Schirmerturm is a gate tower in Lucerne’s Museggmauer, the defensive wall dating to the early 15th century. Climb its wooden and stone stairs for views across the Old Town, Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. The tower is free to visit and has a small museum about the wall. If the climb feels too demanding, you can walk along the wall instead; its views are also rewarding. Exploring nearby towers adds different perspectives on Lucerne.
A gate in the Museggmauer
Schirmerturm stands between Zytturm and Pulverturm in the Museggmauer. As a gate tower, it once provided an entrance from Lucerne to the countryside. During the Zurich War around 1442, it also gave access to Zürichstrasse.
The gate was walled up in 1658 and reopened in 1878, when the Musegg school was built. The tower is part of the city’s defensive wall, which dates to the early 15th century.
Climbing the tower and walking the wall
Wooden and stone stairs lead up through the tower. A small museum inside covers the history of the Museggmauer, and a coin machine on the second floor makes pressed-coin souvenirs.
The wall itself is another way to take in the views, without climbing to the top of the tower. An entrance off Museggstrasse provides access to the wall walk. Nearby towers offer different viewpoints across Lucerne.
Häufige Fragen
Is Schirmerturm free to visit?
Yes. Visiting the tower is free.
What can you see from Schirmerturm?
The view takes in Lucerne’s Old Town, Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains.
How do you reach the top of Schirmerturm?
Climb the wooden and stone stairs inside the tower. If you prefer to avoid the climb, you can walk along the Museggmauer instead.
Is there a museum inside Schirmerturm?
Yes. A small museum inside the tower covers the history of the Museggmauer.
