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Some cities of Switzerland, including Lucerne and Basel, celebrate a rousing carnival just before Lent each year. The version celebrated here is famous for its chaotic "march any direction you like" street parades of the so-called Guugemusig (band of wind instruments and drummer, typical to the carnival of Central Switzerland) and elaborate masks. The carnival week of Lucerne starts at the end of February on Fat Tuesday and ends at Ash Wednesday. The programme in short: Fat Tuesday, Urknall (big bang) at 05:00 is the official beginning, music on the streets all the day in the city, mask parade from 14:00 along the lake, music on the streets in the evening; Friday to Sunday music and mask parades in all the towns and villages of the region; Güdis Monday, second Urknall at 06:00, rest ditto Fat Tuesday; Thursday, big street concert in the whole old town and surroundings, end of the official carnival at midnight, but it continues in the bars until the morning of Ash Wednesday. As with carnival elsewhere, the exact date on the calendar is variable according to the phase of the moon. You find the date of the next Fat Tuesday (SchuDo, Schmutziger Donnerstag) here. If you don't want to be recognised as a tourist, put on some colorful clothes. Most of the locals dress in colors or in masks. The cities of Zürich and Berne have started to copy Central Switzerland's carnival.
Kapellbrücke
The Chapel Bridge was built in the 14th century to aid in the protection of the city. It is a landmark of Lucerne and is said to be the oldest wooden bridge in all of Europe. A point of interest as you walk over it are the paintings in the rafters depicting 12th-century city life and Swiss history. The bridge was badly damaged by a fire on 18 August 1993; it was rebuilt within a year, but the damage is still visible in places and many of the original paintings were lost. The tower which has had multiple uses over the years (including as a dungeon) is still in the original condition, but not open for visitors.
Spreuerbrucke
The Spreuer Bridge, or Chaff Bridge, is the other surviving wooden footbridge in central Lucerne, a short walk from the more famous Chapel Bridge. It was built in 1566, replacing an earlier bridge destroyed by fire. It is known for its decorative paintings depicting the Dance of Death, by the studio of Kaspar Meglinger.
Löwendenkmal
Also known as the Lion of Lucerne, it is a sculpture designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, France. The American writer Mark Twain (1835–1910) praised the sculpture of a mortally-wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.". The sculpture is a popular sight with a constant flow of tour groups arriving during the day - visit early or late in the day if possible for a more peaceful experience.
Museggmauer
A part of the rampart walls built in 1386; the wall is still almost entirely intact and visitors are able to walk a section of the rampart. Four towers are open to the public: Schirmer, Zyt, Wacht and Männli. The Männliturm allows access to the rooftop of the tower which gives the most extensive and unobstructed views.
A museum and diorama dedicated to the Alps.
A circular panoramic painting.