A getaway to Lucerne

The starting point for this walking tour of Lucerne is at the SBB

(S/E). From Luzern Bahnhof, head to the banks of the Reuss near the Seebrücke bridge. Follow the left bank to the famous Kappelbrücke, a covered wooden bridge. Cross the Reuss via this magnificent medieval bridge whilst admiring its architecture. Once on the other bank, follow the Reuss westwards along the Rathausquai, then the Unter der Egg embankment. Walk around the Hôtel des Balances. Via the Metzgerrainle, you will find yourself facing the Reussbrücke.

(1) Cross the Reuss again via the Reussbrücke. Make the most of the view from this bridge, which offers a view of Lucerne’s two wooden bridges: the Kappelbrücke to the east and the Spreuerbrücke to the west. Heading west, take Bahnhofstrasse then Pfistergasse to the entrance of the Spreuerbrücke. Enjoy this superb bridge as you cross the Reuss once more. At the end of the bridge, leave the quay and take Brüggligasse, which leads to the Nölliturm.

(2) To the right of the Nölliturm, take a path that runs along the ramparts. Stop at the Mannliturm. Don’t hesitate to climb to the top of this tower, which offers a breathtaking view of Lucerne.
Return to the rampart path, pass the Lugislandturm, head to the Wachtturm and visit it. Then make your way back to the Zytturm, where numerous clock mechanisms are on display. Follow the ramparts along the walkway to the Schirmerturm. Descend from this tower.

(3) At the foot of the tower, stay on the garden side and head down towards Museggstrasse. Heading east, continue along the street until you reach a staircase on the right. Take this staircase down towards the old town, the ‘Altstadt’. After the Museggpassage, turn right and stroll through the shopping streets of Wiggesgasse and Rössligasse to reach Mühlenplatz, near the Coop.

(4) Turn left into Krangasse and left again towards a small square with a fountain. Walk through the old town towards the east, pass through Kornmarkt square, then follow Kappelgasse to reach the lake. Cross Schwanenplatz and head north to reach Hertensteinstrasse.

(5) Take Hertensteinstrasse to the junction with Alpenstrasse, head back towards the lake, turn left onto Schweizerhofquai, passing the Federal Supreme Court (‘Bundesgericht’). Reach the forecourt of St. Leodegar’s Church.

(6) From the church, head back towards the lake via Stiftstrasse and arrive at Nationalquai. Follow this splendid promenade along the lake to the tennis courts on Spittelerquai.

(7) Return towards the centre of Lucerne via Nationalquai and then the Seebrücke, and head back to Lucerne railway station (S/E).

Lucerne is the final destination of the route from Rorschach (Lake Constance) to Lucerne via the Alpenpanorama Weg. A visit to Lucerne is a must.
Staying an extra night in Central Switzerland is a must before heading home.

There are plenty of hotels available in this magnificent city.

- Lucerne.
- Lake Lucerne.
- The medieval Kapellbrücke bridge.
- The medieval Spreuerbrücke bridge.
- The city walls with the Nölli, Männli, Wachtturm, Zytturm and Schirmerturm towers.
- The Reuss.
- St Leodegar’s Church in the Hof.