1.5-Hour Small-Group Nightwatchman Walk in Medieval Lucerne

The Chapel Bridge, 1897, Joseph Clemens Kaufmann (1867-1926)

The gates to the Hofbruecke and Schifflaende around 1834, Xaver Schergler (1831-1902)

Incubus (aka Toggeli), Henry Fuseli (1741-1825)

Official Court Fight, Diebold Schilling der Ältere, Spiezer Chronik

The Danse Macabre, around 1610, Jakob von Wyl,

Right bank of the Reuss with town hall tower, 1901, Joseph Clemens Kaufmann (1867-1926)

Duration1h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesGerman, English

Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

Explore medieval Lucerne on the Nightwatchman Walking Tour. See the illuminated attractions and hear the comments and background stories of the Nightwatchman. You will hear about ghosts, demons and witches and the Legend of the Riot of Lucerne. You will learn about living in Lucerne in the middle ages, you get information about law and order of that time. The Nightwatchman Guide is dressed in medieval style and equipped with a traditional Swiss halberd. He takes you through narrow streets and hidden places of the historic Centre of Lucerne. The tour is surrounded by pictures presented with a projector, on iPad and on postcards.

Options

English, 21:30 hrs

Public Tour

English, 19:30 hrs

Public Tour

English, 20:00 hrs

Public Tour

English, 21:00 hrs

Public Tour

English, 20:30 hrs

Public Tour

English, 19:00 hrs

Public Tour

What's included

Medievally dressed Local guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Some exclusive post cards featuring Old Lucerne

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

What to expect

Peterskapelle (Peter's Chapel)
10m · Admission ticket not included

As the tour starts you hear the fire horn followed by the invocation pray. The Nightwatchman tells you about his hard life in the middle age. With the help of a projector he introduces you to medieval Lucerne. You have a detailed look into the Martini plan, the first city map of Lucerne, dating from 1597. You see the route on the map and you will discover that many of the buildings on the map are still here today. You see St. Peter’s Chapel, the first church in town dating back to the 12th century. Next to it you see the first private stone house of Lucerne and you find out where the expression "stone rich" comes from.
Chapel Bridge
10m

Did you know that the Water Tower was built some decades before the Chapel Bridge? In fact the Water Tower was built in the late 13th century while the Chapel Bridge dates back to 1365. You see pictures of the inside of the Water Tower and hear about the torture chamber, the dungeon and the secret room. Further you learn from where the Chapel Bridge got its name from.
10m

You walk round the corner to Kapellplatz and hear about live in the middle age in the blooming Republic of Lucerne. Walking through the Furrengasse you learn about its Ghost and the Toggeli (Incubus aka "love robber") around him.
Kornmarkt
10m

You arrive at the the Town Hall Square called Kornmarkt. You learn about the Renaissance Town Hall and its Tower with the clock without minute hand. You hear the story of the "Giant of Reiden" and you see the Lucerne Foot and Elle, the official measures of Old Lucerne.
10m

In the Brandgässli Alley you get to know about the Riot of Lucerne before you continue to the former fish market, known today as the wine market.
10m

On the Weinmarkt you see the old guest house signs and admire the frescos on the houses. On the former pharmacy house of Renward Cysat you read the latin sentence: "Amor medicabillis nullis herbis" which meams: "There is no cure for a broken heart."
While listening to what the Nightwatchman has to say about reformation and counter reformation, you enjoy a glass of the best water Lucerne. Then you pass the lower wine market, where once the pillory was located.
10m

Right at the riverside square called “Zöpfli”, you hear about law and order in old Lucerne. You see projected paintings about the methods of prosecution, interrogation and corporal punishment of the Middle Age in Lucerne.
Pass by

You pass the bridge “Reussbrücke” and you see the Spreuerbruecke (Mill Bridge), the Needle Dam and parts of the Musegg Wall.
10m · Admission ticket not included

A few steps further you arrive at the breathtaking medieval pharmacy window of the “Alte Suidtersche Apotheke”. The Nightwatchman tells you more about the house and the location.
Ritterscher Palace Lucerne
10m · Admission ticket not included

As you continue the Nightwatchman shows you some “Guardian Demons”. You stop at the legendary house of Lux Ritter and you hear why the first two floors look different than the third one. Then you hear the story of “Hans von Trient”, the unlucky stonemason. Another Highlight is the presentation of the seven paintings of the Dance of Death. You will see the pictures projected on a house wall and you hear details about from your Guide.
Jesuit Church Lucerne
Pass by

You pass the Church of the Jesuits, the first baroque building in Switzerland dating back to 1677.
Chapel Bridge
10m

You cross the Chapel Bridge and see the paintings and you find out why the bridge is built diagonally over the river. At the end of the bridge you reach the starting point, where the tour ends.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide right next to Chapel Bridge, on the right hand riverside.
Go to the wooden bridge with the tower. This is called the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower.
We meet at the square right at the end of the Chapel Bridge on the right hand riverside.

End point

Meet your guide right next to Chapel Bridge, on the right hand riverside.
Go to the wooden bridge with the tower. This is called the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower.
We meet at the square right at the end of the Chapel Bridge on the right hand riverside.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children up to twelve years old are free but must be accompanied by an adult
Tours take place rain, snow or shine. It is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather and bring an umbrella or rain coat.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.8 (36)