Lucerne: The Complete Guide

Luzern (loot-SAIRN, “Lucerne” in English) has served as Switzerland’s premier destination for tourism for an extensive period. Nestled along the shoreline of a lake (also known as Vierwaldstätter See), and set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps, Luzern held a regular spot on the European Grand Tour circuit during the Romantic era. It welcomed illustrious visitors such as Mark Twain, Goethe, and Queen Victoria. With its captivating old town, a pair of picturesque wooden bridges, an array of exceptional museums, and the renowned weeping lion monument, Luzern boasts attractions that solidify its place on any Swiss travel agenda. Furthermore, Luzern serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby region recognized as Central Switzerland (Zentralschweiz).

TIP: If you are visiting Lucerne for just a day and want to make the most of your visit, you may want to consider taking a walking tour with a local guide. This is one of the most complete and best-rated city tours that covers the main, must-see attractions in about 2 hours. If you prefer exploring at your own pace read our Self Guided Walking Tour of Lucerne (With Maps!).

Nice to know: The name “Luzern” is derived from lucerna, Latin for “lamp”.

History of Lucerne

The ‘City of Light’ Emerges – Stone Age – IX Century

Although there are some remnants from the Stone Age and Roman times, Lucerne’s history becomes more prominent around 840. Documents mention the name Luciaria, possibly meaning ‘place of light,’ a moniker that still resonates with Lucerne today. During the early Middle Ages, the town primarily consisted of the Benedictine abbey of Saint Leodegar, the town’s patron saint, and the houses situated at each end of the bridge over the River Reuss.

A Trans-Alpine Trade Boom – XII – XVII Century

For a considerable period, Lucerne served as a regional market town, with a weekly market held on Tuesdays—a tradition that continues to this day. In the 13th century, the north-south trade route across the Gotthard Pass transformed Lucerne into a vital commercial hub. This trade path connected the Upper Rhine Plain with Milan and thrived until the 17th century.

Alliances with the ‘Forest Counties’ – XIII – XIV Century

Prior to the 15th century, Lucerne was under Habsburg rule without major issues. In 1332, amid a power struggle between the German kings Ludwig and Friedrich, Lucerne formed a pact with the three waldstätten or ‘forest counties’—Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden—encompassing Lake Lucerne. This military alliance gradually expanded to become the Swiss Confederacy, laying the groundwork for the modern Swiss state.

Lucerne’s Role in the Catholic Faith – XVI – XVII Century

Religion assumed significant importance in the 1500s as the Reformation swept across Europe. Zurich and Bern, neighboring confederates, adopted the new confession, while Lucerne adhered to the old faith, becoming a prominent center for Catholicism. In the 16th and 17th centuries, new monasteries for the Capuchins, Jesuits, and Ursulines were constructed. Tensions related to faith, sometimes leading to wars, arose within the Swiss Confederacy. Lucerne emerged as the leader of the Catholic faction and assumed the role of the papal envoy’s seat in 1586, as well as the Spanish ambassador’s seat in 1595.

Profits from the War Business – XV – XIX Century

Apart from trans-Alpine trade, mercenaries were a significant source of income for Lucerne and its surrounding region. Numerous young Swiss men left the area between approximately 1400 and 1800 to serve abroad, fighting for France, Spain, the Duchy of Savoy, and other contemporary powers. During this period, the population of Lucerne only numbered around 4,000. While some mercenaries returned home wealthy, many did not return at all, and the well-connected families who brokered these arrangements reaped the greatest benefits.

Napoleon and the Onset of Tourism -XVIII – XIX Century

In 1798, Napoleon’s occupation resulted in Lucerne’s loss of independence as the Swiss Confederacy was transformed into the Helvetic Republic for a brief five years. After the return of the old powers, Switzerland was officially established in 1848, marking the birth of the modern nation-state. In 1859, modernity arrived in Lucerne in the form of the railway, sparking rapid expansion of the town on the southern riverbank. By 1830, tourism had taken root, with the lake, easily accessible mountains, and some of the earliest mountain railways making Lucerne a favored destination for those fortunate enough to travel for leisure. Many of the grand hotels and attractions, such as the Gletschergarten, were constructed toward the end of the 19th century.

Modern-Day Lucerne – XX – XI Century

In the 20th century, Lucerne evolved into a vibrant central hub for the Central Switzerland region, acquiring university status in 2000. Architect Jean Nouvel’s KKL concert hall, inaugurated in 2000, gave the town a contemporary facelift. Culturally, Lucerne is renowned for hosting the second-largest Swiss carnival (after Basel), known for its exuberance, as well as the Lucerne Festival for classical music, enjoying significant international acclaim. This recognition is partly due to the esteemed conductor Claudio Abbado, who led the festival from 2003 until his unexpected passing in 2014.

