Lion Monument Tours

Lion Monument showing a monument and a statue or sculpture
The “Lion of Lucerne” combines art, history andnatural beauty into Switzerland’s most beloved historic monument.

With itspicturesque setting and historical significance, the Lion Monument of Lucerne(also called Löwendenkmal) is one ofEurope’s most famous sculptures. In many ways, the monument representsEuropean unity though it sits in Switzerland, it was designed by famous Danishsculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, and constructed by German mason Lukas Ahorn.

The LionMonument was erected in 1821 to honor Swiss Guards who were killed during theFrench Revolution. In 1792, rioting crowds broke into Tuileries Palace. Swissmercenaries tried to defend the royal family, but 760 soldiers were killedduring the battle. One Swiss officer from Lucerne was on leave at the timewhen he heard of the massacre, he felt compelled to construct a memorial in hishome city to honor his fallen comrades. 

Tucked into a sandstonerock face, the sculpture is famous for its heartbreaking realism. Spanningnearly 32 feet (10 meters) in length, it features a lion dying upon a bed ofshields and spears. An inscription above the big cat reads “Helvetiorum fedei ac Virtuti," which means"To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss.” Author Mark Twainfamously proclaimed the Lion Monument to be “themost mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.”

The Lion of Lucerne is a 15-minute walk from Old Town. Signs throughoutLucerne guide visitors to the monument. Make sure to bring your camera. Whenyou see the picturesque waterfront setting, you’ll understand why the sculptureis so famous. If you want to avoid crowds, make sure to get there early in theday. Admission is free.

After enjoying the Lion Monument, explore other nearby attractions. Juststeps from the statue is the Glacier Garden, a dramatic landscape of rock andsubtropical flora. This natural wonder is covered with botanical gardens and makesfor a perfect place to take an afternoon stroll.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Lion Monument

Reviews of Lion Monument

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 15, 2020

If someone try to find something to eat just go to the supermarket stores everything ist cheap and delicious

1/5 - Terrible

LBM
Dec 7, 2019

on-going construction made it impossible to access site, after we were so looking forward to seeing this

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Oct 21, 2019

The area around the lion was under construction so you couldn't get the full affect of the work.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Aug 18, 2019

Try to go in between tour groups. It gets very crowded when the tours bring their guests onto the site

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 27, 2019

The Lion Monument was as pictured on line but what really surprised me is that it is in a lovely park setting. There is a small water body in front of the monument and there are a lot of trees. It is worth visiting and it is free- which is seemed to be a rarity in the very expensive country of Switzerland.

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Best Lodging Options Near Lion Monument

Barabas - Hostel
Barabas - Hostel
3 out of 5
Löwengraben, 18, Lucerne
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AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
4 out of 5
Seidenhofstrasse 5, Lucerne, LU
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Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne
4.5 out of 5
Lakefront Center, Inseliquai 12, Lucerne, LU
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Hotel Central Luzern
Hotel Central Luzern
3 out of 5
Morgartenstrasse 4, Lucerne, LU
Hotel Central Luzern
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.