Young man walking with swiss cow on mountain footpath. Mount Pilatus, Lucerne, Switzerland.

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Central Switzerland

To the Swiss, Central Switzerland – green, mountainous and soothingly beautiful – is the essence of ‘Swissness’. It was here that the pact that kick-started a nation was signed in 1291; here that hero William Tell gave a rebel yell against Habsburg rule. Geographically, politically, spiritually, this is the heartland. Nowhere does the flag fly higher.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke).

    Kapellbrücke

    Lucerne

    You haven’t really been to Lucerne until you have strolled the creaky 14th-century Kapellbrücke, spanning the Reuss River in the Old Town. The octagonal…

  • The interior of the Einsiedeln abbey.

    Klosterkirche

    Central Switzerland

    Follow the crowds flowing towards this baroque edifice, the 18th-century handiwork of Caspar Moosbrugger. The interior dances with colourful frescoes,…

  • Sammlung Rosengart

    Sammlung Rosengart

    Lucerne

    Lucerne’s blockbuster cultural attraction is the Sammlung Rosengart, occupying a graceful neoclassical pile in the heart of town. It showcases the…

  • Museggmauer

    Museggmauer

    Lucerne

    For a bird’s-eye view over Lucerne’s rooftops to the glittering lake and mountains beyond, wander along the top of the old city walls that date back to…

  • Lion Monument

    Lion Monument

    Lucerne

    By far the most touching of the 19th-century sights that lured so many British to Lucerne is the Lion Monument. Lukas Ahorn carved this 10m-long sculpture…

  • Tourists on Titlis Cliff Walk, a suspension bridge at Mount Titlis in Engelberg, Switzerland.

    Mt Titlis

    Central Switzerland

    Central Switzerland's tallest mountain, Mt Titlis, is known for the world's first revolving cable car. This was completed in 1992 and is still one of the…

  • KKL culture and convention centre and Museum of Art in Luzern.

    Kultur und Kongresszentrum

    Lucerne

    French architect Jean Nouvel’s waterfront arts and convention centre is a postmodern jaw-dropper in an otherwise historic city. Inside, the tall, narrow…

  • Swiss Knife Valley Visitor Center, Victorinox brand store and museum.

    Swiss Knife Valley Museum

    Central Switzerland

    This teensy museum displays historical knives from prehistoric, Roman and medieval times, including folding precursors to the Victorinox classic. Touch…

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Articles

Latest stories from Central Switzerland

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LGBTQIA+

Hurrah! Same-sex marriage is finally legal in Switzerland: here's how to get married there

Sep 2, 2022 • 10 min read

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Go Beyond

Central Switzerland and beyond

Beyond Central Switzerland
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