Lucerne
Switzerland
Backpacking Lucerne
Information on Lucerne, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Lucerne is one of the best places to get a sense of the real Switzerland being one of the first cities to join the Swiss Confederation in the fourteenth century. Old town Lucerne is compact and walkable, offering you a chance to experience all of the main attractions in just a few hours. There are two wooden bridges in Lucerne, the famous Kapellbrücke and the smaller Spreuerbrücke. You can also visit The Löwendenkmal, a wounded lion memorial carved out of a rock face, is a monument to the Swiss guards massacred during the French revolution. The countryside around Lucerne is the perfect example of Swiss nature. Mount Pilates rises up above the city and can be reached by the world’s steepest cogwheel railway or a cable car that runs year-round. Another option is to hike, which takes several hours but comes with unparalleled views of the town below and the surrounding Alps. At the mountain’s base lies Lake Lucerne, best explored by boat tours, which glide slowly along the lake’s shores. Visitors can hop off and explore the villages and parks scattered along the edges of the lake. Well-connected to the rest of the country, Lucerne is the perfect base for any backpacker looking to explore Switzerland.
Must See
Chapel Bridge - Kapellbrücke, also known as Chapel Bridge (above), is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe that was constructed around 1332. There are many 17th century paintings inside the bridge, however many of them were destroyed in a fire in 1993. Chapel Bridge is connected to the octagonal water tower located at the southern end of the bridge.
Old Town - Set on the north side of the River Reuss, Old Town Lucerne is a charming neighborhood filled with well-preserved medieval buildings and romantic cobblestone streets. Despite its small size, stunning pieces of architecture and vivid murals can be seen every which way your turn. You can stop at one of the cozy cafes or decadent chocolate shops along the way, and walk through the marketplace situated near the town hall.
Must Do
Explore Lake Lucerne - Glacier-fed water and a dreamy fjord-like landscape make Switzerland’s fourth-largest lake one of the top attractions in Lucerne. The shores of Lake Lucerne are lined with small fishing villages and towns that can be visited by ferry boats all year round. Many of the routes include stops at the quaint Swiss villages found along the shore. You can also hike or cycle along one of the trails surrounding the lake.
Explore Mount Pilatus - With its massive height, Mount Pilatus towers over the city of Lucerne. The top of Mount Pilatus is easily accessible via the Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. On the way up you’ll pass by forests, meadows, and rock faces. At the summit, you’ll be greeted by surreal panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne with several bars and restaurants to relax at. There are also hiking trails, a toboggan run and a 'Dragon Path' with information about the myths around this mountain.
Nightlife
Lucerne might be small, but as a cultural center it draws people from all over Central Switzerland. Most nightlife is located in Neustadt (new town) which is a lively and vibrant neighborhood located in central Lucerne sitting across the river from the Old Town. Here you can find high-end nightlife located at the bars of the grand hotels. For a more backpacker scene dive into the vibrant student bars. You'll also find pubs and casual bars, as well as live music venues and large mainstream clubs.
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