Lucerne Tourist Information and Tourism

(Lucerne, Switzerland)

Enjoying perhaps one of the most scenic and picturesque settings in the whole of Switzerland, Lucerne (Luzern) is situated within the tourist region of Central Switzerland (Zentralschweiz). The city is lapped by the shores of Lake Lucerne, whilst the mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus are clearly visible in the distance and offer nothing short of a breathtaking backdrop.

Located on the western side of Lake Lucerne, the city has grown dramatically in size since its former life as a small fishing village, straddling the Reuss River. It is this very river which is crossed by Lucerne's most famous tourist attraction, the wooden Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), which is an iconic symbol of the city and still appears much that same as it did when it was first built in 1333, with a beautiful gabled roof.





The Lucerne Tourist Information Centre is situated on the Zentralstrasse and next to the city's train station and the Bahnhofstrasse. On the northern banks of the Reuss and within the Old Town are several travel agencies, on the Grabenstrasse and the Schweizerhofquai, where tourism related services are readily available.

Lucerne Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Old Town Lucerne is the perfect place to beginning sightseeing in the city and contains many quality sights for tourists. Although not quite as impressive as Lucerne's Chapel Bridge, the 15th-century Spreuer Bridge (Spreuerbrücke) still deserves a mention and is decorated with many impressive art works. Also amongst the main medieval landmarks in Lucerne is the Cathedral of St. Leodegar, and also the important Lion Monument, which is dedicated to the Swiss soldiers who lost their lives in the French revolution of 1792. If you have time, take a ride on the Cogwheel Railway, which climbs up the extremely steep slops of Mount Pilatus. More information about Lucerne Tourist Attractions and Landmarks.

With a wealth of information about all kinds of subject matters, the museums in Lucerne are excellent. Those planning to enjoy a spot of culture should think about purchasing the Lucerne Museum Pass, where the initial outlay can soon be recouped. Use this pass to obtain free admission to the Lucerne Art Museum on the Europlatz and enjoy the extensive collection of Swiss art works, before moving on to the Picasso Museum, where the latter years of the life of world-famous artists Pablo Picasso is documented by a unique collection of exclusive photographs. Those keen to see some of Picasso's works will find no less than 50 of his creations within the city's Rosengart Collection. More information about Lucerne Museums and Art Galleries.

There are a number of town and leading Swiss cities so close to Lucerne and they deserve some attention. Berne, the capital of Switzerland, is within easy reach of Lucerne and famed for its Cathedral (Münster) and Houses of Parliament (Bundeshaus), while Zurich too is also relatively nearby and not only contains two beautiful cathedrals and countless other landmark buildings, but a series of beach resorts (Strandbad Mythenquai), where the Swiss Alps provide a scenic backdrop. If you have time, also try not to overlook the neighbouring towns of Stans and Weggis. More information about Lucerne Attractions Nearby.

More Lucerne Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Switzerland
• Location: Canton of Lucerne / Zentralschweiz (Central Switzerland)
• Status: city / capital and seat of the Canton of Lucerne
• Area: approximately 10 square miles / 25 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 75,000
• Language: Swiss German
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Time zone: UTC / GMT +1
• Country dialing code: +41
• Telephone area code: 041
• Average daily Lucerne January temperature: 2°C / 36°F
• Average daily Lucerne July temperature: 23°C / 73°F