Visiting Lucerne for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Lucerne on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Lucerne not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Lucerne and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Torbogen Luzern

The primary hub of Switzerland’s railway network is the Lucerne Railway Station. It facilitates both local and international train services across various rail routes. Positioned alongside the waterfront on the southern edge of Lake Lucerne, just above where the Reuss River flows out, this station plays a pivotal role. A plaza occupies the space between […]

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Location: Luzern, Zentralstrasse 1, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Torbogen Luzern

Explore Lucerne yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Kunstmuseum Luzern

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Photones

The Kunstmuseum Luzern can be found on the highest level of the Culture and Convention Center Lucerne (KKL), and it too was envisioned by the Parisian architect Jean Nouvel. Encompassing a space of 2,100 square meters, the museum regularly hosts rotating displays that showcase important pieces of contemporary art. Additionally, it presents exhibitions featuring artworks […]

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Location: Kunstmuseum Luzern, Europaplatz, Lucerne, Switzerland | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday closed | Price: CHF 15.– | Website | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Kunstmuseum Luzern

Click here to read our blog about Complete Guide To Visiting Mount Pilatus In A Day

Museum Rosengart Collection - Klee, Picasso, Cézanne

CC BY-SA 3.0 / WES1947

The Rosengart Collection holds significant value due to its possession of two distinctive sets of artworks by Paul Klee and Pablo Picasso. Additionally, the collection proudly presents creations by more than 20 notable artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, encompassing luminaries such as Cézanne, Monet, and Matisse. Originally, the Rosengart Collection was the personal […]

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Location: Sammlung Rosengart, Pilatusstrasse, Lucerne, Switzerland | Hours: April to October: 10.00–18.00 daily (including public holidays) November to March: 11.00–17.00 daily (including public holidays) | Price: Adults: CHF 20.00 | Website | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Museum Rosengart Collection - Klee, Picasso, Cézanne

Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tony Badwy

Lucerne boasts Europe’s oldest covered bridge as its iconic hallmark. Constructed in 1332, this bridge originally formed a vital component of the city’s fortifications. During the 17th century, the incorporation of pictorial panels enriched its history, depicting not only scenes from Swiss history but also Lucerne’s own narrative. These panels intricately unveil the biographies of […]

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Location: Chapel Bridge, Kapellbrücke, Lucerne, Switzerland | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)

Kornmarkt

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Aniacra

The Kornmarkt is a plaza in Lucerne, where people engaged in the trading of grains from 1356 until the late 1800s. The town hall, standing adjacent to the tower, encompassed the grain trading exchange on its ground floor. Furren Tower Several noteworthy features grace this locale, starting with the Furren Tower. This medieval tower, reaching […]

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Location: Kornmarkt, Lucerne, Switzerland | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Kornmarkt

Peterskapelle (Peter's Chapel)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / SwirlyLand

The Kapellplatz surrounds tiny Peterskapelle or St. Peter’s Chapel. The Chapel holds the distinction of being one of Lucerne’s earliest and most pivotal religious edifices, renowned for its awe-inspiring Gothic design and rich historical background. Erected during the early 14th century, the chapel’s dedication to St. Peter, the guardian saint of fishermen, adds to its […]

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Location: Peterskapelle, Kapellplatz, Lucerne, Switzerland | Hours: Open 8.30am - 6.30pm. | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Peterskapelle (Peter's Chapel)

Fritschibrunnen & Kapellplatz

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Caahlo

in the Kapellplatz at the entrance to Lucerne’s old town stands the Fritschi fountain with its magnificent column. The fountain features a bannerman atop a pillar adorned with multiple carnival masks, among them those of Fritschi and his spouse. Water pours into the fountain’s base from four jester masks. Designed by the architect August von […]

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Location: Fritschibrunnen, Kapellplatz, Lucerne, Switzerland | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Fritschibrunnen & Kapellplatz

Rathaus, Lucerne

CC BY-SA 3.0 / WES1947

Recognized as a cultural landmark, this Renaissance structure stands as one of Switzerland’s most charming public buildings. Its splendid setting is equally enchanting: nestled beside the River Reuss in the heart of the Old Town, adjacent to the Town Hall, it offers an array of attractions both day and night. In addition to the delightful […]

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Location: Rathaus Stadt Luzern, Kornmarkt, Luzern, Switzerland | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Rathaus, Lucerne

Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church)

Attracted to Lucerne through the patronage of Ludwig Pfyffer von Altishofen, the Jesuits introduced the Counter Reformation to the city during the 17th century. The elaborate Jesuitenkirche, devoted to Francis Xavier, was constructed in 1666. Craftsmen from Italy and Austria collaborated to create what is widely regarded as Switzerland’s most splendid Baroque church. The interior […]

