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    Tourist Attractions in Lucerne

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Lucerne. Photos and a brief description.

    Lucerne
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    About Lucerne

    Lucerne is located among the pastoral landscapes of central Switzerland. It is surrounded by mountains, alpine meadows and green valleys. The city is spread out on the shores of the lake of the same name with clear mountain water and picturesque inhabited shores.

    Lucerne is as exemplary and prosperous a city as Zurich, Geneva or Bern. Tourists will definitely enjoy walking along old wooden bridges and paved squares, sitting in street cafes and contemplating the architecture of Lutheran cathedrals.

    Perhaps the most important reason why travelers come here is the natural landscapes of extraordinary beauty that surround the city. What is it worth to climb to the top of Pilatus or walk along the mirrored water of Lake Firvaldstet!

    Top Tourist Attractions in Lucerne

    Kapelbrücke Bridge

    Wooden bridge over the river Royce, built in 1365. Over the course of seven centuries, many of its structures were replaced, and in 1993, after a severe fire, almost nothing remained of it. Nevertheless, the Kapelbrücke, renovated and opened in 1994, is considered to be the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. It is also a symbol of Lucerne and an iconic landmark. Under its roof there are 111 paintings (78 of them restored after the fire) with scenes from the history of Switzerland.

    Kapelbrücke Bridge
    Firvaldstet Lake

    Firvaldstet Lake

    The reservoir is also known as Lake Lucerne. It is located in the central part of Switzerland on the territory of several cantons at an altitude of 434 meters above sea level. The shores of the lake are a picturesque and inhabited area, which is called the "cradle of Switzerland". There are about 30 different types of fish here, which is why the place is quite popular with fishing enthusiasts.

    The Dying Lion

    A sculptural group dedicated to the Swiss who fell in 1792, who defended the Tuileries Palace during the events of the Great French Revolution. The monument was created in 1821 by the sculptor L. Ahorn according to the sketch of another famous master B. Torvaldsen. The monument is a high relief carved into a rocky ledge, which depicts a mighty lion in the last minutes of his life.

    The Dying Lion
    Schroerbrücke Bridge

    Schroerbrücke Bridge

    The bridge of the beginning of the XV century, which, like the Kapelbrücke, is also built of wood. In its covered gallery there is a series of unique paintings of the XVII century, united by a common idea called "the Dance of Death" (this plot was quite popular in the dark period of the Middle Ages). During the flood of the XVI century, the Schroerbrücke was seriously damaged, but later it was completely restored.

    Nadelwehr Dam

    A hydrotechnical structure on the Reuss River, erected in the 1860s to maintain the water level in the Firvaldstet Lake. The dam was built of wooden stakes-gates, which are raised and lowered manually. At the same time, a gateway is formed that restricts the water flows falling into the Royce River. "Nadelwehr" was the first construction of this type in Europe. The historic dam is located next to the Schroerbrücke Bridge.

    Nadelwehr Dam
    Royce River

    Royce River

    The fourth largest river in Switzerland is more than 164 km long . It flows through the cantons of Schwyz, Lucerne, Uri, Obwalden and Nidwalden. The waterway originates in the mountain range of the Alps (Saint-Gotthard) and flows into the Firvaldstet Lake. Along the shores there are picturesque buildings of the past centuries and well-kept gardens. A walk along the river is a popular entertainment for tourists.

    Kornmarkt Square

    The main square of the historical part of the city, where previously there was a noisy public market where grain was traded. It is surrounded by picturesque facades of city mansions of the past centuries. The walls of the houses are painted with frescoes on various themes depicting biblical scenes and scenes from everyday life. The place still retains the unique spirit of the Middle Ages.

    Kornmarkt Square
    Old Town Hall

    Old Town Hall

    The Town Hall building is located on Kornmarkt Square. This is one of the first attractions that a tourist who has arrived in Lucerne pays attention to. Initially, the structure was built for the needs of the grain market, but in the XVI century it was adapted as an administrative building for the city authorities. The appearance of the building has pronounced features of the Renaissance style. Nowadays, the historical museum is located in the town hall.

    Fortress wall Muzeggmauer

    The only military fortification of the Middle Ages in the vicinity of Lucerne, which has survived and has reached our days. The wall was built in the XIII century and was used for its intended purpose until the XIX century. The preserved section of the Muzeggmauer stretches for almost 900 meters. Watchtowers are located along its entire length. Some of them are open to the public. A walking tourist route runs along the wall.

    Fortress wall Muzeggmauer
    The Chateau Gooch Hotel

    The Chateau Gooch Hotel

    The hotel is located on the territory of a castle of the XIX-XX centuries, which stands on top of a mountain. The surrounding area is decorated in the best traditions of "palace" landscape design. There is a viewing platform in front of the building, which offers a magnificent view of Lucerne, Lake Firvaldstet and the valley. Among the guests of the Chateau Gooch are royalty, famous actors and famous directors.

    Cultural and Congress Center

    A modern complex consisting of several spacious halls and a museum. Many events are held here – festivals, congresses, presentations, ceremonies and concerts. The structure was built in a modern "hi-tech" style according to the project of architect Zh. Nevel in 2000. From the point of view of acoustics, the halls of the Center are among the best venues in all of Europe.

