Lucerne

The city of Lucerne sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne, 30 km (19 mi) long and 20 km (12 mi) long with an average depth of 104 m (341 ft). The Alps overlook the lake, giving visitors breathtaking views of the scenic Swiss countryside. The huge, stunning lake sits in central Switzerland, the German-speaking portion of the country. While visiting, travelers can enjoy the views from the nearby Mount Pilatus, relax on a cruise of the lake, or explore a handful of museums. Best of all, the lake offers breathtaking panoramic views of its crystal-clear waters that reflect the soaring cliffs of the overlooking Swiss Alps.

Nature enthusiasts can spend an afternoon exploring the Natur-Museum Luzern filled with exhibitions on butterflies, minerals, fossils, birds of prey, and much more. Taxidermied animals get guests up close and personal to European wildlife. Meanwhile, the bug display contains over 240,000 insects and offers an educational and interactive experience including a live bee window. The geology floor features a collection of crystals of all shapes and sizes and meteorite fragments, rocks, and fossils. Yet another section teaches about herbs, gardening, and natural medicines. For those who don’t speak German, the triangular information boards contain English when facing upwards.

Kasernenpl. 6, 6003 Lucerne, CHE, Phone: 41-41-22-88-54-11

In 1881, Edouard Castres built this 112-meter long and 10-meter high panorama depicting Eastern French army under General Bourbaki. The scene re-creates the army’s historic escape to Switzerland during the Franco-Prussian War in the harsh winter of 1871. The battalion of 87,000 men represents Switzerland’s largest admission of refugees. Now, travelers can witness the extraordinary event viewing sculpted terrain and lifelike, 3D models. The audio guide expresses the significance behind the historical events depicted in the artwork, and many hail this as a must-see when touring Lucerne. Admission is included with a Swiss Travel Pass.

Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne, Lowenpl. 11, 6004 Lucerne, CHE, Phone: 41-41-412-30-30

This unusual attraction combines geological science with a bit of history. The Glacier Garden of Lucerne sits next to Lucerne’s Lion Monument and surrounds a pothole that dates back to the Ice Age. Now, visitors can marvel at the gorgeous vistas below after climbing up an observation tower overlooking the potholes carved by glaciers. The museum also showcases a restored traditional Swiss cabin with impressive woodwork and period furniture exhibit. The Hall of Mirrors, dating from 1896, has become a favorite, confounding visitors as they try to navigate their way through the maze. The Swiss Rail Pass comes with free entry into the Glacier Garden.

Denkmalstrasse 4, 6006 Lucerne, CHE, Phone: 41-41-410-43-40

The Hammetschwand Elevator represents the highest exterior lift in all of Europe and gives guests outstanding panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Visitors can access the Hammetschwand Elevator by walking 30-45 minutes from the resort through a spectacular hiking trail or by taking a boat from Lucerne to the Buergenstock Resort. The modern, luxury resort and terrace cafe offer guests a chance to relax, take in the views, and indulge in chocolates, beer, and traditional Swiss snacks. For those who don’t stay at the resort, the Hammetschwand Elevator and Felsenweg path still make for a lovely day trip.

Burgenstock Hotels & Resort, Burgenstock 24, 6363 Obburgen, CHE, Phone: 41-41-612-60-00

As one of the most popular Swiss artists, Hans Erni (1909 - 2015) rose to prominence as a graphic designer, engraver, and sculpture. Born in Lucerne, Erni received both the Art Prize of Lucerne in 1968 and the UN Peace Medal in 1983. The museum honors the artist by displaying more than 300 of his works created over a span of eight decades. The ground floor also showcases abstract paintings by Hans Erni juxtaposed with three “Tatra” cars built by Paul Jaray, a pioneer of automotive streamlining and aerodynamics. Visitors can find the detached hexagonal building sitting on the grounds of the Swiss Museum of Transport.

Hans Erni Museum, Lidostrasse 5, 6006 Lucerne, CHE, Phone: 41-41-370-44-44

The Historisches Museum Luzerngives guests a peek into the past with its collection of cultural and folkloric artifacts from Lucerne and central Switzerland. Behind glass cases and iron grills sit all kinds of items like mannequins dressed in period clothing, folk costumes, weaponry, early pottery, coins, and even a guillotine. The building is a former arsenal protected since the end of the 16th century. Visitors can experience history in a new way. The unique, innovative museum layout gives each person a scanner which they can use to read a barcode beside each item to learn more.

Pfistergasse 24, 6003 Lucerne, CHE, Phone: 41-41-228-54-24

Built in 1333, the Kapellbrucke (or Chapel Bridge) spans diagonally across the Reuss. Although part of the original burned down in a fire, the restored wooden covered footbridge remains Europe’s oldest surviving truss bridge. Even after 700 years, spruce wood panels of the bridge still feature detailed paintings, now restored, depicting historical events such as the life and death of Lucerne’s patron saint, St. Leger, and other local legends promoting the Catholic Church. Colorful flowers cover the side adding to the charm while strolling across. Guests can enter the bridge from either side when visiting.

Kapellbruke, Reuss River, Old Town, 6002 Lucerne, CHE

The Kunstmuseum Luzern showcases four collection areas primarily highlighting historical and modern works from Swiss artists. The largest part of the collection features Swiss art including paintings from the Baroque Era by Kaspar Meglinger and Franz Ludwig Raufft along with a range of 18th-century portraits by artists like Anton Graff, Johann Melchior Wyrsch, Josef Reinhard, and Felix Maria Diogg. Each year, the museum highlights new aspects of their collection with thematic headings such as portraits, landscapes, animals, and so on. The building also offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the Lucerne Concert Hall.

Europaplatz 1, 6005 Lucerne, CHE, Phone: 41-41-226-78-00

Visitors can escape the hustle of Lucerne Löwendenkmal by spending the afternoon at the Alpineum Museum. Situated at the back of a gift shop not far from the weeping lion statue and the glacier gardens, this tucked away museum houses a quaint collection of landscape paintings and historical photos. 3D glasses bring to life old photographs taken by vacationers from yesteryear. Dioramas, the forerunner of cinema and television, contain wooden and metallic models replicating the Alps of the past with miniatures of locals dressed in period clothing, mountain railways, ships, and houses. Those with a Swiss Rail travel pass can enter for free.

Denkmalstrasse 11, 6066 Lucerne, CHE, Phone: 41-41-410-62-66