About Lucerne
Lucerne is located in the heart of Switzerland, amidst a fascinating backdrop of majestic mountains and on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Here you can experience the most diverse sides of Switzerland:
LiLu Light Festival Lucerne: When the City of Lights Glows
Date: January 15 to 25, 2026 Daily: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Location: Lucerne Old Town and Lake Basin
✨ Dive into a World of Light and Magic!
When the dark days of January settle over the city, Lucerne’s "LiLu Light Magic" begins. The LiLu Light Festival Lucerne is more than just illumination—it’s an eleven-day tribute to the art of light, staged against arguably the most beautiful backdrop in Switzerland.
Artists from all over the world transform squares, sights, and alleys into a gigantic open-air museum. Discover over 20 fascinating light installations on a heartwarming winter walk, inviting you to marvel, pause, and dream.
Your Highlights at the LiLu Light Festival:
- The Free Tour: Stroll through the illuminated Old Town and be enchanted by the free, creative light art displays.
- The Immersive Light Show: Experience the Jesuit Church from the inside! A spectacular, musically accompanied light show transports you into a unique sensory experience (tickets required).
- Luminous Landmarks: See the Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, and historic facades in a completely new, vibrant light.
- LiLu Village: Meet up with fellow festival attendees at the LiLu Village near the KKL Lucerne on Europaplatz, warm up, and enjoy a culinary break.
The LiLu Light Festival Lucerne is the perfect winter experience for families, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a magical moment in January.
🗓️ Save the Dates!
January 15 to 25, 2026 – daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Lucerne is glowing – Be there!
(Further information and tickets for the shows in the Jesuit Church will be available on www.lichtfestvalluzern.ch)
Lucerne Carnival 2026: THE CRAZY TIME! (RÜÜDIGI ZYT!)
Date: February 12 to 17, 2026 Location: Lucerne Old Town
SIX DAYS OF TOTAL CHAOS AND CELEBRATION!
When Lucerne transforms into the Guggenmusik stronghold: Experience one of the largest and most traditional carnivals in Switzerland—a whirlwind of colours, deafening music, and wild exuberance.
THE MUST-SEE EVENTS:
- Feb 12 (SchmuDo), 05:00 AM: The Big Bang (Urknall)! The kick-off cannon shot and confetti rain (Fötzeliräge).
- Feb 12 (SchmuDo), 02:00 PM: Grand Fritschi Parade.
- Feb 16 (Güdis-Mo), 02:00 PM: Grand Wey Parade.
- Feb 17 (Güdis-Di), 07:30 PM: The Monstercorso. The spectacular grand finale parade of the Guggenmusik bands through the illuminated Old Town.
Don't miss the Street Carnival: Thousands of masked revelers celebrate in the alleyways. It’s loud, it’s quirky, it’s legendary!
👉 Put on your mask and join the fray!
Lucerne weekly market: Freshness. Tradition. Joy of life.
Immerse yourself in the authentic heart of Lucerne, where shopping is still an experience for all the senses. The Lucerne weekly market is not just a place of trade, but a lively, colorful spectacle that unfolds directly along the picturesque Reussquai and the historic squares of the old town.
What to expect:
Regionality & seasonality: Discover the abundance of Central Switzerland's nature – from crisp vegetables and sun-ripened fruits to artisan cheeses and fresh farmhouse bread. Our vendors are predominantly small producers who grow or make their goods themselves with pride and passion.
The most beautiful backdrop: Stroll between the historic facades and the sparkling waters of the Reuss. The scent of fresh herbs, flowers, and Mediterranean delicacies fills the air.
Encounters: Here you can meet the people behind the products. Exchange ideas, get cooking tips, and learn more about the origin of your food.
Opening hours:
Every Tuesday and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (sometimes from 6:00 a.m.)
Locations: Rathausquai, Unter der Egg, Jesuitenplatz, and Bahnhofstrasse. (Additionally in Helvetiagärtli on Saturdays)
Visit us and enjoy the start of the week or Saturday morning with pleasure!
Your unique Advent experience in Lucerne
The Advent season in Lucerne offers much more than just mulled wine: experience winter magic that connects the lake, city, and mountains!
Your highlights in the city of lights:
Ice magic with a lake view: glide across the ice rink at Eiszauber Luzern on Europaplatz – with breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the mountain panorama.
The Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt: Discover craftsmanship and local delicacies around Franziskanerplatz.
Cultural diversity: Visit the “Venite” International Christmas Forum for a glimpse of global Christmas traditions or enjoy classical concerts in the festively decorated KKL.
Alpine proximity: Combine a stroll through the city with a winter excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi – the snow-covered countryside is just a stone's throw away.
