Constructed in 1333, Kapellbrücke is the oldest covered wooden bridge in all of Europe. The truss-style landmark crosses the Reuss River and features a prominent water tower, which was originally constructed as part of the fortification for the city and used later as a treasury, prison, and torture chamber. Named after St. Peter's Chapel, the bridge also features paintings dating back to the 1600s. Unfortunately, several of its artworks have been destroyed over time. Today, Kapellbrücke is one of the most photographed landmarks in Lucerne and makes for a supremely pleasant addition to any itinerary.
The Swiss Museum of Transport is one of the most popular museums in Lucerne. It showcases the evolution of transportation in Switzerland. Through various exhibits and displays, the museum depicts the modes of transportation in the country and the government's effort to improve these facilities further. If that's not enough, you can choose to visit the on-site movie theater or the planetarium.
Trace the history of Lucerne by exploring the Old Town which overlooks the River Reuss. The stretch between Kapellbrücke and the city hall is regarded as the Old Town. Several restaurants with patios dot the streets overlooking the River Reuss, giving this place a romantic charm.
Surrounded by beautiful mountains, meadows, forests and valleys, Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne) is among the largest of its kind in the country. It has a complex shape with many bends and arms coming through the hillsides. It is also a popular tourist spot and has many steamers and passenger boats plying through the many towns on the lakeside. The meaning of its name is Lake of the Four Forested Cantons since Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden are all nestled on its shores.
The Löwendenkmal, or the Lion Monument, was designed by the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. Also called the Lion of Lucerne, the monument was commissioned by an officer of the Guards, Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen. It would take a few years for the required funds to be amassed, delaying its construction until it was finally carved out by Lukas Ahorn in 1820-1821. Hewn into the face of a cliff, this stirring sandstone relief is further augmented by the emerald waters that twinkle beneath it. A moving testimony to the valor of the Swiss, the Lion Monument is dedicated to the hundreds of Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives protecting the Tuileries Palace where King Louis XVI had been forced to take refuge in 1792 during the French Revolution. It depicts a wounded lion that has been speared, lying on a broken shield inscribed with the French fleur-de-lis while another bearing the Swiss coat of arms rests by its side. Below the sculpture, there is an inscription bearing the names of the officers who perished and a tribute to all the soldiers. In 1880, Mark Twain famously described the Lion Monument as the most moving stone image in the world, bolstering its reputation as an iconic landmark.
Museum of Art Lucerne or the Kunstmuseum Luzerne, as it is locally known, is a grandiose museum space located within the premises of the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre. This magnificent treasure house displays a stunning collection of local artworks from the Renaissance times until the present day. Here, you get to explore Swiss art of the bygone era and its changing trends. The Museum of Art Lucerne also has several smaller event spaces in its premises where exhibitions, conferences, meetings, corporate events and a whole lot of other functions are lined-up. Check website for more details.
Established in 1660, the Johanna-Spyri-Museum treasures memories and works of its namesake—Spyri—a Swiss writer. The museum is divided into three parts; the Keller or the basement room displays photos and literary works. Then comes the Spyri Stube, which holds personal items owned by the author and her family. The Heidi room is dedicated to the famous character created by Johanna. Call for further details.
Landsgemeindeplatz in the heart of Zug throbs with life day in and day out. One of the busiest places in town, it is bathed in natural splendor and is a fine place to spend a summer evening. A host of concert venues and restaurants that attract tourists from all over the world are located here. The notable Zug Stadt is located at Landsgemeindeplatz, which has held stage to some of the biggest events taking place in the city. Contact Zug's tourist information centre for more information.
Established in the year 2003, Galerie Haas specializes in 20th and 21st Century art. Centrally located in Zurich, this gallery showcases pieces by artists around the world. Pioneers of Cubism, Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, have their works on display here, as do post-war artists like Andy Warhol. The artist roster also includes the likes of Lovis Corinth, Otto Dix, Gustav Kluge and Leiko Ikemura.
Muri Abbey is a prominent Benedictine monastery commemorating Saint Martin of Tours. Serving as a burial ground for the House of Habsburg, the abbey was established by Radbot, Count of Habsburg, in 1027 and an abbey church was allocated in 1064. Muri Abbey was majorly destructed during the 14th Century, and Emperor Leopold I restored the monastery, the church and the historic mausoleum in the 18th Century. The site attracts thousands of visitors who come to view this grand religious institution.
The Lukaskirche Luzern is a church as well as an event space. The church is modestly decorated with a church organ, stained windows, and an altar. Sunday services are usually organized which is open to people of all faiths. They offer rental services for private events at the two spaces like the Zwingli and Luke Hall.