Photography Guide to Lucerne – A City Framed by Peaks, Reflections, and History
- Maciek
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
The trail through the once-unexplored Alps was finally charted in the early 13th century, when a winding route across the Gotthard Pass connected several alpine peaks. Back then, the only way to reach the pass was by crossing the dramatic waters of Lake Lucerne. Longshoremen would disembark on the steep southern shore near the mountain village of Flüelen, after departing from a modest riverside town on the northern plains. That settlement quickly blossomed thanks to its strategic location — and it’s here, between lake and mountains, that the city of Lucerne was born. Today, its geography still shapes not only its history, but its visual identity — offering photographers a city where every frame is rooted in a story.
The city is strategically situated. It has become the heart of transport as well as trade close to the road junction and on the tip of four-armed lake. From the beginning of the 18th century due to Mount Pilatus, which is nearby, and the view from peaceful shore of a turquoise lake on jagged alpine peaks, some artists and intellectuals were gathering there as well as those who wanted to experience sublimity and enjoy the panorama to the fullest. And if we add a pinch of Wagner’s music, wonderful river and lake promenades and a full blossom of flowers at each corner, we will have a recipe for enviable fame.
Let's then go for a walk!
Lucerne - photowalk - one day in a nutshell with all must-see points
Lucerne is full of photographic opportunities around every corner. Follow this curated loop to capture the city’s highlights—from iconic landmarks to quiet lake reflections:
Start at Seebrücke (near the train station) Capture your first shot from the southern end for a framed perspective of the Chapel Bridge and Reuss River.
Walk onto the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) Especially photogenic from spring to autumn thanks to flower-lined railings. Pause at the bend before the octagonal tower for one of the most iconic compositions in Lucerne.
Descend the stairs to the riverside path (just after the bridge) A lesser-known but beautiful angle along the water with strong reflections and soft light.
Enter Lucerne’s Old Town Capture narrow alleyways, pastel facades, and old-world charm—perfect for street and architecture shots.
Photograph Hirschenplatz and Weinmarkt Fountain Classic town square scenes with fountains and historic architecture.
Cross the Spreuerbrücke (Spreuer Bridge) Another charming covered wooden bridge with 17th-century paintings and dynamic views of the river.
Climb to the Zytturm and Panorama Terrace Get sweeping wide-angle shots of Lucerne’s rooftops, the lake, and distant peaks—ideal for golden hour.
Visit the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) A somber yet powerful photo subject carved into rock—Mark Twain called it “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.”
Stroll along the lake promenade Perfect for lifestyle or tranquil nature shots with sailboats, swans, and soft mountain backdrops.
End at Verkehrshaus-Lido Pier Capture lakeside reflections and catch a ferry back to Bahnhofquai to complete the loop.
Starting the Day in Lucerne’s Urban Core
We drove to Lucerne with our friends from Zurich. A parking lot in the city centre is sheer luxury, however, it allowed us to be in the full urban splendour at once. A brief glimpse of the map, the choice of directions and we could head to the lakeside.
Kapellbrücke – Lucerne’s Signature Shot
The top tourist attraction of the city is the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) built in 1333 which is spanning diagonally across the river. Over one hundred triangular paintings hanging from rafters made the bridge famous. Orange roof tiles and flowers blooming on its both sides bring glory. Almost in the middle of the bridge, at the Reuss river, there is an octagonal tower overlooking the city, which used to be a treasury at the glorious time or a torture chamber at its disgraceful period.
The bridge that we can admire today is actually a reconstruction after a 1993 fire which destroyed almost the whole wooden construction.
Spreuer Bridge and the Old Town Charm
Walking through another passage called The Spreuer Bridge, which is also an example of a covered bridge, we enter the city centre – a maze of narrow streets going up to the defensive walls. Passing several squares and climbing up the steep stairs we finally get to the fortified tower located on town walls.
We were spoilt by the sunny weather that allowed us to admire the mountains. Contrary to what one might think, we were in luck because it had been raining for whole two weeks before our excursion. That is why the crowd in the pedestrian zone and at the lakeside seemed to be explicable.
Swiss Museum of Transport
Just a short walk or ferry ride from central Lucerne, the Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus) is far more than a classic museum visit — it’s a dynamic space where history, innovation, and design come together under one roof. For photographers, it offers an unexpected treasure trove of subjects.
Inside, you’ll find vintage locomotives, classic cars, historic aircraft, and interactive exhibits that showcase Switzerland’s love affair with movement and engineering. Every hall presents a new visual challenge — whether it's capturing the symmetry of train wheels, the metallic textures of airplanes, or reflections in polished cars.
The outdoor area is just as photogenic, especially the massive tunnel drill head used to bore through the Gotthard Base Tunnel. It makes for a powerful industrial shot, especially in strong side light or black-and-white edits.
There’s also a planetarium, film theater, and Swiss Chocolate Adventure next door — ideal for family visitors or those wanting to blend documentary and lifestyle photography.
Promenade
Taking a walk along the river promenade, where we had a break for something sweet with excellent coffee, was one of the last aims to fulfil. While sitting on a bench, you can admire not only floating sailboats but also speeding steamboats, of course, accompanied by the mountains in the background. In spite of the widespread rail network, the water transportation in the lakeside area is the major means of communication.
Following in other tourists’ footsteps, we decided to go on a short paddle steamer cruise. We didn’t have to wait long since in every 20 minutes some boats begin to sail.
Paddle steamers in Lucerne
Five one-hundred-year-old side wheelers powered by steam engines sail on Lake Lucerne (Uri, Unterwalden, Schiller, Gallia, Stadt Luzern). All of them are in immaculate condition. During the cruise, one can enjoy spectacular views while sipping his coffee. Moreover, there is a possibility to admire the hypnotizing work of massive and shiny pistons. 864 horsepower will guarantee a dazzling smile on faces of big boys!
After 15-minute cruise we went for a short stroll around the modern part of the city and then started to head back to the parking lot. It was a fantastic 4-hour trip.The Lion Monument (a rock relief of a dying lion ) that pays a tribute to 800 soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defence of the French king is on our to-do list for the next trip. Mark Twain described it as ‘the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.
Lucerne is a must-see town on the Grand Tour of Switzerland and a perfect day trip from Zurich!
Lucerna – prices
Parking lot for 4h – 12 CHF
Pizza – 22 CHF
Steamboat cruise from Lido to center – 5 CHF (cash desks available on side wheelers, credit card payment accepted)
Lucerne Photography Cheat Sheet
Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): Best light at sunrise/sunset; great for street and architectural shots
Spreuer Bridge & Old Town: Use a wide lens for narrow alleys; explore contrast between medieval and modern
Lake Promenade: Ideal for lifestyle, reflections, and slow shutter photography
Paddle Steamers: Bring a telephoto for machinery details and a wide-angle for lake panoramas
Best time to visit: Spring–Autumn; early mornings offer clear reflections, and late afternoons bring warm tones
Trip duration: Ideal for half-day photo walks or a full day with boat rides and golden hour coverage
Explore our photography guidebook for Lucerne and Lake Lucerne!
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