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Location: Jesuitenkirche, Bahnhofstrasse, Lucerne, Switzerland | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church)

Hirschenplatz

Hirschenplatz or stag square, is a square in Lucerne, Switzerland. The square is surrounded with traditional houses which feature fascinating ornamented facades which are under historical monument protection. One of the building has This plaza takes its name from the former Hirschen Hotel, which has a sign with a marvellous golden stag.  Ironically, despite this […]

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Location: Hirschenplatz, Lucerne, Switzerland | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Hirschenplatz

Ritterscher Palace

CC BY-SA 3.0 / WES1947

Adjacent to the Jesuit Church lies the Ritterscher Palace, now home to the cantonal administration. This location not only serves administrative purposes but is also a magnet for those passionate about art and history. One can find Jakob von Will’s Dance Macabre on the top floor corridor, featuring seven artworks and 23 scenes. These vignettes […]

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Location: Government Buildings of Canton Lucerne Bahnhofstrasse 15 6003 Luzern Switzerland | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Ritterscher Palace

Weinmarkt, Lucerne

CC BY-SA 3.0 / trolvag

Among Lucerne’s historical landmarks is the quaint Weinmarkt. The Weinmarkt, which translates to “Wine Market,” is testament to its long-standing history. Up until the mid-16th century, this square functioned as the fish market. Lucerne was a fishing village and the alleys made for an easy connection to the river. The fish market was the political […]

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Location: Weinmarkt, Lucerne, Switzerland | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Weinmarkt, Lucerne

Historisches Museum Luzern (Lucerne History Museum)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Aniacra

Actors guide visitors on captivating theatrical tours of the museum’s collection, offering intriguing insights into the life and culture of Lucerne. The History Museum is dedicated to displaying, collecting, documenting, and presenting artifacts with cultural-historical and folkloristic significance from the Canton Lucerne and Lake Lucerne Region. The museum takes pride in its relevance and interactive […]

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Location: Historisches Museum Luzern, Pfistergasse, Lucerne, Switzerland | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m | Price: Adults: CHF 10.00 | Website | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Historisches Museum Luzern (Lucerne History Museum)

Spreuerbrücke

CC BY-SA 3.0 / ermell

Completed in 1408 as an integral part of the city’s fortifications, the Spreuer Bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland, stands as one of the two remaining covered wooden footbridges in the city, alongside the Kapellbrücke. An additional similar bridge, the Hofbrücke, once existed but was dismantled in the 19th century. Originally constructed in the 13th century to […]

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Location: Spreuer Bridge, Spreuerbrücke, Lucerne, Switzerland | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Spreuerbrücke

Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), Lucerne

CC BY-SA 3.0 / WES1947

Lucerne’s historical skyline is graced by the imposing presence of the Water Tower, Chapel Bridge, and Musegg Wall. While these structures command attention, it’s along the path that meanders beside the Musegg Wall where the most captivating view of the lake basin unfolds. A legacy of the town’s fortifications, the Musegg Wall and its nine […]

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Location: Museggmauer Auf Musegg 6004 Luzern Switzerland | Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. between 1 April and 1 November | Website | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), Lucerne

Natur-Museum Luzern

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Naturmuseum Luzern

Visitors are consistently astonished by the unique exhibitions at the Lucerne Nature Museum. This museum offers an in-depth, and occasionally humorous, peek into the mysteries of plant and animal life. There’s a constant display featuring the flora and fauna of Central Switzerland. Numerous live creatures can be observed in the terrariums and aquariums. Dynamic displays […]

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Location: Natur-Museum Luzern, Kasernenplatz, Lucerne, Switzerland | Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm Monday closed / Monday closed | Price: Adult: CHF 10.–; Children (6 - 16 years) CHF 3.– | Website | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Natur-Museum Luzern

Hofkirche St. Leodegar (Court Church of St. Leodegar) Luzerne

St. Leodegar’s origins trace back to the mid-8th century when it was established as part of the monastery that subsequently laid the foundation for Lucerne. A prior Gothic church existed before the present German Renaissance structure, yet it suffered extensive damage from a fire in 1633. What remains of the earlier era are the towers, […]

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Location: Hofkirche St. Leodegar, Sankt Leodegarstrasse, Lucerne, Switzerland | Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 12pm & 2pm - 4.30pm | Website | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Hofkirche St. Leodegar (Court Church of St. Leodegar) Luzerne

Bourbaki Panorama

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Leiju

An awe-inspiring panorama, a significant piece of European cultural heritage, and a representation of Switzerland’s compassionate tradition – the Bourbaki Panorama encapsulates a rich tapestry of narratives: political occurrences, personal stories, everyday experiences, and a slice of art, culture, and media history. Unquestionably, the Bourbaki Panorama stands as an authentic “visual marvel.” The monumental historical […]

