Discover medieval Lucerne by night. Join the Nightwatchman for ghost stories, legends, and hidden gems. Experience history with a costumed guide.
Discover medieval Lucerne by night. Join the Nightwatchman for ghost stories, legends, and hidden gems. Experience history with a costumed guide.
- 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…
- 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.
- Medievally dressed Local guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Some exclusive post cards featuring Old Lucerne
- Medievally dressed Local guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Some exclusive post cards featuring Old Lucerne
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
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…
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.