Peter's Chapel, Lucerne
Church in Lucerne
Tucked into Kapellplatz at the entrance to Lucerne's Old Town, Peterskapelle feels like a quiet spiritual anchor amid the bustle of shops, cafés, and the nearby Chapel Bridge. Built in the early 14th century and dedicated to St Peter, patron saint of fishermen, it reflects Lucerne's origins as a lakeside town where life revolved around the water. For many visitors it's one of the must-see places in Lucerne, not because it is grand or imposing, but because it combines age, atmosphere, and intimate details in a compact space right at the heart of the city.
From the outside, the chapel is modestly sized but rich in stories. Look closely at the walls and you'll find several noteworthy artworks: an alabaster carving of the Mount of Olives that survives from an earlier church on the site, a late 19th-century fresco of Brother Klaus, and an early 20th-century painting of St Christopher. Step inside and you're greeted by Gothic-style arches, carved stonework, and stained glass that filter the light into soft, coloured pools. With its position facing Kapellplatz and just moments from the river, Peterskapelle is a highlight of any walking tour of Lucerne, especially if you enjoy slipping into a contemplative corner between sightseeing stops.
History and Significance of Peterskapelle (St. Peter’s Chapel)
Peterskapelle is one of Lucerne's earliest and most important religious buildings, dating back to the early 1300s, when the town was still taking shape around the lake and the river. Dedicating the chapel to St Peter, guardian saint of fishermen, made perfect sense in a community whose livelihood depended heavily on the waters of Lake Lucerne and the Reuss. The chapel gave those who worked on the lake a spiritual home close to their boats and markets, reinforcing the connection between daily labour and faith.
Over the centuries, the chapel evolved along with the city. While its Gothic core remained, elements were added, renewed, or replaced as tastes and needs changed. The alabaster Mount of Olives carving, preserved from an earlier church, is a reminder of how sacred art can migrate through time, surviving rebuilds and renovations. Later additions like the Brother Klaus fresco and the St Christopher painting show how new devotional fashions were layered onto the existing structure, keeping the chapel relevant to each generation of worshippers.
The chapel's significance also stems from its setting. Kapellplatz has long been a key gateway into the Old Town, and Peterskapelle sits just steps from the bridge that now defines Lucerne's skyline. The famous Kapellbrücke takes its name from the chapel, underlining how closely the two landmarks are linked in the city's identity. Together, the bridge and chapel form a symbolic threshold: cross here and you move from the modern station and lakeside promenade into a world of medieval lanes, painted façades, and centuries of lived history.
Things to See and Do in Peterskapelle (St. Peter’s Chapel)
Begin your visit by circling the chapel from the outside. The building may be small, but its walls reward careful attention. Seek out the alabaster carving of the Mount of Olives, a delicate survival from an earlier church that once stood here, and imagine how many changes in the city it has silently witnessed. The fresco of Brother Klaus, Lucerne and Switzerland's beloved 15th-century hermit-saint, adds another layer of meaning, while the early 20th-century St Christopher painting connects to travellers' long-standing desire for protection on the road.
Step through the door and let your eyes adjust to the interior. Gothic-style arches draw your gaze upwards, while stone details and sculpted elements invite you to move closer and inspect the craftsmanship. The stained glass windows are particularly evocative, colouring the light that filters in from Kapellplatz and hinting at the lake and mountains beyond. This is a lovely place to sit quietly for a few minutes, whether you are religious or not, simply to enjoy the calm and the sense of continuity in a building that has anchored this square for more than 600 years.
When you leave the chapel, take a moment to stand in Kapellplatz and consider how Peterskapelle shapes the space around it. From here, you can look towards the Kapellbrücke, whose name it shares, or turn into the Old Town's narrow streets. It's easy to combine a visit here with other nearby sights such as the Fritschi Fountain and the riverfront promenade, building a route that shows how religion, carnival tradition, and everyday life intersect in this compact part of Lucerne.
How to Get to Peterskapelle (St. Peter’s Chapel)
Most visitors arrive in Lucerne via Zurich Airport (ZRH), which offers the widest choice of international and European flights and serves as the main gateway to central Switzerland. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Lucerne on Booking.com. From the airport, frequent direct trains run to Lucerne, or you can change at Zurich HB, with typical journey times of around one to one and a quarter hours.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
From Lucerne's main railway station, Peterskapelle is an easy and scenic walk away. Exit the station towards the lake, cross the Reuss via the Kapellbrücke or the nearby Seebrücke, and you will find yourself in Kapellplatz at the entrance to the Old Town, with the chapel occupying a prominent spot in the square. This short walk of about 10 minutes doubles as a first introduction to Lucerne's classic views, so it's worth taking your time rather than rushing straight through.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If you're travelling by car, Lucerne is connected to the Swiss motorway network by the A2 and A14, with several multi-storey car parks near the station and around the edge of the Old Town. Because Kapellplatz and the surrounding streets are pedestrianised or heavily traffic-calmed, it's best to leave your car in one of these garages and continue on foot. This way, you can approach Peterskapelle just as countless locals and pilgrims have done over the centuries: by walking in under your own steam, with the Chapel Bridge and Old Town unfolding around you.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Peterskapelle (St. Peter’s Chapel)
- Suggested tips: Allow yourself a few quiet minutes inside to sit or stand in silence; the chapel is at its most atmospheric when you slow down and let the bustle of Kapellplatz fade into the background.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon tends to be calmer than the middle of the day, especially when tour groups are out in force near the Chapel Bridge.
