2 Best Sights in Luzern, Luzern and Central Switzerland

The oldest wooden bridge in Europe snakes diagonally across the Reuss. When it was constructed in the early 14th century, the bridge served as a rampart in case of attacks from the lake. Its shingle roof and grand stone water tower are to Luzern what the Matterhorn is to Zermatt, but considerably more vulnerable, as a 1993 fire proved. Almost 80% of this fragile monument was destroyed, including many of the 17th-century paintings inside. Nevertheless, a walk through this dark, creaky landmark will take you past polychrome copies of 110 gable panels, painted by Heinrich Wägmann in the 17th century and depicting Luzern and Swiss history; stories of St. Leodegar and St. Mauritius, Luzern's patron saints; and coats of arms of local patrician families.

Stretching for 800 meters (2,624 feet), Luzern’s Museggmauer is the longest continuous wall in the country. Built around 1400 after the Battle of Sempach between Switzerland and Austria, it features nine towers, five of which you can climb up—some stairs are very steep and narrow—for magnificent panoramas. The Zytturm contains Luzern’s oldest clock and its workings, dating from the 16th century. It’s allowed to strike the hour one minute before time—the so-called ‘privilege of first stroke.’