Explore Lucerne’s medieval secrets with a costumed guide. Uncover hidden gems, ghost stories, and Renaissance art on this unique walking tour.
Explore Lucerne’s medieval secrets with a costumed guide. Uncover hidden gems, ghost stories, and Renaissance art on this unique walking tour.
- Rosengart Platz - Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Lucerne, uncovering stories from the 12th to the 18th century as you wander its cobblestone streets. Your adventure begins with the haunting sound of the firehorn, announcing the arrival of the night watchman, Ralf. Through his perspective, you’ll experience the…
- Rosengart Platz - Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Lucerne, uncovering stories from the 12th to the 18th century as you wander its cobblestone streets. Your adventure begins with the haunting sound of the firehorn, announcing the arrival of the night watchman, Ralf. Through his perspective, you’ll experience the challenges faced by a lower-class town servant, deeply rooted in Lucerne’s history. Following the ancient Martiniplan, a map filled with centuries-old secrets, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the historic Water Tower, the renowned Chapel Bridge, and the tranquil St. Peter’s Chapel.
- St. Peter’s Chapel - St. Peter’s Chapel is the town’s first church, dating back to the 12th century.
- Haus Und Turm Zur Gilgen - The Zurgilgen House and Tower is Lucerne’s oldest private stone house, completed in 1510. It features a stunning Gothic round tower, while the house itself was baroqueized in the 18th century.
- Kapellplatz - Beneath the cobblestones at Kapellplatz lies an ancient cemetery. On the wall of the Peterskapelle, you can see a painting of Saint Christopher. Devout Catholics believe that anyone who gazes at the mural with devotion will not die a sudden death today. Saint Christopher is also the patron saint of travelers, making him your patron saint on this journey if you choose.
- Furrengasse - In Furrengasse, you’ll hear tales of the ghost and the Toggelis, both of whom caused mischief here at night. You’ll also discover why Switzerland’s flag features a cross.
- Kornmarkt - The Rathausplatz is actually called Kornmarkt. “Korn” means grain in our language, and in the past, grain was traded at this square and stored in the town hall.
- Rathaus Stadt Luzern - The town hall is a Renaissance building completed in 1607. The town hall tower was constructed around 1500. Notably, its clock lacks a minute hand. You’ll also see the old units of length in Lucerne, the foot and the ell.
- Brandgässli - Brandgässli commemorates a major fire in 1833. Lucerne has long suffered from significant city fires. In the Middle Ages, entire districts were consumed by flames. Even in modern times, fires have occurred repeatedly: in 1633 at the Hofkirche, in 1833 between Reuss and Weinmarkt, in 1971 at the train station, and in 1993 at the Chapel Bridge. At the guild house of the tailors and butchers, you’ll hear the legend of Lucerne’s murder night.
- Weinmarkt - The Weinmarkt is one of Lucerne’s most beautiful squares. Many of the houses have stood since the 16th century and are adorned with exquisite murals. In the past, fish was traded here. After Lucerne prospered thanks to the Gotthard Pass, wine was traded here. The Weinmarkt fountain is Lucerne’s oldest stone fountain, dating back to the late 15th century. Refresh yourself with fresh spring water from Mount Pilatus, which has supplied the fountains of the historic center since the 14th century. At the lower Weinmarkt, you’ll see a linden tree. It was here that court was held from the mid-13th century. A linden tree often stood at medieval judicial sites, believed to keep the judge in good spirits. It was also here that sentences were carried out: beheading, hanging, burning, breaking on the wheel, hands being cut off, tongues being split, branding, etc.
- Im Zöpfli - On the facade of the Hotel Des Balances, you’ll see the goddess Justitia. With her eyes blindfolded, holding a balance and a sword, she still symbolically holds court here. “Zöpfli” means “decorative piece” and is indeed a very special little place. Locals enjoy a sandwich there during their lunch break and/or a foot bath in the river. There, you’ll hear the legend of the Pilatus Saga and learn how Mount Pilatus got its name.
