Lucerne

The city is located at the northwestern end of Lake Lucerne, where the water from the lake flows back into the River Reuss. The city is the economic and cultural center of Central Switzerland. The Reuss divides the city into the old town and the new part. The oldest covered wooden bridge in the world (Chapel Bridge) with the water tower and the Spreuer Bridge connect the old and new towns. The location between the lake and the mountains (Pilatus and Rigi) is picturesque and has led to a strong development of tourism since 1840.


Lucerne was first mentioned as a city in 840 as Luciaria. The opening of the Gotthard Pass in the 13th century made the city an important trading hub. The history of the city is described as part of the history of the canton of Lucerne.

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