    Cultural and Congress Center
    Swiss Museum of Transport

    Swiss Museum of Transport

    The museum was organized in 1959. In addition to the exhibition, consisting of various types of transport – airplanes, cars, ships, trains, here you can see the collection of the local painter X. Ernie. The museum has a superbly equipped planetarium and an IMAX cinema. There are also several interesting attractions for children, such as a ride on a mini escalator and a fire truck.

    The Rosengart Collection

    An art exhibition consisting of works by famous masters. 125 paintings by P. Klee, as well as paintings and drawings (sketches) by P. Cezanne, K. Monet, A. Matisse and other famous artists of the XIX-XX centuries are exhibited here. The museum collection also contains photographs of D. Duncan from the period of the Second World War. A separate hall has been allocated for the works of P. Picasso, which can be considered as a full-fledged gallery.

    The Rosengart Collection
    Richard Wagner Museum

    Richard Wagner Museum

    The brilliant composer R. Wagner came to Switzerland in 1866 and settled in a mansion on the shore of Lake Firvaldstet. F. Liszt, F. Nietzsche, the Bavarian monarch Ludwig II and other famous personalities of that era often visited his house. According to the composer's own memoirs, the happiest moments of his life passed here, which in the best way influenced his further work. Nowadays, the mansion houses a museum in memory of the composer.

    Lucerne Nature Museum

    A relatively small exhibition is located in the building of the former orphanage, built in 1811 in the neoclassical style. The leading themes of the collection are the flora and fauna of the region, geological history and environmental problems. The museum often hosts temporary exhibitions, educational lectures and nature-themed classes for children. Part of the collection consists of stuffed animals and birds.

    Lucerne Nature Museum
    Lucerne Historical Museum

    Lucerne Historical Museum

    The exhibition consists of costumes, armor, weapons, handicrafts and archival documents relating to different periods of the history of Lucerne. The collection is located in the former Arsenal building. If desired, you can join an organized excursion, which is held several times during the day. Professional actors work in the museum to create a historical atmosphere.

    Panorama of Bourbaki

    A panoramic canvas of impressive dimensions by E. Castres, which depicts the passage of the French army of General S. Bourbaki through Switzerland. This event took place during the war between France and Germany in 1870-71 . The painting is placed in a circular pavilion. Its total area is more than 1 thousand m2. The panel is one of the brightest examples of panoramic painting of the XIX century.

    Panorama of Bourbaki
    Glacier Garden

    Glacier Garden

    The Geological Park – Museum of Lucerne, which was founded at the end of the XIX century. Its history began with the fact that a citizen I.V. Am Rain accidentally discovered ancient fossils in his yard while digging out a wine cellar. Based on these findings, the Scientific Council of Lucerne decided to create a museum. Most of the exposition is located in the open air. The Glacier Garden consists of many pavilions and themed areas.

    The Jesuit Church

    The temple is located in the historical part of Lucerne near the city hall. This is the first religious building of the city, built in the Baroque style. The name of the architect remained unknown, although the temple was built not so long ago – in the second half of the XVII century. According to one version, K. Fogler worked on the building. Despite the fact that the church belongs to the Lutheran denomination, its interior is decorated quite magnificently.

    The Jesuit Church
    Hofkirche Church

    Hofkirche Church

    The temple was built in the XVII century in a mixed architectural style, combining features of the late "German" Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic. Earlier, the site of the Hofkirche was occupied by an abbey of the VIII century, which was destroyed by fire. Bas-reliefs dating from the XIV-XV centuries have been preserved from the abbey church. The church is one of the main parishes of the Protestant community of Lucerne.

    Lucerne Railway Station

    The city's central station, serving suburban and long-distance destinations. The transparent lobby with the original roof crowning the building was designed by the Spanish architect S. Calatrava. The structure belongs to a state-owned company that owns Swiss railways. There is a bus station next to the train station.

    Lucerne Railway Station
    Pilatus

    Pilatusban

    A railway with a length of more than 4.5 km, located at a steep slope to the surface of 48 °. It leads to the top of Mount Pilatus. The gear structure of the web (for better traction with the wheels) was designed by the brilliant engineer E. Locher at the end of the XIX century. Pilatusban has experienced only one modernization in 1937. Since then, its mechanisms have not been reconstructed.

    Entlebukh Biosphere Reserve

    The natural territory of the Canton of Lucerne, recognized by UNESCO as the country's first biosphere reserve. The ecosystem is represented by pre-Alpine peat valleys and foothills consisting of karst formations. The reserve occupies a vast territory of 400 km. There are walking routes for tourists passing through the most picturesque places.

    Entlebukh Biosphere Reserve
    Riga

    Riga

    A mountain on the border of the canton of Lucerne, located between the Firvaldstet and Zug lakes. It rises 1,797 meters above sea level. The summit can be reached by rail and cable cars or by hiking trails. There are several picturesque towns around the mountain. Local idealistic landscapes attract many tourists here.

    Pilatus

    A mountain, or rather, a mountain range, which, according to legend, received its name from the name of the procurator Pontius Pilate. There is a belief that his grave is located on one of the slopes. The highest point of the ridge reaches 21 meters above sea level. Pilatus is located on the border of several cantons – Nidwalden, Obwalden and Lucerne. The Pilatusban cog railway and a cable lift lead to its top.

    Pilatus