As Switzerland’s most populous city, Lucerne has no shortage of exciting things to see and do. The city is built along both banks of the Reuss River, connected by the famous Chapel Bridge, and is surrounded by snowcapped mountains, making it a truly scenic destination.

Joining a free walking tour in Lucerne is the ideal way to familiarize yourself with the city’s top attractions and learn more about its fascinating history. Admire the marvelous views, visit iconic landmarks and gain a valuable introduction to Swiss culture!

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Lucerne.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Lucerne have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between €10 and €15 per person, but some people tip as much as €50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Lucerne?

Free walking tour in Lucerne, the heart of Switzerland

Join a passionate guide, with a background in architecture, as you make your way around the beautiful city of Lucerne. The excursion lasts roughly 2 hours, during which time you’ll get to see some of the most exquisite places that this special Swiss city has to offer its visitors.

Meet your guide at the relief model of the city near the Jesuit church and begin your stroll through the character-filled squares and picturesque streets. In addition to the beautiful architecture and monuments, you’ll get to enjoy the natural attractions too, including the lake.

Your guide will fill you in on the city’s fascinating history and tell you about some of the things that make Switzerland so unique. Some of the places you’ll visit include the Kapellplatz, the Church of St. Leodogar, Hirschenplatz and Weinmarktplatz among others.

The tour concludes at Rathaus, the old town hall of Lucerne, where you are free to continue exploring on your own or head back to your hotel. Feel free to ask your guide for a few recommendations before you part ways.

Free walking tour in Lucerne’s Old Town

Lucerne’s charming Old Town is filled with hidden gems that are best explored in the company of an experienced tour guide. When you join this action-packed walking tour in the city’s historic Old Town, your guide will ensure that you don’t miss a thing.

Some of the attractions you’ll visit include the Chapel Bridge, Rittersche Palace and the Jesuit Church among many others. Your knowledgeable guide will fill you in on the secret backstories behind these top-rated attractions, providing you with fascinating facts and anecdotes.

Make sure you bring your camera along with you as you’ll be taken to some of the best viewpoints in the city, which offer incredible views of the nearby lake and surrounding mountains. You’ll also see busy market squares, ancient statues and beautiful fountains.

Follow your guide through Lucerne’s twisting alleyways and charming streets, where there are exciting attractions around every corner. After 1.5 hours, you’ll bid your guide farewell at the Jesuit Church and continue exploring the city on your own.

Free walking tour in Lucerne with a local guide

This tour, which offers a flexible itinerary based on your interests, is led by a local guide who has lived in Lucerne for their entire life. This allows you to see the city through the eyes of a local and get answers to any questions that you may have about local history and culture.

Your walking tour begins at the Torbogen, the gate of the old main station. Your guide will fill you in about the historic catastrophe that took place here before leading you to the Hofkirche, which is the largest and most beautiful church in the city.

Next, you’ll make your way to the famous Lion Monument of Lucerne, which is a statue of a dying lion steeped in rich history. As you follow your guide through the Old Town, you’ll stop at a variety of city squares, monuments and churches to take photos and learn more about them.

When you reach the Kapellplatz, your guide will teach you about the Fasnacht, which is one of the country’s most important cultural events. This is also where the 2-hour tour will come to an end and you’ll part ways with your guide.

In which languages is it operated?

While the majority of free walking tours take place in English, there are also tour schedules that are operated in German and Spanish. It’s important to double-check the language that your preferred tour is operated in before making a booking.

The official language spoken in Lucerne is Swiss German and your guide may teach you a few words in the local language as you make your way around the city.

Where does it start?

When you book a free walking tour in Lucerne, you’ll need to meet your guide at an easy-to-find location in the city, such as the entrance to Chapel Bridge, the relief model of the city or the Torbogen. Guides typically provide a brief description of themselves so you can locate them.

Make sure that you arrive at the tour’s meeting point at least 5 minutes before the tour’s starting time so that you don’t keep your guide or the other tour participants waiting.

How long does it last?

Depending on which tour operator you choose, your free walking tour in Lucerne could last anywhere between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. This gives you more than enough time to see Lucerne's main sites and get an idea of the city’s layout.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While most free walking tours in Lucerne are wheelchair-friendly, there are also tours that are listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. If you are a wheelchair user, it’s important that you check accessibility details before making a booking.

Even if a tour is listed as wheelchair-accessible, it’s always a good idea to provide the tour operator with an indication if you use a wheelchair for mobility purposes. This way, they will be better prepared for your participation in the excursion.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Lucerne?

The best time to join a free walking tour in Lucerne is from April to June, during the spring or autumn from September to October.

The weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded, allowing for a more enjoyable and informative walking experience to discover Lucerne's charming sites and culture.

Should you book tickets online?

Booking free walking tours in Lucerne online ensures your spot, as they are popular and get booked up very quickly. These tours also have limited spots available to ensure the quality of the tour— with some maximum capacities being limited to as few as 10 people.

Reserving your spot on a tour is completely free and can be done with a few simple clicks through the online booking platform. Arrive in Lucerne with your tour already booked and make the most out of your time.

Free Walking Tours in Lucerne