1.5-Hour Small-Group Nightwatchman Walk in Medieval Lucerne

4.8 (36 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

36 reviews

4.8

Nightwatchman route, approx 1 mile — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Martini Plan of Lucerne 1597 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore medieval Lucerne on the Nightwatchman Walking Tour. See the illuminated attractions and hear the comments and background stories of the Nightwatchman. You will hear about ghosts, demons and witches and the Legend of the Riot of Lucerne. You will learn about living in Lucerne in the middle ages, you get information about law and order of that time. The Nightwatchman Guide is dressed in medieval style and equipped with a traditional Swiss halberd. He takes 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.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: German, English
Operated by: Citytrip AG

Ages: Youth (13–19 years) · Adults (20–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Medievally dressed Local guide
Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges
Included: Some exclusive post cards featuring Old Lucerne

Not included

Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Peterskapelle (Peter's Chapel)

10 min Admission not included

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."

While listening to what the Nightwatchman has to say about reformation and counter reformation, you enjoy a glass of the best water Lucerne. Then you pass the lower wine market, where once the pillory was located.
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.
Stop 8

Passing by

You pass the bridge “Reussbrücke” and you see the Spreuerbruecke (Mill Bridge), the Needle Dam and parts of the Musegg Wall.
Stop 9

10 min Admission not included

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.
Ritterscher Palace Lucerne

10 min Admission not included

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.
Jesuit Church Lucerne

Passing by

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

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide right next to Chapel Bridge, on the right hand riverside.

Go to the wooden bridge with the tower. This is called the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower.

We meet at the square right at the end of the Chapel Bridge on the right hand riverside.

End point

Meet your guide right next to Chapel Bridge, on the right hand riverside.

Go to the wooden bridge with the tower. This is called the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower.

We meet at the square right at the end of the Chapel Bridge on the right hand riverside.

Using your ticket

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Tours take place rain, snow or shine. It is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather and bring an umbrella or rain coat.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children up to twelve years old are free but must be accompanied by an adult
Tours take place rain, snow or shine. It is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather and bring an umbrella or rain coat.