Nightwatchman Walk Lucerne: Chapel Bridge & Ghost Stories

Walk the narrow streets of medieval Lucerne after dark with a guide dressed as a 15th-century watchman.

A 1.5-hour guided walking tour through medieval Lucerne's historic center, led by a costumed Nightwatchman who takes you through narrow streets and hidden squares to see the Chapel Bridge, Jesuit Church and other landmarks. The guide shares stories of ghosts, demons, witches and the Riot of Lucerne while projecting historical images and old city maps onto buildings. Children under 13 go free when accompanied by an adult, and tours run nightly in English at six different departure times regardless of weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore medieval Lucerne by night

• Hear fire horn and invocation pray
• Learn about medieval Lucerne with projector
• See Martini plan and St. Peter’s Chapel
• Discover Water Tower and Chapel Bridge history
• Walk to Kapellplatz and learn about ghosts
• Visit Town Hall Square and hear local stories
• Explore Brandgässli Alley and former fish market
• Admire guest house signs and frescos at Weinmarkt
• Hear about law and order at riverside square
• Pass Reussbrücke, Spreuerbruecke, Needle Dam, Musegg Wall
• See medieval pharmacy window of Alte Suidtersche Apotheke
• View Guardian Demons and hear local legends
• Pass Jesuit Church
• Cross Chapel Bridge and see paintings
• Return to tour starting point

The experience

The tour opens with a fire horn and the Nightwatchman's invocation, then moves into the medieval city through a projector presentation of the Martini plan: Lucerne's first city map from 1597. You see St. Peter's Chapel, the oldest church in town dating to the 12th century, and the first private stone house of Lucerne, learning where the phrase "stone rich" comes from. The guide, dressed in medieval costume and carrying a traditional Swiss halberd, walks you through the same streets that appear on that 400-year-old map, showing you how many of the buildings still stand today.

The route passes the Chapel Bridge (built in 1365) and the Water Tower (built decades earlier in the late 13th century), where you hear about the torture chamber and dungeon inside. Walking through Furrengasse, you learn about the ghost and the Toggeli (an incubus known as the "love robber") before reaching Kornmarkt, the Town Hall Square, where a clock tower stands without a minute hand. The Brandgässli Alley leads to stories of the Riot of Lucerne, and the Weinmarkt shows old guest house signs and frescoed facades, including a former pharmacy with the Latin inscription "Amor medicabillis nullis herbis" (there is no cure for a broken heart). You pass the Jesuit Church, Switzerland's first baroque building from 1677, and end back at the Chapel Bridge.

The Nightwatchman uses projected paintings, iPad displays and postcards to show medieval methods of law and order, prosecution and punishment. You'll see the seven paintings of the Dance of Death projected onto a house wall, hear the story of Hans von Trient the unlucky stonemason, and learn why the legendary house of Lux Ritter has two different-looking lower floors. A glass of Lucerne's water is included partway through. Tours depart nightly at 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00 or 21:30 and run in rain, snow or shine. Dress for the weather and bring an umbrella or rain coat.

What’s included

• A costumed local guide who speaks English or German and leads you through the medieval streets.
• projected images of old city maps, the Water Tower's interior, and the Dance of Death paintings.
• exclusive postcards featuring Old Lucerne.
• a glass of Lucerne water during the walk.
• all taxes and fees.

Options for this experience

5 options

English, 20:30 hrsAvailable from 1 Sep 2027Walk open to the general public

English, 19:30 hrsAvailable from 1 Oct 2027Walk open to the general public

English, 19:00 hrsAvailable from 15 Oct 2027Walk open to the general public

See 2 more options

English, 21:00 hrsAvailable from 17 Aug 2027Walk open to the general public

English, 20:00 hrsAvailable from 13 Sep 2027Walk open to the general public

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 17 Aug 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (20 and older) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Citytrip AG

Is this one for you?The fixed evening departures mean you can fit this tour into your Lucerne evening after dinner or before a late meal. Choose the 19:00 start if you want the walk to end earlier, or the 21:30 if you prefer to explore the old town after other attractions close. Small groups keep the experience intimate and let you hear the Nightwatchman's stories clearly as you move through narrow streets and hidden squares.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Chapel Bridge and why does it matter on this tour?

The Chapel Bridge, built in 1365, is one of Lucerne's most recognizable landmarks and the tour's endpoint. You learn why the bridge is built diagonally over the river and see the paintings inside it. The Nightwatchman explains how it got its name and its role in medieval Lucerne's defense.

Will I see the inside of the Water Tower on this walk?

No, the tour does not enter the Water Tower itself. Instead, the Nightwatchman shows you projected pictures of its interior, including the torture chamber, dungeon and secret room, while you stand outside and learn about the building's history dating back to the late 13th century.

What stories does the guide tell about ghosts and supernatural beings?

The Nightwatchman shares tales of ghosts, demons and witches tied to specific locations in the medieval city. In Furrengasse, you hear about a ghost and the Toggeli, an incubus called the "love robber." You also see projected images of the Dance of Death and learn about "Guardian Demons" at various houses along the route.

What time do the tours start and can I choose a specific departure?

Tours depart nightly at six different times: 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00 and 21:30 hours. You select your preferred departure time when booking. All tours are conducted in English and last 1.5 hours.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours run rain, snow or shine, so come prepared for the weather. Bring an umbrella or rain coat and dress appropriately for the season and conditions.