Musegg Wall is a Must-See (Here are the Five Reasons Why)
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Similar to the Lion Monument, Musegg Wall is another free attraction in Lucerne that contributes to the city’s beauty. It’s one of my favorites because it offers a unique travel experience in Lucerne… like time-traveling back to the Medieval Ages.
Dating back to 1370, Musegg Wall is one of the most intact medieval walls remaining in Switzerland. In fact, it’s the longest city wall preserved in one piece in the country!
Like Lauterbrunnen in the Jungfrau Region, Musegg Wall remind me of my favorite fantasy novel movies like LOTR. It looks magical. From the foot of the wall to the top of the tower, this landmark is a breathtaking sight.
And if you’re interested in old-world architecture, you’d love this wall for its towers — they have various styles. For example, one has a twisted roof, while another is decorated with a clock and murals.
Overall, Musegg Wall is a beautiful destination you wouldn’t want to miss on a walking tour of Lucerne. I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary, whether you’re planning a 1-day visit, a 2-day stay, or a 3-day journey in Lucerne. If you’re not yet familiar with Musegg Wall, let me provide five reasons why it’s a must-see.
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Here is a quick history fun fact!
Did you know that Lucerne had inner and outer rings, composed of walls, towers, and bridges? There were also 30 towers; the Chapel Bridge and the Spreuer Bridge were part of the defensive system. As of today, the inner wall is barely visible. However, the outer wall, the Musegg Wall, remains intact. Its towers even dominate the skyline of modern Lucerne!
1. A Unique Landmark in Switzerland
My first reason why Musegg Wall is a must-see?
It’s a unique attraction in Switzerland. It’s the longest intact medieval city wall in the country, spanning almost 900 meters (0.56 miles)!
2. A Cultural Monument In Lucerne
If you spend more time at the Chapel Bridge admiring the intriguing artworks on its gables one by one, you’ll discover that Musegg Wall is more than just a medieval city fortification.
It’s also a cultural monument, and the triangular painting panel 039 of the Chapel Bridge is proof. The painting depicts Musegg Wall as a site for religious activity, known as the Musegg Procession.
3. A Time-Transporting Experience
Did you know that visitors are allowed to walk on the ramparts of Musegg Wall?
It’s one of the most amazing experiences a wanderer can have at Musegg Wall. You’ll literally get the same experience that the medieval guards, who were once stationed on the wall, had back in the day.
4. Its Towers Offer More Than Architecture
5. Panoramic Views
If there’s one really compelling reason to visit Musegg Wall, in my opinion, it would be the 360-degree view of Lucerne and the Swiss Alps from the towers and ramparts of the wall.
This is particularly the case when Old Town Lucerne is your destination before visiting top Swiss Alps attractions like Mount Pilatus, Interlaken, Grindelwald, and more.
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Visiting Information & Tips
See the exact location of Musegg Wall from my map of Old Town Lucerne.
While exploring the Musegg Wall, I realized there are several ways to spend time at the landmark. However, if there are experiences not to be missed, they include
- the view from the top of Mannliturm,
- the walk on the ramparts from Wachturm to Schirmerturm, and
- the visit to Zytturm.
Fun fact! Among the towers, the Luegisland Tower stands out as the most unique and authentic example of medieval military architecture. It’s the oldest and least altered. The tower’s appearance today is virtually unchanged from when it was built in the late 14th century.
When you arrive near it, take a moment to notice the Luegisland Tower’s tall, pointed roof. At first glance, you might think it simply looks like a pyramid—but it’s not. It’s actually a twisting octagonal shape that transitions to a square at the base. Amazing.
Now, if you ask me, “What’s the best way to visit Musegg Wall?”
Let’s assume you’re not following a specific itinerary or walking route.
In that case, the best way to see Musegg Wall is to start at Schirmerturm and end at Nölliturm (the westernmost tower near the River Reuss). Follow the downhill path along “Museggmauer Weg,” north of the wall, to see the unmissable parts of the Musegg Wall one by one on the ground.
For a more scenic experience, you might choose to skip a part of the Museggmauer Weg and use the ramparts that connect Schirmerturm, Zytturm, and Wachturm instead.
So, here’s the summary:
- Enter Schirmerturm and climb the tower. Then, descend and proceed to Zytturm via Museggmauer Weg. (Optional: Walk the ramparts)
- Enter Zytturm. To do so, you must visit the shop on the tower’s first floor and obtain a key. You can visit its six floors, which have small open windows for sightseeing and taking pictures. The tower also houses different mechanisms and a bell that rings a minute before the hour. After your visit, proceed to Wachturm.
- Visit Wachturm. This tower is the exit from the ramparts (assuming you entered the ramparts from Schirmerturm). Continue to Mannliturm via Museggmauer Weg.
- Enter Mannliturm and climb the tower. It is the only tower in Musegg Wall with an open rooftop—so don’t miss it! Continue to Nölliturm to finish the visit.
I suggest you consider visiting the short hiking trail called Luegislandegg, which starts at the fork on Museggmauer Weg before you reach Nölliturm.
Luegislandegg is a hiking trail located a little farther from the wall compared to Museggmauer Weg. There, you can enjoy a more extensive view of the wall and a better viewing perspective of the towers.
One advantage of seeing Musegg Wall from Schirmerturm to Nölliturm is that you’ll end up near the Reuss River. There you can find more attractions in Lucerne, like Spreuerbrücke. Spreuerbrücke is only a 3 to 5-minute walk from Nölliturm.
Wondering how much time you’ll need at Musegg Wall?
Well, it really depends on your approach to visiting the wall. However, you should plan to spend at least 30 minutes and no more than 2 hours for a visit.
To give you an idea of how quickly you can visit Musegg Wall: You can complete a leisurely stroll along Museggmauer Weg from Schirmerturm to Nölliturm (and see Musegg Wall) within 10 minutes. That’s if you’re just strolling without taking photos, pausing to relax, or entering and climbing the towers.
Finally, before you plan your visit, ensure that Musegg Wall is open. The wall is accessible to visitors only from April 1st to November 1st, between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM. There’s no admission fee. Be sure to check for updates on the official Musegg Wall website, which you can find in the resources section.
Resources
For the latest news and announcements about Musegg Wall, as well as more information for your visit, please see the links below.
- The Paintings In the Bridges of Lucerne
- Musegg Wall and Procession
- Towers of Musegg Wall
- Musegg Wall Opening Hours
Plan Your Trip Now
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For additional ideas on where to visit in Switzerland, take a look at my 4-day and 6-day itineraries. These are centered around central Switzerland, including Lucerne and Musegg Wall. By following these itineraries, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the most interesting and breathtaking destinations in Bernese Oberland and Lucerne.
Some of the places included are the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, the fairytale-like town of Thun, and even the Bern Cathedral, which holds the title for the tallest church in the country.