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Historic center · Lucerna, Lucerna
Altstadt Luzern
The medieval centre on the right bank of the Reuss, with the Kornmarkt and the old Rathaus, the Weinmarkt and its 1481 fountain, the Hirschenplatz and streets of painted façades.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Altstadt Luzern
The Altstadt occupies the right bank of the Reuss, between the Kapellbrücke and the Musegg wall. The streets are pedestrianised and open into small squares, each with painted-front houses and fountains.
At the Kornmarkt the city established a public market around 1370 which later became the riverside Rathaus. Beside it, the Weinmarkt was a fish market until the mid-16th century. Tradition holds that residents there swore the alliance with Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden in 1332. The Weinmarkt fountain was designed by Konrad Lux in 1481; the original piece is in the city history museum.
At the Hirschenplatz the decorated façades are protected as heritage. In the Kapellplatz, the Fritschibrunnen fountain shows the Fritschi family, a figure of the Fasnacht, Lucerne’s carnival, which begins there on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday.
The streets of the Altstadt concentrate shops, patisseries and restaurants serving Swiss dishes, such as the Luzerner Chügelipastete, a pastry filled with meat and mushrooms.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, not including meals.
Best time
In the morning, with the squares still empty, or in the late afternoon. The Fasnacht, between February and March, fills the streets with bands and costumes; check the dates for each year.
How to get there
From the station, cross the Kapellbrücke or the Seebrücke; within a 5-minute walk you'll be at the Kapellplatz.
Tip
Look up: the façade paintings and the iron shop signs are what give colour to the squares. Try the Luzerner Chügelipastete, a typical local dish.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Altstadt Luzern
Where are the painted facades in Lucerna?
Mainly at Weinmarkt, Hirschenplatz and Kornmarkt, on the right bank of the Reuss.
Does Lucerna's Altstadt have cars?
Almost all streets are pedestrian, which makes for a peaceful stroll.
When is Lucerna's Fasnacht?
It starts on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday and runs until Carnival Tuesday. Dates change each year.