Visiting Hofkirche Lucerne (Why Go, Expectations, & Tips)
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While exploring the Old Town of Lucerne, a few landmarks really caught my attention. One of them is the Hofkirche, also known as the Church of Saint Leodegar. This Catholic parish church of Lucerne, I believe, is one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks and among the best places you can visit for free — much like the Musegg Wall, Chapel Bridge, and Lion Monument.
With its pointy twin spires dominating the city’s skyline, the Church of Saint Leodegar is very easy to find. As an architecture enthusiast, it may seem like a giant in the city, beckoning you to come closer and marvel at its gorgeousness. This feeling could be even more pronounced if you’re taking in the view of the city from a boat on Lake Lucerne.
At night, the Church of Saint Leodegar transforms into a beacon shining over Lake Lucerne. It’s a romantic sight, especially for travelers spending evenings in Lucerne during their 2-day or 3-day stay in the city. However, while the Church of Saint Leodegar is certainly eye-catching, like the Jesuit Church, I don’t see it as a unique experience that you can have in Lucerne.
That said, it’s definitely worth a quick stop for its picture-worthy appearance, which becomes even more apparent when beholding it up close from its front yard. If you have a few minutes to spare during your one-day trip to Lucerne, go. Let me show you a glimpse of the beautiful sights you can find if you visit it. I’ll be sharing tips to make the most of your visit, too.

Exteriors and Interiors (Photo Gallery)


Visiting Expectations
As a wanderer, The Church of Saint Leodegar has a certain charm that’s hard to ignore. Overall, it’s the most important thing you can expect to experience in visiting the Church of Saint Leodegar.


How to Get There
Are you interested in visiting the Church of Saint Leodegar? The Church of Saint Leodegar is located at the edge of the old city to the east.
Again, it’s easy to find, especially if you’re already in Schweizerhofquai, Seebrücke, or any place with an open view of Lake Lucerne. The spires of the Church of Saint Leodegar dominate the skyline, and once you spot them, you can simply follow their direction. Suppose you’re currently in Schweizerhofquai, the wide road east of the old city that offers views of Lake Lucerne. In that case, all you need to do is walk straight northeast to reach the Church of Saint Leodegar.
The facade of the church is perpendicular to Schweizerhofquai. If you prefer to use public transportation, you can take buses #1, #6, #19, or #73 and get off at the Luzernerhof bus stop. The church is less than a minute’s walk from the bus stop.
Best Time to Visit
There’s no specific time to visit the Church of Saint Leodegar, unless you’re like me and enjoy capturing “eye-gasmic” photos of the places you visit. If that’s your goal, I recommend visiting the church during the golden hour, the hours just after sunrise and before sunset. Of course, if you want to explore the interior of the Church of Saint Leodegar, you’ll need to visit during its open hours.
One event you shouldn’t miss is the Lilu Light Festival Lucerne. This is when the landmarks in Lucerne, including the Church of Saint Leodegar, are illuminated with colorful light effects at night. The festival typically takes place in the second week of January and lasts for eleven straight days. To stay updated on the opening hours of the Church of Saint Leodegar and the dates of the Lilu Light Festival, you can check the official websites of the church and the festival, which are linked at the end of this post.
Exploring Lucerne?
Besides Hofkirche, there are plenty of other beautiful landmarks to see in Lucerne. You don’t even have to leave the Old Town—just walking around, you’ll find stunning houses with colorful murals on their facades. Explore these amazing places and other notable landmarks with the resources linked below. Take a look!
Planning a trip? From great hotel deals to skip-the-line tickets and affordable eSim to cheap rentals, check out the travel resources I recommend and use for a smooth and memorable trip.
Note: Booking through my links is like giving a free donation to WanderInEurope. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps me create more helpful travel guides. Your support means a lot—thank you!
For a convenient, unique, or more enriching visit, check out these experiences and services:

Resources
For more information and further planning to visit the Church of Saint Leodegar, please kindly check the links below.
- Hofkirche – Official Website
- Hofkirche – myswitzerland.com
- The Church of Saint Leodegar – Wikipedia
- Lilu Light Festival Lucerne
For an insightful visit to the Church of Saint Leodegar and the rest of Lucerne, you might like to check out this private walking tour with a local or this 1-Hour Historical Tour with the Night Watchman. The later is a unique experience!

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