Private 1.5-Hour Nightwatchman Walk in Medieval Lucerne

Discover medieval Lucerne with your private guide on your Nightwatchman walking tour. Learn about the history of the Nightwatchman and see the illuminated attractions. You'll be told about the Legend of the Riot of Lucerne and will hear about ghosts, demons and witches. Imagine what it was like to live in Lucerne in the middle ages and get information about the law and order of that time. Your private Nightwatchman guide is dressed in medieval style and equipped with a traditional Swiss halberd. He will guide you through narrow streets and hidden places of the historic centre of Lucerne. The tour is surrounded by pictures presented with a projector, on iPad and on postcards.

1. 1

   Peterskapelle (Peter's Chapel)

   10 min

   As the tour starts you hear the fire horn followed by the invocation pray. The Nightwatchman tells you about his hard life in the middle age. With the help of a projector he introduces you to medieval Lucerne. You have a detailed look into the Martini plan, the first city map of Lucerne, dating from 1597. You see the route on the map and you will discover that many of the buildings on the map are still here today. You see St. Peter’s Chapel, the first church in town dating back to the 12th century. Next to it you see the first private stone house of Lucerne and you find out where the expression "stone rich" comes from.

2. 2

   Chapel Bridge

   10 min

   Did you know that the Water Tower was built some decades before the Chapel Bridge? In fact the Water Tower was built in the late 13th century while the Chapel Bridge dates back to 1365. You see pictures of the inside of the Water Tower and hear about the torture chamber, the dungeon and the secret room. Further you learn from where the Chapel Bridge got its name from.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10 min

   You walk round the corner to Kapellplatz and hear about live in the middle age in the blooming Republic of Lucerne. Walking through the Furrengasse you learn about its Ghost and the Toggeli (Incubus aka "love robber") around him.

4. 4

   Kornmarkt

   10 min

   You arrive at the the Town Hall Square called Kornmarkt. You learn about the Renaissance Town Hall and its Tower with the clock without minute hand. You hear the story of the "Giant of Reiden" and you see the Lucerne Foot and Elle, the official measures of Old Lucerne.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   10 min

   In the Brandgässli Alley you get to know about the Riot of Lucerne before you continue to the former fish market, known today as the wine market.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   10 min

   On the Weinmarkt you see the old guest house signs and admire the frescos on the houses. On the former pharmacy house of Renward Cysat you read the latin sentence: "Amor medicabillis nullis herbis" which meams: "There is no cure for a broken heart."

7. 7

   Stop 7

   10 min

   Right at the riverside square called “Zöpfli”, you hear about law and order in old Lucerne. You see projected paintings about the methods of prosecution, interrogation and corporal punishment of the Middle Age in Lucerne.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   10 min

   You pass the bridge “Reussbrücke” and you see the Spreuerbruecke (Mill Bridge), the Needle Dam and parts of the Musegg Wall.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   10 min

   A few steps further you arrive at the breathtaking medieval pharmacy window of the “Alte Suidtersche Apotheke”. The Nightwatchman tells you more about the house and the location.

10. 10

    Ritterscher Palace Lucerne

    10 min

    As you continue the Nightwatchman shows you some “Guardian Demons”. You stop at the legendary house of Lux Ritter and you hear why the first two floors look different than the third one. Then you hear the story of “Hans von Trient”, the unlucky stonemason. Another Highlight is the presentation of the seven paintings of the Dance of Death. You will see the pictures projected on a house wall and you hear details about from your Guide.

11. 11

    Jesuit Church Lucerne

    Pass by

    You pass the Church of the Jesuits, the first baroque building in Switzerland dating back to 1677.

12. 12

    Chapel Bridge

    10 min

    You cross the Chapel Bridge and see the paintings and you find out why the bridge is built diagonally over the river. At the end of the bridge you reach the starting point, where the tour ends.

• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.