Your Independent Swiss Mountain Guide
Lion Monument Lucerne
Discover Lucerne’s iconic Lion Monument, one of Switzerland’s most moving historic landmarks, carved into a natural rock face and commemorating the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution.
Quick Facts
What is the Lion Monument?
The Lion Monument is one of Lucerne's most famous landmarks and one of Switzerland's most moving historic monuments. Carved directly into a natural rock face, the monument depicts a dying lion and commemorates the Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution.
Created between 1820 and 1821, the monument is known for its powerful and emotional depiction of the wounded lion. The inscription beneath the sculpture records the number of Swiss Guards who died and survived during the attack on the Tuileries Palace in Paris in 1792.
Located in a quiet park near Lucerne's Old Town, the Lion Monument is easy to reach on foot and can be combined with a visit to the Glacier Garden, the Bourbaki Panorama and other major attractions. Visiting the monument itself is free.
Lion Monument Highlights
🦁 Iconic Swiss Landmark
The Lion Monument is one of Switzerland's most famous monuments and a defining historic sight of Lucerne.
🪨 Carved into the Rock
Discover the impressive sculpture carved directly into a natural rock face, creating a powerful and dramatic setting.
🇨🇭 Swiss Guard Memorial
The monument commemorates the Swiss Guards who died defending the Tuileries Palace during the French Revolution in 1792.
📸 Powerful Photo Opportunity
Capture the famous wounded lion and its peaceful surroundings, especially from the viewpoint across the small pond.
🚶 Easy to Visit
Located close to Lucerne's Old Town, the Lion Monument can easily be reached on foot and combined with other nearby attractions.
💰 Free to Explore
The Lion Monument can be viewed free of charge, making it an excellent addition to any Lucerne sightseeing itinerary.
How to Visit the Lion Monument
Visiting Lucerne's famous Lion Monument is easy and can be combined with several nearby attractions. Follow these four simple steps to make the most of your visit.
Arrive in Lucerne
Make your way to Lucerne's Old Town and walk towards the Lion Monument, located just a few minutes from the historic city centre.
Discover the Monument
Take time to admire the famous dying lion carved into the natural rock face and appreciate the impressive detail of the sculpture.
Read the History
Learn about the Swiss Guards commemorated by the monument and the events surrounding their deaths during the French Revolution.
Explore More
Continue your visit with the nearby Glacier Garden, Bourbaki Panorama or Lucerne Old Town, all within easy walking distance.
Tickets & Prices
Visiting the Lion Monument is completely free. No ticket is required to admire the monument from the public viewing area.
Free Admission
There is no entrance fee to visit and view the Lion Monument from the public area.
Easy Access
The Lion Monument is located close to Lucerne's Old Town and can easily be reached on foot from the city centre and railway station.
Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit with the Glacier Garden, Bourbaki Panorama and Lucerne Old Town, all located within easy walking distance.
Opening Hours
The Lion Monument is located in an open public area and can generally be viewed throughout the year. There are no regular opening hours for the outdoor monument itself.
Open All Year
The Lion Monument can generally be visited throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays.
Daylight Hours
Daytime is ideal for viewing the details of the rock relief and taking photographs of the monument.
Before Your Visit
The outdoor monument does not require a ticket or reservation. Nearby attractions such as the Glacier Garden have separate opening hours and admission fees.
Visitor Information
The Lion Monument is an easy and accessible attraction, but a few simple considerations can make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable.
Easy to Visit
The Lion Monument is located close to Lucerne's Old Town and is easily accessible on foot from the city centre.
Family Friendly
The monument is suitable for families and children. The peaceful surroundings make it an easy stop during a day of sightseeing.
Photography
Photography is a popular part of visiting the Lion Monument. Take your time to capture the sculpture and its natural rock setting.
Weather Conditions
The monument is outdoors and can be visited in different weather conditions. Take care on wet or slippery surfaces around the site.
Respect the Memorial
The Lion Monument is a memorial with significant historical meaning. Please behave respectfully and keep noise to a minimum.
Nearby Attractions
The monument is close to the Glacier Garden and Bourbaki Panorama, making it easy to combine several attractions in one visit.
Best Time to Visit the Lion Monument
The Lion Monument can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering a different atmosphere. Choose the time that best suits your interests, from pleasant spring days to atmospheric winter visits.
Spring
March – May
Enjoy milder temperatures, fresh greenery and generally quieter conditions. Spring is a great time to explore the monument and nearby attractions on foot.
Summer
June – August
Long daylight hours make summer ideal for sightseeing and photography. Combine the Lion Monument with the Glacier Garden, Old Town and other nearby attractions.
Autumn
September – November
Colourful trees and softer light create a beautiful setting around the monument. Autumn is particularly pleasant for photography and exploring Lucerne on foot.
Winter
December – February
Winter gives the Lion Monument a quiet and atmospheric setting. December is especially appealing when combined with Lucerne's Christmas markets and festive Old Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Lion Monument located?
The Lion Monument is located just outside Lucerne's Old Town, within easy walking distance of the city centre and close to the Glacier Garden.
Is the Lion Monument free to visit?
Yes. The Lion Monument can be viewed free of charge from the public area. No ticket or reservation is required.
What does the Lion Monument commemorate?
The monument commemorates the Swiss Guards who were killed defending the Tuileries Palace in Paris during the French Revolution on 10 August 1792.
Who created the Lion Monument?
The monument was designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved into the rock by Swiss sculptor Lukas Ahorn. It was completed in 1821.
How long should I spend at the Lion Monument?
Around 20 to 30 minutes is usually enough to admire the monument, read the historical information and take photographs. Allow more time if you also visit the nearby Glacier Garden.
Can I combine the Lion Monument with other attractions?
Absolutely. The Lion Monument is close to the Glacier Garden, Bourbaki Panorama and Lucerne's Old Town, making it easy to combine several attractions in one walking tour.
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