The Nine Historic Towers of the Musegg Wall

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Lucerne travel info.

For the most up-to-date details, check Lucerne travel info before you go.

The towers are named Nölli, Männli, Luegisland, Heu, Zyt, Schirmer, Pulver, Allenwinden, and Dachli. The Nölli Tower sits right by the Reuss River and is perfectly round. The Luegisland Tower is the tallest of the group. It once served as a watchtower for the entire valley. The Heu Tower was used to store hay in the past.

The Pulver Tower was used for storing gunpowder for the city defense. The Allenwinden and Dachli towers are smaller but still very impressive. Most of these towers are not open to the general public. However, they provide a magnificent backdrop for the Musegg Wall walking route. You can admire their stone masonry from the path below.

Which Towers Can You Climb in 2026?

While there are nine towers, you can only enter four of them. These are the Männli, Wacht, Zyt, and Schirmer towers. Each open tower offers a different perspective of the city. You can climb the internal wooden stairs to reach the top. The stairs are often very steep and narrow.

The Männli Tower is famous for the iron figure of a soldier. This "little man" stands on the very top of the roof. From here, you get the best views from Musegg Wall towers Lucerne can offer. You can see Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Swiss Alps clearly. It is a favorite spot for photographers.

The Schirmer Tower leads you from the wall back into the city. It is a gateway between the historic wall and the modern streets. Climbing these towers is a great way to experience history. You can feel the cool stone walls and see ancient wood beams. Always hold the handrails while moving between the different levels.

Exploring the Zyt Tower and Its Famous Clock

The Zyt Tower is perhaps the most interesting stop on the walk. It houses the oldest city clock in Lucerne, built in 1535. This clock is so important that it has a special privilege. It strikes the hour one minute before all other city clocks. You can hear its deep chime echoing across the Old Town.

Inside the tower, you can see the massive clockwork mechanism. The large iron gears turn slowly to keep the time. It is a fascinating example of early Swiss engineering. Large weights hang from ropes to power the entire system. Educational signs explain how the clock has functioned for centuries.

The face of the clock is large enough for fishermen to see. They used it to track time while working on the lake. The Zyt Tower is usually the busiest part of the wall. Visitors love to stand near the gears when the clock strikes. It is a must-see part of any walk on Musegg Wall Lucerne.

Practical Tips for the Musegg Wall Walking Route

The wall is open to visitors from April until November each year. During the winter months, the towers are closed for safety reasons. Admission to the wall and the open towers is completely free. This makes it one of the best scenic walks in Lucerne 2026 has to offer. Plan for at least one hour to see everything.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
• Bring a bottle of water during the warm summer months.
• The wall can be slippery if it has rained recently.
• Keep a close eye on children on the high ramparts.

You can start the walk near the Schirmer Tower or the Nölli Tower. Most people prefer to start near the river and walk uphill. This direction provides the most dramatic views as you climb. There are several benches along the path where you can rest. You will also find a small farm with animals nearby.