Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Museum · Lucerna, Lucerna
Gletschergarten Luzern
Stone kettles carved by a glacier about 20,000 years ago, discovered in 1872, with a museum, a mirror maze, rock galleries and an observation tower.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Gletschergarten Luzern
In November 1872, while opening a cellar, Josef Wilhelm Amrein-Troller found round holes in the rock. They were glacial kettles, cavities carved by meltwater that swirled with stones under the ice about 20,000 years ago. The Gletschergarten opened to the public in 1873.
The route begins at the kettles, covered by a roof, and continues through the museum. There is a relief of the Suíça Central handcrafted by Franz Ludwig Pfyffer between 1762 and 1786. Temporary exhibitions deal with geology and climate.
The Alhambra mirror maze, inspired by the palace of Granada, was created for the 1896 national exhibition in Genebra and has been in Lucerna since 1899. A path inside the rock, the Felsenwelt, leads to the upper part of the garden and to an observation tower dating from 1875.
The surrounding park has short trails and views over the city.
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
About an hour and a half to two hours.
Best time
Open year-round. On a rainy day it's a good option, because much of the route is covered. Arrive early in the European summer.
How to get there
It's next to the Löwendenkmal, about a 15-minute walk from the station. The nearest bus stop is Löwenplatz, two minutes away.
Tip
The mirror maze is fun for children; allow time for it. Combine the visit with the Löwendenkmal next door.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gletschergarten Luzern
What are the kettles (potholes) of the Gletschergarten?
Round holes in the rock carved by meltwater of a glacier that spun with stones, about 20,000 years ago.
Is the Gletschergarten good for children?
Yes. The mirror maze and the path through the rock usually appeal to families.
How long does the visit take?
About one and a half to two hours, including the museum, the maze and the tower.