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Medieval Lucerne: Small-Group Nightwatchman Walk Tour
4.7
23 Ratings
Luzern
Discover medieval Lucerne by night. Join the Nightwatchman for ghost stories, legends, and hidden gems. Experience history with a costumed guide.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Peter’s Chapel - As the tour begins, you hear the fire horn followed by an invocation prayer. The Nightwatchman shares stories of his challenging life during the Middle Ages. Using a projector, he introduces you to medieval Lucerne. You get a detailed look at the Martini plan, the first city map of Lucerne from 1597. You trace the route on the map and discover that many buildings from that time still exist today. You see St. Peter’s Chapel, the town’s first church dating back to the 12th century. Next to it, you see Lucerne’s first private stone house and learn the origin of the phrase “stone rich.”
- Chapel Bridge - Did you know the Water Tower was built several decades before the Chapel Bridge? The Water Tower was constructed in the late 13th century, while the Chapel Bridge dates back to 1365. You see pictures of the Water Tower’s interior and hear about its torture chamber, dungeon, and secret room. You also learn how the Chapel Bridge got its name.
- Furrengasse - You walk around the corner to Kapellplatz and hear about life in the Middle Ages in the flourishing Republic of Lucerne. Walking through Furrengasse, you learn about its ghost and the Toggeli (Incubus, also known as the “love robber”).
- Kornmarkt - You arrive at Town Hall Square, known as Kornmarkt. You learn about the Renaissance Town Hall and its tower with a clock that has no minute hand. You hear the story of the “Giant of Reiden” and see the Lucerne Foot and Elle, the official measurements of Old Lucerne.
- Brandgässli - In Brandgässli Alley, you learn about the Riot of Lucerne before continuing to the former fish market, now known as the wine market.
- Weinmarkt - At Weinmarkt, you see old guest house signs and admire the frescoes on the houses. On the former pharmacy house of Renward Cysat, you read the Latin phrase: “Amor medicabilis nullis herbis,” meaning “There is no cure for a broken heart.” While listening to the Nightwatchman discuss the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, you enjoy a glass of Lucerne’s finest water. Then you pass the lower wine market, where the pillory once stood.
- Im Zöpfli - At the riverside square called “Zöpfli,” you hear about law and order in old Lucerne. You see projected paintings depicting methods of prosecution, interrogation, and corporal punishment from the Middle Ages in Lucerne.
- Reussbrücke - You cross the Reussbrücke and see the Spreuerbruecke (Mill Bridge), the Needle Dam, and parts of the Musegg Wall.
- Alte Suidtersche Apotheke - A few steps further, you arrive at the stunning medieval pharmacy window of the “Alte Suidtersche Apotheke.” The Nightwatchman tells you more about the house and its location.
- Ritterscher Palast - As you continue, the Nightwatchman shows you some “Guardian Demons.” You stop at the legendary house of Lux Ritter and learn why the first two floors look different from the third. You also hear the story of “Hans von Trient,” the unlucky stonemason. Another highlight is the presentation of the seven paintings of the Dance of Death, projected on a house wall, with detailed explanations from your guide.
- Jesuitenkirche - You pass the Church of the Jesuits, the first baroque building in Switzerland, dating back to 1677.
- Chapel Bridge - You cross the Chapel Bridge, see the paintings, and learn why the bridge is built diagonally over the river. At the end of the bridge, you reach the starting point, where the tour concludes.
What's Included
- Medievally dressed Local guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Some exclusive post cards featuring Old Lucerne
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Explore medieval Lucerne on the Nightwatchman Walking Tour. See the illuminated attractions and hear the comments and background stories of the Nightwatchman. You will hear about ghosts, demons and witches and the Legend of the Riot of Lucerne. You will learn about living in Lucerne in the middle ages, you get information about law and order of that time. The Nightwatchman Guide is dressed in medieval style and equipped with a traditional Swiss halberd. He takes you through narrow streets and hidden places of the historic Centre of Lucerne. The tour is surrounded by pictures presented with a projector, on iPad and on postcards.
- Children up to twelve years old are free but must be accompanied by an adult
- Tours take place rain, snow or shine. It is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather and bring an umbrella or rain coat.
Location
Rosengart Platz
Meet your guide right next to Chapel Bridge, on the right hand riverside.
Go to the wooden bridge with the tower. This is called the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower.
We meet at the square right at the end of the Chapel Bridge on the right hand riverside.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(23 Ratings)
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Hamiltonb696
May 23, 2024
Great Tour! Learned a lot - The history was very interesting. Our guide Ralf was very friendly, as well as knowledgeable and passionate about the contents of the tour. Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in Swiss/Medieval history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
556kimberleyj
Sep 13, 2023
Informative and entertaining! - Ralf was so knowledgeable about the history of Lucerne. The tour was informative and entertaining. He really brought the story of the city to life!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_h
May 14, 2023
Great Tour - Our guide was very personable, knowledgeable, and courteous. He told us about aspects of Luzern that were new, despite this being my fourth trip to the city.
Review provided by Viator
Carolinetansy
Nov 13, 2022
A must-do in Lucerne - Had a wonderful evening of learning! Ralph managed to bring history to life and we thoroughly enjoyed his humour. a must-do if you are in Lucerne!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Murrayd65
Sep 7, 2022
One of the best city tours I’ve seen - The tour guide was very nice and funny. Very informative and the free postcards was a nice touch. Would highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zoey_m
Aug 3, 2022
special and unique! can’t miss - The Nightwatchman was an excellent guide! Had really interesting stories and gave a very unique tour. I can’t recommend this tour enough, it was a very special and unique view of Lucerne. We had been here for a few days already and this gave us a fresh look at the city
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_k
Jul 13, 2022
A great tour, and highly recommended. - The Nightwatchman gave an excellent tour. He was very interesting, and knowledgeable about Luzern and it’s history.
Review provided by Viator
Sharon
Sep 15, 2020
Unique tour in Lucerne - The evening walking tour provided by Ralf the Nightwatchman is fascinating and a unique way to discover parts of Lucerne that you may not otherwise visit. Ralf conducts the tour in medieval dress and recounts life as it was in medieval times. He has lots of interesting stories and projects images on walls to elaborate his stories. I would highly recommend this unique tour to anyone visiting Lucerne.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wader
Oct 13, 2019
One of the best! - We have been on a few of these types of tours over the years and inevitably end of a disappointed in the end. Not this time! We really enjoyed this tour and our tour guide Ralph was fantastic. So much interesting history and facts about the city. We had walked past many of the sights during the day with no idea of the history and stories associated with the buildings and area. Highly recommend this tour for a great evening!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bh22m
Aug 9, 2023
Bitter disappointment - Booking at Movenpick Hotel and Casino Malabata in Tangier is a bad choice for the following reasons:
- an hour and a half to have the two rooms already contracted and reserved for more than a month;
- reception agents are no longer efficient and always promise to delay;
- I was unable during the 5 nights to have the 2 communicating rooms as reserved or at least more approximate, to be attentive to the needs of my children, all I managed to obtain 2 rooms with on the same floor with a interval of more than 100 meters. And you can guess the discomforts.
- by opting for half board, the same agents did not dare to raise my request to replace dinner with lunch to avoid traveling during hours of excessive heat outside the hotel;
- very tight and small parking lot and is not worthy of a 5* hotel;
- The buffet is always the same without change with a very limited choice;
- no entertainment has been programmed, neither aquatic nor sporting nor musical or cultural.
In summary, I regretted choosing this hotel to spend my family vacation and I objectively advise the readers of my opinion not to think about booking there, otherwise carefully negotiate the needs of stays.
Sincerely.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
