Maps & Directions

Lucerne is the capital of the canton of Lucerne and in many respects the most important city in Central Switzerland. German (Swiss-German) is spoken is Lucerne, which is also spelled as Luzern. It is the cultural centre of the region and the fourth largest Swiss agglomeration. Lucerne owes its development firstly to its geographical location on the important north-south transport axis, sandwiched between the Swiss Plateau and the Alps at the threshold to Central Switzerland, and secondly to the uniquely picturesque scenery of this region.

Lucerne landscape

(c) Ammon/Luzern Tourismus

Historical notes

The city does not appear to have been officially founded. There was probably a small settlement here near the lake during Roman times or earlier. Historians regard 1178 as the year of the birth of Lucerne, because it was then that the parish was transferred from the monastery to the city. The opening of the Gotthard Pass around 1220 created new impetus for growth. The first fortification wall with towers was constructed during this time.

Lucerne was sold to Rudolf von Habsburg in 1291. The city population protested against the limits on their autonomy and in 1332 pledged to form an eternal pact with the other forest cantons. The year 1332 is considered one of the most important in Swiss History. For the first time, city and country populations enjoyed the same rights under an agreement that would last for many years, and this was of great importance to the Confederation of States. Lucerne’s decision to join was probably the factor that ensured the survival of the young Confederation, which rapidly evolved into a city-state.

Mount Pilatus, over Lucerne and the Lake Lucerne

(c) Ammon/Luzern Tourismus

Already in the Middle Ages, Lucerne was a city of bridges. In 1400, Lucerne was the only city in Europe to boast four bridges. Lucerne is also a city of palaces, churches, and squares. In the late Middle Ages passion plays were performed on the Weinmarkt square. The city instituted a public market hall on the Kornmarkt around 1370.

The Water Tower and the Chapel Bridge, both built ca. 1300, are Lucerne’s trademarks. The oldest preserved wooden bridge in Europe displays a series of 17th century paintings on triangular panels under its eaves. A major part of the bridge, including the paintings, was almost completely destroyed by fire on August 18, 1993. The reconstructed bridge was reopened on April 14, 1994. In the meantime, many of the paintings have been replaced or recopied. The octagonal Water Tower, like the Chapel Bridge, formed part of the inner city fortifi¬cations and has served as an archive, a city treasury and a prison. Lucerne’s second wooden bridge, the Mill Bridge, was built ca. 1408. It boasts its own series of 17th century paintings featuring the famous «Dance of Death» on 65 panels by Caspar Meglinger.

Lucerne tourism

Lausanne Tourism & Convention Bureau

Conference venue

By air

Switzerland has two international airports. Most airlines connect to Zürich/Kloten International Airport, which is conveniently located approximately 70 kilometers from Lucerne. Geneva International Airport is located at a distance of 260 kilometers to Lucerne. Both airports have train connections to Lucerne.

By train

Zurich International Airport has a direct train connection to Lucerne every hour, and the trip takes one hour. Lucerne main railway station is within walking distance to the conference venue.

Geneva International Airport
Zürich International Airport
Railways timetable (SBB-CFF)

By car

Lucerne is directly connected to the Swiss freeway network.