8 Must-See Sites in Lucerne, Switzerland

Lake Lucerne’s unique shape allows for a wide range of natural features to be spotted and sees various towns located along its shores. Take a boat tour of the lake to experience sharp bends, see towering mountains and witness native wildlife. The lake alone stretches for 19 miles and goes more than 700 feet below the surface. © Maria Teresa Weinmann | Dreamstime.com

A sprawling venue for concerts, conferences, meetings and events, KKL Luzern hosts more than 500 international and national events each year. In addition to tours available to the public, guests can also visit the many restaurants and bars found within. © Vaiem4 | Dreamstime.com

Overlooking Lake Lucerne is Mount Pilatus. A nearly 7,000-foot-tall mountain peaking at Tomlishorn. While only the bravest of trekkers may summit the mountain by foot, visitors can access the top via Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstand. © Xantana | Dreamstime.com

Those looking for an active vacation in Lucerne, the Pilatus hiking span features a zig-zag route through scenic terrain to the top of Mount Pilatus. About 5 miles long, this trail is a lot of uphill, so come prepared. © Damien VERRIER | Dreamstime.com

The Lion Monument, also known as the Lion of Lucerne, is a rock relief designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen. Constructed in the early 19th century, this relief honors the Swiss Guards killed in the 1792 massacre during the French Revolution. Even Mark Twain was awestruck by the monument! © Elena Berezovskaia | Dreamstime.com

The fourth-largest river in Switzerland, Reuss River courses through several towns and cities alongside attractions and architectural masterpieces like Lucerne Jesuit Church, the largest Baroque church in Switzerland north of the Alps. The Reuss eventually flows into the Rhine at Koblenz. © Olga Demchishina | Dreamstime.com

The covered wooden Chapel Bridge crosses Reuss River diagonally in Lucerne. Originally built in 1360, the current structure dates back to 1994 after a fire destroyed the bridge, which features painted interior triangular frames, a unique feature to Lucerne. Many paintings date to the 16th century, and the bridge stands as the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world. © Denis Linine | Dreamstime.com

Lucerne’s lengthy history goes as far back as the 8th century A.D. and, as a result of rises and falls of empires and peoples, the city now features remnants and attractions for visitors to enjoy. In addition to beautiful bridges, Lucerne is home to various churches across different architectural styles, Swiss Museum of Transport, Richard Wagner Museum and more. © Kakkoii | Dreamstime.com