Book your break now and experience how Lucerne turns the wait for Christmas into an unforgettable celebration.
Lilu Light Festival Lucerne
A colorful roller coaster of emotions - Lilu Light Festival Lucerne From 11 to 21 January 2024 Lucerne will once again become a luminous meeting place! At the 5th Lilu Light Festival Lucerne selected squares, buildings and sights will be artistically illuminated and brought to life by artists from all over the world every day from 6 to 10 pm. Some installations even invite you to participate. Discover the creative light installations on a delighting winter walk through the city.
For more information, visit: lichtfestivalluzern.ch
Old town Lucerne
The picturesque pedestrian old town with its souvenir shops, boutiques, cafés, historic houses and squares, and much more.
Kapellbrücke
The wooden chapel bridge, with its water tower (built in ca. 1300 as part of the city wall).
Swiss Museum of Transport
The Swiss Museum of Transport with a great exhibition and the huge movie theater.
Lion monument
The lion monument, hewn out of natural rock, Also known as “the dying lion”, and the glacier garden with mirror maze.
Mount Pilatus
The Mount Pilatus (7000ft /2132m), the home mountain of Lucerne with a stunning view to the great mountains of the alps.
LiLu Light Festival Lucerne: When the City of Lights Glows
Date: January 15 to 25, 2026 Daily: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Location: Lucerne Old Town and Lake Basin
✨ Dive into a World of Light and Magic!
When the dark days of January settle over the city, Lucerne’s "LiLu Light Magic" begins. The LiLu Light Festival Lucerne is more than just illumination—it’s an eleven-day tribute to the art of light, staged against arguably the most beautiful backdrop in Switzerland.
Artists from all over the world transform squares, sights, and alleys into a gigantic open-air museum. Discover over 20 fascinating light installations on a heartwarming winter walk, inviting you to marvel, pause, and dream.
Your Highlights at the LiLu Light Festival:
- The Free Tour: Stroll through the illuminated Old Town and be enchanted by the free, creative light art displays.
- The Immersive Light Show: Experience the Jesuit Church from the inside! A spectacular, musically accompanied light show transports you into a unique sensory experience (tickets required).
- Luminous Landmarks: See the Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, and historic facades in a completely new, vibrant light.
- LiLu Village: Meet up with fellow festival attendees at the LiLu Village near the KKL Lucerne on Europaplatz, warm up, and enjoy a culinary break.
The LiLu Light Festival Lucerne is the perfect winter experience for families, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a magical moment in January.
🗓️ Save the Dates!
January 15 to 25, 2026 – daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Lucerne is glowing – Be there!
(Further information and tickets for the shows in the Jesuit Church will be available on www.lichtfestvalluzern.ch)
Lucerne Carnival 2026: THE CRAZY TIME! (RÜÜDIGI ZYT!)
Date: February 12 to 17, 2026 Location: Lucerne Old Town
SIX DAYS OF TOTAL CHAOS AND CELEBRATION!
When Lucerne transforms into the Guggenmusik stronghold: Experience one of the largest and most traditional carnivals in Switzerland—a whirlwind of colours, deafening music, and wild exuberance.
THE MUST-SEE EVENTS:
- Feb 12 (SchmuDo), 05:00 AM: The Big Bang (Urknall)! The kick-off cannon shot and confetti rain (Fötzeliräge).
- Feb 12 (SchmuDo), 02:00 PM: Grand Fritschi Parade.
- Feb 16 (Güdis-Mo), 02:00 PM: Grand Wey Parade.
- Feb 17 (Güdis-Di), 07:30 PM: The Monstercorso. The spectacular grand finale parade of the Guggenmusik bands through the illuminated Old Town.
Don't miss the Street Carnival: Thousands of masked revelers celebrate in the alleyways. It’s loud, it’s quirky, it’s legendary!
👉 Put on your mask and join the fray!
Lucerne weekly market: Freshness. Tradition. Joy of life.
Immerse yourself in the authentic heart of Lucerne, where shopping is still an experience for all the senses. The Lucerne weekly market is not just a place of trade, but a lively, colorful spectacle that unfolds directly along the picturesque Reussquai and the historic squares of the old town.
What to expect:
Regionality & seasonality: Discover the abundance of Central Switzerland's nature – from crisp vegetables and sun-ripened fruits to artisan cheeses and fresh farmhouse bread. Our vendors are predominantly small producers who grow or make their goods themselves with pride and passion.
The most beautiful backdrop: Stroll between the historic facades and the sparkling waters of the Reuss. The scent of fresh herbs, flowers, and Mediterranean delicacies fills the air.
Encounters: Here you can meet the people behind the products. Exchange ideas, get cooking tips, and learn more about the origin of your food.
