Historical Landmarks in Lucerne Old Town Tour: Chapel Bridge

For official information, visit Lucerne travel info.

For official information, visit Lucerne travel info.

While walking inside the bridge, you should look up at the many triangular ceiling panels. You will see several unique paintings that date back to the early 17th century. These colorful artworks show important scenes from both local history and general Swiss legends. Many of these panels were carefully restored after a major fire damaged the bridge in 1993.

Next to the bridge stands the tall octagonal Water Tower made of strong local stone. This stone tower previously served as a city prison, a torture chamber, and a treasury. You can see it clearly on a Chapel Bridge and Old Town walking route today. It remains one of the most photographed and recognized spots in all of Switzerland.

Crossing the entire bridge usually takes about five minutes if you walk at a slow pace. It is completely free to visit and stays open to the public 24 hours every day. Visit early in the morning for the best photos without the large daily tourist crowds. The bridge connects the newer part of town with the historic center on the other side.

Musegg Wall and the Nine Towers

The Musegg Wall is a massive medieval fortification that overlooks the city of Lucerne. It once protected the local citizens from many different invaders during the middle ages. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of the ancient strength and wealth here. You can walk along certain parts of the wall for free during the summer months.

Nine massive stone towers are still part of this historic city wall in Lucerne. Some of the most famous towers you can see on your walk include:

• Zyt Tower: Home to the oldest clock in the city.
• Männli Tower: Named after the small iron figure on top.
• Luegisland Tower: Once used as a watchtower for the city.

Three of these impressive towers are currently open to the general public for exploration. Each tower offers a unique and fascinating look into the long past of Lucerne. Seeing the Zyt Tower clock is a major highlight of any Lucerne Old Town walking tour. This special clock has the ancient right to chime exactly one minute before others.

The wall is typically open for visitors from April until November each year for safety. It is closed during the cold winter months because the stone steps can become very slippery. Plan for at least 60 minutes to explore the whole length of the Musegg Wall. Wear sturdy walking shoes as the stone steps are quite steep and narrow for most.

The Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal)

The Lion Monument is a deeply moving and famous stone sculpture located in Lucerne. It commemorates the brave Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution in Paris. Mark Twain famously called it the most mournful and moving piece of stone today. It is carved directly into a natural sandstone cliff face near the city center.

The dying lion lies sadly above a small pond in a very quiet park. You will find it located just a short distance north of the main center. It is a short and easy ten-minute walk from the main lakefront and bridges. This historic site is a must for any history lover visiting Lucerne in 2026.

Entry to the park and the monument is completely free for all visitors today. It is open all day and night throughout every season of the year in Lucerne. Most visitors spend about 15 minutes reflecting at this very historic and quiet location. It provides a peaceful break from the busy and crowded city streets during the day.

Learn about the best way to reach this important site easily from the station. You can follow a how to see Lucerne Old Town on foot guide for the route. The path is well-marked and very easy for most fitness levels to walk now. It is a peaceful walk through the local city streets and past small shops.

Old Town Squares and Frescoed Houses

The Old Town is famous for its beautiful and historic public squares and fountains. Weinmarkt is the most popular square for local gatherings and markets in the city. It features a stunning central fountain and several colorful painted buildings on all sides. Many of these intricate murals date back several hundred years to the medieval period.

Hirschenplatz is another historic square worth visiting while you are in the city today. It is surrounded by tall houses with very intricate facade paintings on every single floor. These paintings tell the stories of the wealthy families who once lived in homes. The square is the perfect place for a quick coffee break during your walk.

Kornmarkt is home to the very impressive and historic Old Town Hall building. This grand building shows a unique mix of Italian Renaissance and traditional Swiss styles. You can see the tall clock tower from across the square at any time. It is a great starting point for your exploration of the city in 2026.

Use a best self-guided Old Town Lucerne walk 2026 to find these squares. These squares are all located within a very short walking distance of each other. You will find many small boutique shops and local bakeries near these historic areas. Take your time to enjoy the local Swiss atmosphere and the beautiful architecture.