- Reussbrücke - The Reussbrücke is Lucerne’s first bridge, dating back to the 12th century. The first bridge was always built at the narrowest point of the river, which is precisely here. The Reussbrücke was always wide enough for carts to pass, while the Chapel Bridge and the Spreuer Bridge were pedestrian bridges.
- Münzgasse - Münzgasse is a small alley that most visitors to Lucerne miss without a local guide, as it is somewhat hidden. The square is paved with very old cobblestones and is named after the first mint located here.
- Alte Suidtersche Apotheke - The House of the “Alte Suidtersche Apotheke” was built in 1536 and is among the finest Gothic houses in Lucerne. The pharmacy itself was founded in 1833, and much of the interior remains unchanged. The highlight is the medieval window, visible only at night. It is a room filled with old items as it must have been used by pharmacists in the Middle Ages. You can see various medicinal woods and roots, jawbones with teeth, numerous boxes and glasses, a dragon, a blowfish, and many other things. On the right, there is a fire pit resembling an alchemist’s kitchen. This must have been the ancient pharmacist’s laboratory. Also, take a look at the wooden door next to the window, decorated with poppies in ornamental ironwork.
- Ritterscher Palast - The former Ritter Palace is now Lucerne’s cantonal government building. Lux Ritter, a mayor who became very wealthy as a mercenary leader, had this Florentine palazzo built for himself in 1556. You’ll hear the true story of the unfortunate stonemason Hans von Trient. Afterwards, you’ll visit the building, which features a beautiful inner courtyard and loggias facing inward. Admire the exquisite stonemasonry work by Hans von Trient. Inside the building, you’ll find the wonderful Renaissance series of paintings of the Danse Macabre by Jakob von Wyl, which your guide will explain in detail. The Ritterscher Palace is open to the public from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) but may be closed to visitors without notice due to governmental or private events. In such cases, an inside visit of the building is not possible, and the presentation of the Dance of Death paintings will be on a tablet or postcards.
- Jesuitenkirche - The Jesuit Church in Lucerne is the first large Baroque church in the city, completed in 1677. It was recently renovated and is beautifully bright and decorated. The red marble of the altar comes from Goa, India. The side chapels are dedicated to saints, some adorned with relics.
- Chapel Bridge - The Chapel Bridge was constructed in 1365 as part of the city’s fortifications and, along with the adjacent Water Tower, is the most photographed attraction in Switzerland. You’ll hear details about its history, learn where the bridge got its name, and why it was built at an angle across the river. The tour concludes back at Rosengart Square, where your guide will be happy to provide you with further information about Lucerne.

- Professional native guide
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Exclusive postcards featuring Old Lucerne and a city map
- Inside visit of the Ritterscher Palace (except on weekends, holidays, and special events)
- Professional native guide
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Exclusive postcards featuring Old Lucerne and a city map
- Inside visit of the Ritterscher Palace (except on weekends, holidays, and special events)
Experience the rich history of Lucerne on a medieval city walking tour. Explore the main sights and listen to the tales from your guide, dressed in medieval attire. Wander through the narrow streets and hidden corners of old Lucerne as you hear stories of ghosts, demons, and witches. Contrast the old and new Lucerne with historical pictures, specially…
Experience the rich history of Lucerne on a medieval city walking tour. Explore the main sights and listen to the tales from your guide, dressed in medieval attire. Wander through the narrow streets and hidden corners of old Lucerne as you hear stories of ghosts, demons, and witches. Contrast the old and new Lucerne with historical pictures, specially printed for you on postcards. Visit the Ritterscher Palace and admire the stone masonry and the Dance of the Dead paintings on the second floor of this Renaissance palace.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The Ritterscher Palace is open to the public from Monday to Friday but can be closed for visitors in case of governmental events. In this case an inside visit of the building is not possible and the presentation of the Dance of Dead paintings will be on the iPad of your guide.
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.