Revealing Lucerne: Self-Guided Reading City Tour
Luzern
Discover Lucerne's hidden gems on a self-guided reading tour. Explore frescoed houses, historical sites, and untold stories. Unveil the city's secrets today.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Jesuitenkirche - Nestled in the heart of Lucerne, the Jesuit Church stands as a sublime testament to Baroque architecture and spiritual grandeur. With its graceful façade and ornate interiors, the church captivates visitors, offering a serene haven for admiration.
  • Ritterscher Palast - Unveil Ritterscher Palace and its captivating tale of a common worker’s remarkable ascent to becoming the wealthiest Lucerner of his time. Despite its seemingly simple appearance, the building stands as a testament to extraordinary success and prosperity.
  • Franciscan Church - Discover the Franciscan Church, where a profound sense of solitude and tranquility creates a haven for quiet reflection. Above the entrance, a portal delicately unveils the scene of the coronation of Saint Mary, adding a touch of sacred beauty to this peaceful sanctuary.
  • Pont Spreuer - Embark on an exploration of Spreuer Bridge, and be astounded as reminders of death unexpectedly emerge. Adorned with its unique Dance of Death paintings, the bridge serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, offering a thought-provoking experience along this historical crossing.
  • Muhlenplatz - Immerse yourself in the evocative tales of four unique places, observed from a picturesque distance. Catch a glimpse of the former St. James Hospital building, once a nurturing orphanage, and observe the former prison, former brothel, and the executioner’s house, each revealing its own compelling narrative. Allow these historical places to unveil their stories before your eyes, inviting you to absorb the layers of their captivating pasts from a truly enchanting perspective.
  • Nolliturm - Discover the enchanting silhouette of Nölli Tower, where architectural elegance meets the sky, and uncover the story of the Musegg Wall.
  • Weinmarkt - Embark on a journey through Weinmarkt, where discovery awaits amid the charm of many buildings adorned with vibrant frescoes. Among them, marvel at the historic building of the first pharmacy, witness the depiction of the transformative scene of water into wine, and observe the artwork portraying the announcement to Lucerne’s inhabitants about their city joining the union—a pivotal moment in laying the foundation of Switzerland as a united state.
  • Hirschenplatz - Discover Hirschenplatz, where a captivating array of buildings adorned with frescoes awaits your exploration. Marvel at the depiction of Goethe on one building, relive the historical Battle of Dornach on another, and glimpse into the past at the building once owned by a jewelry workshop proprietor. Explore further, and you’ll encounter additional buildings on this square adorned with their own unique frescoes, each contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of this vibrant and historic locale.
  • Rathaus Stadt Luzern - Explore the magnificent Rathaus in Lucerne, which captivates visitors with its medieval charm and impressive clock tower.
  • Wasserturm - Admire the Water Tower, an architectural gem standing proudly in the middle of the river in Lucerne. This iconic structure, surrounded by flowing waters, exudes historical charm and is a captivating sight from the city’s banks. Immerse yourself in the tales woven into the Water Tower’s history, where, in times past, it served as a prison where unfortunate souls endured torment.
  • Chapel Bridge - Meander across the Chapel Bridge, an enchanting pathway adorned with paintings. Spanning the Reuss River, this historic bridge boasts a unique blend of art used for both education and persuasion.
  • St. Peter’s Chapel - Explore St. Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, where the facade unveils St. Niklaus von Flüe on one side and a fresco related to the symbolic burden of the world on the other. These artistic expressions infuse the chapel with cultural significance and historical charm
  • Fritschi Fountain - Explore the enchanting Fritschi Fountain and the vibrant tapestry of two nearby buildings with colorful facades in Lucerne. Adorned with lively frescoes, one building celebrates the joy of carnival, while the other captivates with seven figures symbolizing virtues.
  • Hofkirche St. Leodegar - Embark on an exploration of Hofkirche St. Leodegar, where symmetrical Gothic towers, adorned with sharp spears, rise proudly on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Delve into its intricate beauty and bear witness to the depiction of St. Michael vanquishing Satan.
  • Lion Monument - Discover the poignant Lion Monument, a masterpiece carved into the sandstone rock face in Lucerne. This iconic sculpture, depicting a dying lion, commemorates Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution. The Lion Monument stands as a solemn symbol of sacrifice and serves as a moving tribute to the bravery and loyalty of those who gave their lives in service.
What's Included
  • Visit all the main tourist attractions of Lucerne
  • See places of former orphanage, prison, and executioner’s house
  • View over twenty unique frescoed houses and listen to their stories
  • Read information thoughtfully compiled by experienced guide
  • Enjoy clear explanation of the route with photos and detailed directions
What's Not Included
  • You will need to have your own mobile phone with internet
  • There will be no live guide. Instead, you’ll explore the city using the link provided after booking
Additional Information

Embark on this captivating self-guided reading tour to discover all the key attractions of Lucerne.

Beyond the well-known tourist attractions of Lucerne, you’ll see over twenty distinctive frescoed houses. Prepare to be enchanted by a vibrant building that perfectly captures the festive spirit of carnival and feast your eyes on a masterpiece portraying a dwarf engaged in the whimsical act of clysterizing the devil.

In addition to the usual destinations explored by most tourists, this tour unveils the distinctive aspects of Lucerne, guiding you to places such as the former places of orphanage, prison, and executioner’s house. This experience is invaluable because it reveals not only the city’s celebratory side but also some of its secrets typically kept from the public eye.

We’ll take you on a journey through time, sharing stories of those who once called this place home and others who wielded wealth, navigated political intrigues, and extended helping hands to those in need.

Location
Jesuit Church, Lucerne
Bahnhofstrasse
Embark on your journey at the remarkable Jesuit Church in Lucerne. At the designated meeting point, there won't be a live guide present. We invite you to commence this self-guided tour using the link provided at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1
Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today