Lucerne, located in the heart of Switzerland, sits by the shores of Lake Lucerne and beneath picturesque mountains, offering a beauty that is truly captivating. It is a top destination for many travellers exploring central Switzerland, and each visit brings new surprises along the journey.
Swiss Museum of Transport
Opened in 1959, the Museum of Transport is Switzerland’s most popular museum and features numerous exhibitions, theme parks and simulations. The collection of more than 3,000 items is presented in more than 20,000m2 of exhibition space, showcases the past, present and future of mobility with interactive and varied exhibits. With its exhibition areas of road transport, rail, navigation (water) and aviation, the Museum of Transport is one of the most extensive museums for mobility in Europe. In addition to the museum, unique attractions found nowhere else in Switzerland, such as the film theatre, planetarium, Swiss Chocolate Adventure and Media World, are just waiting to be discovered.
* 50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex or Swiss Museum Pass.
City Tour of Lucerne
City tours are a quick way to get to know a city. Led by our guide, Ms. Ursula Leu, we explore the historic landmarks of the Old Town and marvel at the beauty of history.
Kapellbrücke
Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the Lucerne's landmark is considered to be Europe's oldest covered bridge. It was built in 1332 and was originally a part of the city fortifications. The pictorial panels, which were incorporated in the 17th century, contain scenes of Swiss history as well as the Lucerne's history, including the biographies of the city's patron saints, St. Leodegar and St. Maurice.
Lucerne’s water tower is a powerful yet attractive construction. This octagonal tower - over 34 meters high - was built around 1300 as part of the city wall and used as an archive, treasury, prison and torture chamber. Today, the middle floor is home to the headquarters of the Lucerne Artillery Association. Meanwhile, a colony of Alpine Swifts has been roosting under the rooftop for decades. When the birds return from their winter home in Africa, they bring springtime back to Lucerne.
Hofkirche
In Hofkirche (Church of St. Leodegar), you can immerse yourself not only in music but also in its rich history. The parish of St. Leodegar is the oldest in the city, with historical roots dating back to the 8th century, when a monastery was founded on the site of the present-day Hofkirche. Among the opulent décor and interior features of this parish basilica, built between 1634 and 1645, is the famous Hoforgel of 1650. With nearly 6,000 pipes (the largest measuring 10 meters and weighing 380 kilograms), it was once regarded as the largest organ in Europe.
Löwendenkmal
The Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument) is a proud landmark of Lucerne, unveiled in 1821. Carved into a rocky grotto, it commemorates the Swiss guardsmen who died in 1792 during the French Revolution. The monument, considered one of the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world, offers a powerful reflection on history. It can be seen as a memorial, artwork, or monument.
Boat trip on Lake Lucerne
Idyllic bays and dramatic, fjord-like rocky slopes, deep blue, crystal-clear water and snow-covered mountain peaks in the background - all this can be seen on a boat trip on Lake Lucerne. An excursion to Central Switzerland is just not complete without a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne. Whether a Lunch Cruise on the modern MS Diamant or a romantic cruise at sunset on an antique paddle steamer – it’s a must.
With a wide range of services, the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV) offers the perfect cruise for every taste. Even the Alpine world of Central Switzerland can be explored by waterway. By boat from Lucerne to Vitznau, then on to a cog railway and up to Rigi, and little later savouring the view of Lake Lucerne from above.
Another unique experience is the panoramic journey in the Gotthard Panorama Express. It is the one and only Premium Panoramic Train in Switzerland to combine a train ride with a boat cruise. After a nearly three-hour boat cruise across Lake Lucerne, passengers comfortably change to the waiting panoramic train and set out over the historic Gotthard route towards Ticino with its Mediterranean flair.
* The boat rides are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass Flex and GA travelcard.
For more information, please visit:
Website: www.myswitzerland.com/en-my/
Website: www.travelswitzerland.com/en/
