Lucerne, nestled between majestic mountains and the serene Lake Lucerne, offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and family-friendly activities. One of the city’s iconic landmarks is the Musegg Wall, a medieval fortification that provides a unique glimpse into Lucerne’s past. Today, visitors can tour three of the nine towers and walk along the ramparts while enjoying stunning views of the city. Plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring.
History and Architecture
Dating back to 1370, the Musegg Wall is one of the best-preserved medieval walls in Switzerland, featuring nine towers that dominate the city’s skyline. Entrance to the towers and city walls is free. We began at Schirmer Tower (Schirmerturm) and made our way to Männli Tower (Männliturm), which offers some of the best views of the river and the charming wooden Mill Bridge. The towers have steep and narrow stairs, so if you prefer a shorter visit, climbing just Männli Tower for its views is a great option.
Exploring the Zyt Tower
One highlight of our visit was Zyt Tower (Zytturm), or Time Tower, a notable clock tower built around 1442. It houses Lucerne’s oldest clock mechanism, first crafted in 1386 with stone weights and a pendulum, later replaced by the current system in 1535. Uniquely, this clock chimes one minute before all others in Lucerne—a tradition upheld since medieval times. Inside, you’ll find an exhibition of nine historic clocks spanning from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Hinter Musegg Farm
Behind the wall lies Hinter Musegg Farm, an urban oasis blending ecological farming with cultural and educational experiences. Spanning about 2.4 hectares, it features animals like alpacas, Highland cattle, mini pigs, and chickens alongside fruit trees. Visitors can enjoy farm-fresh meals at the restaurant or shop for organic products at the farm store—check their website for opening hours. This is an excellent spot for kids to explore and stretch their legs. Shaded seating areas provide a relaxing place to enjoy drinks or ice cream from the store.
To get to the Schirmer Tower, it is easily accessible by public transit with about a 15 minute walk from Lucerne’s main train station. If arriving by car, parking is available at Parkhaus Schweizerhof, though navigating Lucerne by car can be tricky. The Musegg Wall is a great destination for families seeking a mix of history, adventure, and natural beauty in Lucerne.