Divided into two parts by the Reuss River, which is crossed by seven bridges within the town, Lucerne has one of the most picturesque settings in Switzerland. The Spreuerbrücke (1407), now the oldest bridge, is roofed and decorated with some 56 paintings, scenes from the Dance of Death, dating from the early 17th century. Until its destruction by fire in 1993, the Kapellbrücke (1333; “Chapel Bridge”) was the oldest bridge. It was similarly decorated. The old town on the right bank is distinguished by well-preserved 14th-century town walls (Musegg) with nine watchtowers, quaint alleys, and squares with medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque houses. Notable buildings are the old town hall (1602–06), housing the historical museum; Am Rhyn House (1617); St. Peter's Chapel (1178; altered 1750); the Hofkirche (an 8th-century cathedral and collegiate church of St. Leodegar); and the Mariahilf Church (1676–81). Other landmarks are Bertel Thorvaldsen's “Lion of Lucerne” monument (1819–21), in memory of the Swiss guards slain while defending the Tuileries in Paris in 1792; the Glacier Garden, a relic of the Ice Age excavated in 1872–75; and the comprehensive Swiss Transport Museum (1959). On the left bank are the cantonal government building, Regierungsgebäude, or Ritterscher Palast (1557–64; a Jesuit college 1577–1804); the State Archives (1729–31), with a Rococo Marian chamber and library and the Central Library (1951), housing the numismatic, natural history, and Helvetica collections; the St. Francis Xavier (Jesuit) Church (1667–77); the 14th-century Gothic Franciscan Church with Rococo transepts; the Corporation Building (1675); the new town hall (1913); the Richard Wagner Museum (1933); the modern St. Anthony's Chapel (1954); the Art Gallery and Congress Hall (Kunst- und Kongresshaus; 1932–33). The Culture and Convention Centre, directly on Lake Lucerne, was designed by the renowned French architect Jean Nouvel and was opened in 1998.

In addition to various cantonal and municipal schools, there are the central Swiss Transport School, the Swiss Catholic School of Sacred Music, the Central Swiss Technical College, and the Swiss Schools of Bakery and of Hotel Keeping. Lucerne is also the seat of the Supreme Cantonal Court, a commercial tribunal, a criminal court, a juvenile court, and the Federal Insurance Court.

Because of its magnificent surroundings, temperate climate, and easy access by road and rail, Lucerne has become one of the largest and most important tourist resorts in Switzerland. Steamer services on the lake connect with various mountain railways and cableways, and there is a direct narrow-gauge rail connection with the winter-sports centre of Engelberg. Facilities include a casino, beaches, rowing and sailing regattas, horse-racing and show-jumping competitions, an annual international music festival, and a traditional pre-Lenten carnival. Lucerne's commercial and industrial activities depend largely on the tourist trade. The population is German speaking and largely Roman Catholic. Pop. (2007 est.) city, 57,890; urban agglom., 200,282.

canton, central Switzerland. Lucerne is drained by the Reuss and Kleine Emme rivers and occupies the northern foothills of the Alps, which rise to 7,710 feet (2,350 m) at the Brienzer Rothorn. Comprising the territories acquired by its capital, the city of Lucerne (q.v.), it was part of the Helvetic Republic after 1798 and resumed its status as an independent canton in 1803, by Napoleon's Act of Mediation. After attempting to pursue a separatist policy, which led to its defeat by federal troops, in 1848 Lucerne again entered the Swiss Confederation as a full member.

Of the total surface area, about 90 percent is productive land. The main sources of income are field crops, fruit, cattle, industry, and tourism, the latter concentrated in the area around the capital. Manufactures include machinery, metal goods, paper, wood, and electrical equipment. There is also boatbuilding. Much transit traffic between Germany and Italy crosses the canton. The population is mainly German speaking and Roman Catholic. Area 576 square miles (1,493 square km). Pop. (2007 est.) 359,110.