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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €119 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€119
31 Aug - 1 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. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (380 reviews)
"Some of the rooms used to be prison cells. Pretty cool. Our room seemed very new, simple, but clean. We were able to walk to the train easily. We also walked to the Lion Monument, the Watchtowers, the river and shopping."

Reviewed on 25 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 €274 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
€274
14 Aug - 15 Aug
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! (343 reviews)
Amazing stay!
"I got really scared reading the other reviews and almost canceled. Im very happy that I didn't cancel. The place was super comfortable. I reserved a room with the kitchen. Kitchen and utensils where good. Space was awesome. Loved the decor of the whole studio. Some reviews state that theres nowhere ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Lubo - self check-in
Hotel Luzernerhof

Hotel Luzernerhof

4 out of 5
Alpenstrasse 3, Lucerne
The price is €231 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
€231
13 Aug - 14 Aug
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (676 reviews)
Highly recommended.
"Great location. Very nice room. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Hotel Luzernerhof
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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (915 reviews)
"We loved our stay here. The view from our balcony was spectacular."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Altstadt Hotel Magic Luzern
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

5 out of 5
Schweizerhofquai, Lucerne, LU
The price is €687 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€687
28 Aug - 29 Aug
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! (418 reviews)
"No 1 property in Lucerne!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern

Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern

3 out of 5
Weinmarkt 12, Lucerne
The price is €392 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€392
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star historic hotel in Lucerne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (996 reviews)
"Great Hotel! Close to everything including the train station."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern
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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