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Location: Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne, Löwenplatz, Lucerne, Switzerland | Hours: April to October daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. November to March daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m | Price: Adult CHF 15.00 | Website | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Bourbaki Panorama

Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument)

Free Art License / A.Savin

The Lion Monument, also known as the Lion of Lucerne, stands as a poignant rock relief situated in Lucerne, Switzerland. Conceived by Bertel Thorvaldsen and meticulously carved by Lukas Ahorn between 1820 and 1821, this monument bears profound significance. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to the valiant Swiss Guards who met their tragic fate […]

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Location: Lion Monument, Denkmalstrasse, Lucerne, Switzerland | Distance: 0.9km

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Visiting Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument)

Gletschergarten (Glacier Garden)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Leiju

Nestled upon the ancient mountain landscapes of Central Switzerland, the world’s oldest, a treasure trove of scenery unfolds at your feet. Lucerne’s Glacier Garden beckons you to peer through a window into the Earth’s history. Within its rocky depths, a journey across epochs and stones unveils remarkable insights. Complementing this captivating exploration are a museum […]

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Location: Gletschergarten Luzern, Denkmalstrasse, Lucerne, Switzerland | Hours: April 1 to October 31 (sommer season) daily 10 am to 6 pmNovember 1 to March 31 (winter season) daily 10 am to 5 pm | Price: Adults: CHF22 | Website | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Gletschergarten (Glacier Garden)

Richard Wagner Museum

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Studio1521

The Richard Wagner Museum, once the abode of the artist, has transformed into a repository of his legacy. Between 1866 and 1872, Richard Wagner, along with his second wife Cosima and their children, inhabited the grand mansion at Triebschen on Lake Lucerne. Nestled in a park-like setting and positioned right by the lakeshore, this residence […]

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Location: Richard Wagner Museum Lucerne, Richard-Wagner-Weg, Lucerne, Switzerland | Hours: The museum is open from Tue - Sun, 11am -5pm. | Price: Adults: 12.00 CHF | Website | Distance: 1.7km

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Visiting Richard Wagner Museum

Verkehrshaus der Schweiz (Swiss Transport Museum)

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Markus Giger

Switzerland’s preeminent museum, drawing the highest number of visitors, unveils a captivating exploration into the realms of past, present, and future mobility through a rich array of interactive and diverse exhibits. Beyond the museum’s confines, an array of distinct attractions, found nowhere else in Switzerland, beckons exploration. Among these are the film theatre, planetarium, Swiss […]

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Location: Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, Lidostrasse, Lucerne, Switzerland | Hours: Daily: 10:00 - 17:00 | Price: CHF 62.– | Website | Distance: 2.1km

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Visiting Verkehrshaus der Schweiz (Swiss Transport Museum)

Mt. Pilatus

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Clare66

Pilatus, often referred to as Mount Pilatus, stands as a commanding mountain massif that graces the skyline above Lucerne in Central Switzerland. This picturesque range comprises a collection of peaks, with the loftiest summit being Tomlishorn, soaring to a height of 2,128.5 meters (6,983 feet). The expanse of Pilatus encompasses a stretch from Lopper, directly […]

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Visiting Mt. Pilatus

Lake Lucerne

Nestled amidst renowned mountain getaways, Lake Lucerne boasts Switzerland’s most diverse and picturesque lake scenery. While it evokes echoes of fjord landscapes, the region is imbued with a gentle lake climate. A journey aboard historic paddle wheel steamers and elegant salon motor vessels is the pinnacle of this area’s attractions. In summertime, basking in the […]

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Visiting Lake Lucerne

Schloss Heidegg

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rosual

For numerous centuries, this feudal structure served as the residence for the esteemed Heidegg family. However, today it stands as the epicenter of history and culture in the Seetal valley. This living museum immerses visitors in the tales and traditions of noble families, and the essence of the past is further rekindled with a leisurely […]

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Location: Schloss Heidegg, Heidegg, Gelfingen, Switzerland | Hours: The Castle Museum is open in 2023 from April 1st to October 31st. Tuesday to Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m Saturday, Sunday and Easter Monday, Ascension Day and Whit Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m closed on Mondays Last admission 4.30 p.m | Price: Adult CHF 10 | Website | Distance: 18.7km

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Visiting Schloss Heidegg

Reichenbach Falls

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Juck He

The Reichenbach Falls are a stunning cascade of seven steps on the Rychenbach stream in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. These waterfalls drop a total of about 250 meters (820 feet), with the upper falls, known as the Grand Reichenbach Fall (German: Grosser Reichenbachfall), being the tallest segment at 110 meters (360 feet). This […]

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Location: Reichenbachfall Reichenbach 3860 Meiringen Switzerland | Distance: 38.5km

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Visiting Reichenbach Falls