Opening hours:
Every Tuesday and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (sometimes from 6:00 a.m.)
Locations: Rathausquai, Unter der Egg, Jesuitenplatz, and Bahnhofstrasse. (Additionally in Helvetiagärtli on Saturdays)
Visit us and enjoy the start of the week or Saturday morning with pleasure!
Your unique Advent experience in Lucerne
The Advent season in Lucerne offers much more than just mulled wine: experience winter magic that connects the lake, city, and mountains!
Your highlights in the city of lights:
Ice magic with a lake view: glide across the ice rink at Eiszauber Luzern on Europaplatz – with breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the mountain panorama.
The Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt: Discover craftsmanship and local delicacies around Franziskanerplatz.
Cultural diversity: Visit the “Venite” International Christmas Forum for a glimpse of global Christmas traditions or enjoy classical concerts in the festively decorated KKL.
Alpine proximity: Combine a stroll through the city with a winter excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi – the snow-covered countryside is just a stone's throw away.
Book your break now and experience how Lucerne turns the wait for Christmas into an unforgettable celebration.
Lilu Light Festival Lucerne
A colorful roller coaster of emotions - Lilu Light Festival Lucerne From 11 to 21 January 2024 Lucerne will once again become a luminous meeting place! At the 5th Lilu Light Festival Lucerne selected squares, buildings and sights will be artistically illuminated and brought to life by artists from all over the world every day from 6 to 10 pm. Some installations even invite you to participate. Discover the creative light installations on a delighting winter walk through the city.
For more information, visit: lichtfestivalluzern.ch
Old town Lucerne
The picturesque pedestrian old town with its souvenir shops, boutiques, cafés, historic houses and squares, and much more.
Kapellbrücke
The wooden chapel bridge, with its water tower (built in ca. 1300 as part of the city wall).
Swiss Museum of Transport
The Swiss Museum of Transport with a great exhibition and the huge movie theater.
Lion monument
The lion monument, hewn out of natural rock, Also known as “the dying lion”, and the glacier garden with mirror maze.
Mount Pilatus
The Mount Pilatus (7000ft /2132m), the home mountain of Lucerne with a stunning view to the great mountains of the alps.
Excursion destinations
Mount Pilatus
Lucerne’s very own mountain, Pilatus, is one of the most legendary places in Central Switzerland. On a clear day the mountain offers a panoramic view of 73 Alpine peaks.
www.pilatus.ch
Rigi
Panoramic view across the Alps, of 13 lakes and over the entire Swiss Mittelland through to Germany and France can be enjoyed from the summit of the Rigi.
www.rigi.ch
Vierwaldstättersee
Lake Lucerne is fascinating due to its picturesque landscape and historical sites.
www.lakelucerne.ch
Bürgenstock
The Bürgenstock Hotel opened in 1873 on the Bürgenberg, 450 metres above Lake Lucerne, in the early days of spa tourism in Switzerland. Thanks to ongoing modernisation and expansion, the hotel has developed into a world-renowned venue with prominent guests such as Audrey Hepburn, Konrad Adenauer, Jimmy Carter and Indira Ghandi. After nine years of extensive renovation, which lasted nine years and ended in 2017, the heyday of the Bürgenstock is now experiencing a brilliant revival.
The Hammetschwand Lift, located at 1,132 metres above sea level, with its associated Hammetschwand mountain restaurant, is the highest outdoor lift in Europe.
www.buergenstock.ch
Engelberg/Titlis
The high valley of Engelberg in Central Switzerland boasts an action-packed summer and winter programme while also offering every opportunity for relaxation.
www.titlis.ch
Klewenalp
The resort of Beckenried (435 m) is on the south bank of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Klewenalp with views of the popular and famous Rigi mountain on the other side of the lake.
www.klewenalp.ch
Melchseefrutt
With the cable car you go from Stöckalp on the high plateau Melchsee Frutt. Enjoy the wonderful panorama and the beautiful flora and fauna on Melchsee-Frutt.
www.melchsee-frutt.ch
Stoos-Fronalpstock
One of the world’s steepest panorama funicular railroads (over 78% upward gradient) or a cable car takes you to the carfree mountain village Stoos in the middle of the Swiss Alps.
www.stoos.ch
Stanserhorn
The eventful trip with the world novelty CabriO aerial cable car and the funicular railway from 1893 to the Stanserhorn is like a trip through cable car history. 100 kilometres of alpine chain, 10 Swiss lakes, Stanserhorn Ranger, marmots, plant protection area with enchanting flora and fauna, culinary highlights in the revolving restaurant Rondorama, speciality Älplermagronen from the Edelweiss pot and much more can be discovered on the Stanserhorn.
www.stanserhorn.ch