron board was too dented and the iron was cracked and ..."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2025

The Lubo - self check-in
Hotel Luzernerhof

Hotel Luzernerhof

4 out of 5
Alpenstrasse 3, Lucerne
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €223 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€223
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Hotel Luzernerhof
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

5 out of 5
Schweizerhofquai, Lucerne, LU
The price is €575 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
€575
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (422 reviews)
"Excellent location, nice staff, but the floor makes squeaky sound and we were able to hear people walk/fast walk/ run upstairs at midnight"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Hotel de la Paix

Hotel de la Paix

3 out of 5
Museggstrasse 2, Lucerne, LU
The price is €230 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€230
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
Hotel de la Paix
Hotel Des Balances

Hotel Des Balances

4 out of 5
Weinmarkt, Lucerne, LU
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €392 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€392
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
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

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