Anyone traveling to Switzerland should consider a trip to Luzern, central Switzerland's largest town. Visitors who spend a few days there will find no shortage of shops, restaurants and sights to explore. Among the town's biggest draws are its medieval covered bridges, town walls and Old Town center. Visitors should also be sure not to miss the striking Lion Monument and the one-of-a-kind Swiss Transport Museum.
If you're only in Luzern for a short time, here are the main attractions you'll want to see.
Luzern's Covered Bridges
The Reuss River splits central Luzern into its north and south sections after flowing out of picturesque Lake Lucerne. Spanning the Reuss are a handful of thatch-covered wooden bridges dating as far back as the 14th century. The most famous is the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. With the adjoining octagonal Wasserturm tower, it has become one of the most recognized symbols of Luzern. Paintings from the 17th century depicting scenes from the town's history decorate the bridge's roof panels. Beds of colorful flowers adorn the sides of the bridge. Sections of Chapel Bridge were destroyed by fire in 1993 but have been immaculately restored.
Löwendenkmal - The Lion Monument
Just a short walk north of central Luzern, on Denkmalstrasse, is this large and moving statue of a dying lion impaled by a spear. The Lion Monument is dedicated to the Swiss Guards who served Louis XVI of France and defended the Palais des Tuileries in Paris when it came under attack by revolutionaries in 1792. The monument's architect carved the massive lion figure into a natural sandstone cliff face, and the sadness of the dying figure is mirrored in a small reflecting pool offset from the street.
Swiss Transport Museum
A short distance from the center of town along the shore of the lake is the Swiss Transport Museum. The huge complex houses countless examples of nearly every form of motorized transport ever invented, with massive exhibition halls devoted to road transport, train travel, air travel and space exploration, among other things. A planetarium and an IMAX hall also show films and exhibitions at scheduled times.
This unique museum is entertaining for both adults and families and should not be missed. Admission is half-price if you hold a Swiss Pass. For those who aren't up for the 30-minute walk from central Luzern, an easy 10-minute bus ride from Luzern Station to the "Verkehrshaus" stop on bus No. 6, 8, or 24 will get you there.
Old Town Luzern and Weinmarkt Square
Luzern's Old Town, or Altstadt, lies north of the Reuss River and can be reached from the south bank by crossing the Chapel Bridge. Dating from the Middle Ages, the town has many surviving historic houses, guildhalls and fountains. The façades of many of the buildings are adorned with colorful frescoes and traditional sgraffito decoration.
Some of the most picturesque houses are centered around Weinmarkt Square. The various alleys and squares still follow the town's ancient layout and are easy to explore on foot. The Altstadt area also offers many hotels and shops, as well as high-quality restaurants serving both Swiss and international fare.
Luzern's Medieval Fortifications
Just north of the Altstadt, on the hills surrounding the town, are the remnants of Luzern's ancient town walls and watchtowers. Visitors who make the trek up the hill and climb the steep stone steps of the towers are rewarded with unrivaled views of the town and its covered bridges. On a clear day, there are also breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the soaring peaks of the surrounding mountains.
Easily reached by train from Zurich in less than an hour, some travelers choose to visit Luzern simply as a day trip. For those with more time, Luzern serves as a perfect base for exploring the towns and mountain scenery of central Switzerland.
Whether you have a day or for a week to explore, Luzern is a charming and unforgettable town that should definitely not be missed.
Stephanie Wilkins - Stephanie is a freelance writer and photographer from Brooklyn, NY, focusing on international travel.
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