- Entrance fee: Free; donations for the upkeep of the chapel are appreciated.
- Opening hours: Open 8.30am - 6.30pm.
- Official website: https://www.kathluzern.ch/
- How long to spend: Most visitors are happy with 15-30 minutes to explore the exterior artworks and spend some time inside; those interested in religious history or architecture may wish to linger longer.
- Accessibility: The immediate area around Kapellplatz is paved and mostly level, but the chapel entrance may involve a small step; visitors with mobility needs should assess access on arrival.
- Facilities: There are no dedicated facilities within the chapel itself; cafés, shops, and public toilets are available within a few minutes' walk in and around Kapellplatz and the nearby streets.
- Photography tip: Be respectful if people are praying; focus on exterior details and, if permitted inside, look for angles that capture the Gothic arches and stained glass without using flash.
- Guided tours: Many Old Town walking tours stop at Peterskapelle to explain its history and its link to the Chapel Bridge, so joining one can add helpful context to what you see.
- Nearby food options: The streets around Kapellplatz are filled with cafés, bakeries, and restaurants, making it easy to grab a drink or meal before or after your visit to the chapel.
Where to Stay close to the Peterskapelle (St. Peter’s Chapel)
If you'd like to stay right in the Old Town within a short stroll of Peterskapelle, Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern is a convenient choice. From here you can wander through narrow lanes to Kapellplatz in just a few minutes, taking in the Fritschi Fountain and other historic corners along the way.
For river views and a slightly grander feel, Hotel des Balances offers elegant rooms overlooking the Reuss while still being close to Kapellplatz and the Chapel Bridge. It's a great base if you want to see Peterskapelle at different times of day, slipping over to the square early in the morning or after dinner when things are quieter.
Travellers who prefer to be near the station while retaining easy access to the Old Town might enjoy Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora. Located between the station and the historic centre, it allows you to walk to Peterskapelle in about 5-10 minutes, crossing the river and diving straight into the city's most atmospheric streets.
Is the Peterskapelle (St. Peter’s Chapel) Worth Visiting?
Peterskapelle is definitely worth a stop, especially if you're already heading to the Chapel Bridge and Kapellplatz. Its combination of early 14th-century origins, dedication to the patron saint of fishermen, and layered artworks on both the exterior and interior give it a depth that belies its modest size. Stepping inside offers a moment of quiet reflection right in the middle of one of Lucerne's busiest squares, and understanding that the bridge next door takes its name from this chapel adds an extra dimension to a view you've probably seen a hundred times in photos.
What Other Travellers Say...
Peterskapelle at Kapellpl. 1a in Luzern is a centrally located, easily accessible Catholic chapel noted for its serene, spacious interior and striking exterior views; visitors mention thought-provoking silence, noteworthy pictures and grouped seating, as well as distinctive features such as Pride-themed candles and a rainbow-painted bench that some find eye-catching and others controversial.
FAQs for Visiting Peterskapelle (St. Peter’s Chapel)
Nearby Attractions to the Peterskapelle (St. Peter’s Chapel)
- Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) - Lucerne's iconic covered wooden bridge and water tower, just steps away, offering classic views up and down the Reuss.
- Fritschi Fountain - Carnival-themed fountain in Kapellplatz with colourful masks and the legend of Brother Fritschi at its heart.
- Jesuit Church - A short stroll along the river, this Baroque church combines an elegant façade with a richly decorated interior.
- Weinmarkt - A historic Old Town square with the Fritschi Fountain's older counterpart, guild history, and painted façades.
- History Museum Lucerne - Located along the river, this engaging museum uses theatrical tours and interactive displays to bring Lucerne's past to life.
The Peter's Chapel appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lucerne!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Open 8.30am – 6.30pm.
Free; donations for the upkeep of the chapel are appreciated.
Nearby Attractions
- Fritschi Fountain (0.0) km
Fountain - Chapel Bridge and Water Tower (0.1) km
Bridge - Lucerne Town Hall (0.2) km
Town Hall - Kornmarkt (0.2) km
Square - Hirschenplatz (0.2) km
Square - Weinmarkt (0.2) km
Square - Torbogen Luzern (0.3) km
Railway - Jesuitenkirche (0.3) km
Church - Museggmauer (Musegg Wall) (0.3) km
City Gate and City Walls - Museum Rosengart Collection (0.3) km
Arts Venue
