“Historic city walls built in 1386, stretching 850 meters along a hill.”

Lucerne City Walls
The ancient fortress guarding the city with strength and history

Details
The Lucerne City Walls are one of the most significant historical landmarks in Lucerne, Switzerland. Built during the Middle Ages (around the 13th–14th centuries), these walls served as a vital defense system to protect the city, which was a major trading and administrative center.

Stretching several hundred meters, the walls include multiple watchtowers such as the famous Musegg Tower, a symbol of Lucerne and one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Switzerland. Constructed with local stone and bricks, the walls and towers feature strong, thick, and tall structures designed to repel invaders. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the old town, Lake Lucerne, and the Alps from several vantage points.

The city walls are also a venue for annual local traditions and festivals, such as the Lucerne Festival, where music and cultural events bring the historic surroundings to life. The walls showcase the evolution of medieval city defenses and stand as a prime example of northern European fortification architecture.


How to Get There
  • Take a train to Lucerne Station, the city’s main transportation hub.

  • From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the old town and the city walls.

  • The Musegg Tower and walls are located within the old town, easily accessible on foot.

  • Local buses and taxis are also available for convenience.

  • For private cars, public parking is available near the old town, including underground parking at the station.


Travel Tips
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some paths involve cobblestones and stone stairs.

  • Best visited during spring to autumn for pleasant weather and clear views.

  • Avoid rainy or extremely cold days to prevent slippery conditions.

  • Some Musegg Towers are open to visitors—check opening hours beforehand.

  • Don’t miss photo opportunities of the cityscape, lake, and surrounding Alps.

  • Nearby old town offers cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops for breaks.

  • Perfect for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.

  • Bring water and sun protection during summer visits.


  • The city walls and surrounding areas are open year-round.

  • Some Musegg Towers open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (subject to seasonal changes).

  • Last entry 30 minutes before closing.

  • Walking along the city walls is free.

  • Entry to some Musegg Towers costs about 5-10 Swiss Francs (approx. 200-350 THB).

  • Discounts may apply for students and seniors.

The Lucerne City Walls are not only a vital historical monument but also part of a vibrant city life, hosting annual events like the Lucerne Festival, where culture and history beautifully come together for visitors to enjoy.

Musegg Wall Lucerne

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St.Karliquai, 6004, Lucerne, Switzerland Map

List 6 review | art & culture

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(List 6 review)

Jirapong Thivawongsakal

รีวิวเมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 56

see, the stairway, on the left side.
see, the stairway, on the left side.

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Jirapong Thivawongsakal

รีวิวเมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 56

entrance of the towres, notice from the left side of Luegislandegg tower.
entrance of the towres, notice from the left side of Luegislandegg tower.

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Jirapong Thivawongsakal

รีวิวเมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 56

very nice when you view from the top of the city wall or even down here.
very nice when you view from the top of the city wall or even down here.

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Jirapong Thivawongsakal

รีวิวเมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 56

view from the other side of the Reuss river.
view from the other side of the Reuss river.

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Jirapong Thivawongsakal

รีวิวเมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 56

Luegisland Tower = 'Look Toward The Land' or watchtower, situated by the Reuss river, with 52.6 meters of the height, probably built before 1300.
Luegisland Tower  =  'Look Toward The Land' or watchtower, situated by the Reuss river, with 52.6 meters of the height, probably built before 1300.

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Not identifiable

รีวิวเมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 56

The 1st Tower on your walk is the Nolli Tower. This tower was modified in 1901 to admit street traffic. I can't say that I saw 2 cars go through the opening at one time.

The 2nd Tower is the Mannli, "Little Man" Tower which is the first of the accessible towers. This tower is named for the little iron man at the top. Unfortunately I did not take a picture, but most websites of the wall show the Tower.

The 3rd Tower is the Luegisland Tower which has a popular old name, "Look Toward The Land". This tower is the highest of all the towers at 52.6 meters and was probably built prior to the wall before 1300 as a watchtower for the protection of the city.

The 4th Tower is the Heu, "Hay" Tower which besides storing hay in times past also stored gunpowder. Needless to say the combination of the 2 proved to be a disaster in the making and in 1701 a lightning bolt struck the tower igniting the gunpower. The resulting explosion destroyed the original tower and took several lives.

The 5th Tower is the Zyt, "Time" Tower which is also the 2nd accessible tower. The clock was installed in 1535 and it is said that the dial and numbers are large so that the fishermen could tell the time from the lake. The bells ring out from the clock tower 1 minute ahead of any other clock in the city.

The 6th Tower is the Schirmer Tower which is the 3rd accessible tower. It is said that passing through this tower one was passing from the City of Lucerne to the countryside.

The 7th Tower is the Pulver or "Powder" Tower. After the events of 1701 it was decided that the cities gunpowder needed to be kept in two separate towers. Today we call that a contingency plan.

The 8th Tower is the Allenwinden Tower and is not actually above the city anymore due to the recent construction around it.

The 9th Tower is the Dachli Tower, has a pyramid roof and is the shortest of all the towers.

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