In spite of the popular legend linking Lucerne and the Latin word “lucerna”, many historians believe that the city derives its name from “Luciaria”, meaning weir-basket. This theory implies that Lucerne was initially a small fishing village, with later generations trying to distance themselves from the city’s humble origins.
Lucerne is the most beautiful city in Switzerland and belongs to the category of most beautiful cities in Switzerland. In addition to chapels and monasteries, Lucerne is also famous for its many bridges. One of the notable bridges in the city is the Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. The official language in Lucerne is German, although you may have a hard time understanding the locals even if you are fluent in Standard German. The Swiss variety of Standard German and especially Alemannic Swiss German (which is mainly spoken in Lucerne) are a very special dialect that takes time getting used to.
If you are asking which is the best place to visit in Switzerland, than definitely is Lucerne.
ONE DAY IN LUCERNE ITINERARY
Start Your Day on the Shores of Lake Lucerne
You will notice that a lot of Lucerne’s museums and galleries don’t open before 10 AM. That means that you will only have enough time to squeeze in two or maybe three (depending on your preferences) between 10 and 5. Luckily, there are many other things to do in the most beautiful city in switzerland apart from hopping from one museum to the next. There are many Switzerland vacation spots and places to go in Switzerland. In fact, you should try to spend as much time as possible outdoors, enjoying the city’s beautiful architecture and breathtaking scenery.
Early in the morning, nothing beats the sight of Lake Lucerne, especially the area between the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre and the sailing club (Segelclub Tribschenhorn). Park Ufschötti is a popular green space on the waterfront with a nice beach and great views of the old buildings and church towers across the water. Go for a long stroll along the shore, take your time and enjoy the gorgeous scenic views of the fourth largest lake in Switzerland.
You may also read:
Best Things to Do in Greece for First-Time Visitors: Experience the Magic
Board an Old Steamer and Take a Boat Tour
Less than 500 meters from the University of Lucerne, right next to the beautiful Inseli Park, you will notice a couple of larger ships, including several beautiful old steamboats, elongated, yet with a broad center, with ornately decorated prows and a single large black chimney in the middle. The steamboats belong to the Navigation Company of Lake Lucerne (SGV).
They are historic paddleboat steamers that take visitors on sightseeing boat trips on the lake and also connect the most beautiful city in Switzerland – Lucerne with the small towns and villages on the other side of the shore. The trips are available year-round and start as early as 6:15 AM.
Choose a Museum to Visit – Wagner
Once you’re back on solid ground, It will likely be around 10 AM, meaning you should be able to visit one of Lucerne’s many museums. There are several museums close to the docks, including Kunstmuseum Luzern, Richard Wagner Museum Lucerne, and Sammlung Rosengart. You will probably only have time for one of the three, however, so pick the museum that sounds the most interesting to you.
If you love opera, especially Richard Wagner, then you absolutely must see the Richard Wagner Museum Lucerne (opened from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday), housed inside a 15th-century country villa that was once the famous composer’s home.
For the average person, one hour should be enough to tour the three buildings that make up the museum and to get a good understanding of the life and works of Richard Wagner. His letters, clothing books, paintings, musical instruments, and other artifacts are all there on display and represent a compelling slice of history even if you are not familiar with Wagner’s life.
Walk to Chapel Bridge
Once you’re done touring the museums, take a short walk to Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), one of the most fascinating places to visit and must see in Switzerland. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from the Richard Wagner Museum Lucerne along the shore.
A recognizable landmark of the most beautiful city in Switzerland, Lucerne, Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden pedestrian bridge across the Reuss River, connecting the Old Town north of the river with the new town to the south. The oldest truss bridge in the world and the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, Chapel Bridge is an important historical landmark, constructed in 1333 as part of the city’s fortifications. The bridge is also notable for the paintings that were added in the 17th century, mostly depicting important events and scenes from Swiss history.
Cross the Bridge and Explore the Old Town
Take your time crossing the diagonal Chapel Bridge and feel free to stop and enjoy the view or take a closer look at the paintings. Once you’re on the other side, you’ll find yourself in Lucerne’s Altstadt, one of the most beautiful Old Towns in all of Europe. Explore the quaint pedestrian-only streets lined with historic half-timber houses and old ornate facades. For the best possible experience, walk to St. Peter’s Chapel (Peterskapelle) as soon as you cross the bridge. St. Peter’s Chapel is where Chapel Bridge got its name from.
What others are reading:
What to See When in Thailand
Walk west on Kapellgasse behind the chapel, a vibrant street lined with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. After a few minutes, you will reach Kornmarkt Square with the painted Pfistern guildhall, the Lucerne Town Hall, and the gorgeous old clock tower. It is a beautiful square with colorful paintings adorning the surrounding buildings, notable for being the square where the Canton of Lucerne swore a federal oath in 1332.
Pick a Nice Spot for Lunch in the most beautiful city in Switzerland
Apart from sightseeing, you can peruse some of the nearby shops (including exclusive watch stores, jewelry shops, cosmetics stores, and so on), or you can pick a nice spot and enjoy a good hearty meal to regain your energy.
The Old Town has some great restaurants to offer, such as Brasserie Bodu, a charming French brasserie with a beautiful little terrace by the river. The place serves primarily French classics such as magret de canard (duck), a number of seafood options (excellent seabass with vegetables), delicious bouillabaisse (a fish stew), and tasty sirloin steaks. The desserts are just as mouthwatering as the main dishes.
For something a bit more laid back, consider Soul Chicken, a cozy little spot that serves all kinds of chicken dishes in a unique setting that feels remarkably homey. It is great place for a quick bite, although you may want to spend some time there to enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Take a Short Walk to Löwendenkmal (Dying Lion Monument)
Approximately 500 meters north of the church, there is a small park with tall trees and a cliff hanging over a miniature pond.
There are three museums surrounding the park:
- Alpineum Museum (with paintings and miniatures of the Alps)
- Spiegelmuseum Luzern (the Museum of Mirrors)
- Gletschergarten Luzern (history museum focusing on the Ice Age and glaciers).
The Dying Lion of Lucerne is the oldest figurative monument in Switzerland and a beloved landmark among locals and visitors alike.
Treat Yourself to a Real Swiss Dinner
There are several great restaurants with authentic Swiss cuisine under the ramparts. Visiting one of these places is high on the list of things to do in Lucerne if you are looking for a complete experience.
However, choosing the right place depends on a number of factors, for example, whether you prefer something large and boisterous or small and private.
Reussbad, located in a solitary building right next to the Nölliturm watchtower, perfectly fits the latter description. The restaurant is very popular among the locals and the few tourists who know how to recognize a good dining experience.
There are a lot of best cities to visit in Switzerland, and Lucerne is one of them.
As the final chapter of our Lucerne adventure unfolds, it’s not just the memories that linger but the essence of a city that defies time. Lucerne, with its medieval bridges and modern vibrancy, is a destination where history dances with the present, and every cobblestone tells a story. Lucerne is definitely the best place to visit in Switzerland.
Leave a reply