Starting Your Lilu Light Walk at Europaplatz

For official information, visit Swiss Museum of Transport.

For official information, visit KKL Luzern.

The installations here use the lake water to create stunning reflections. It is the best spot for your first festival photos in 2026. Take ten minutes to enjoy the scale of these outdoor light shows. Most of these large displays are free for everyone to view.

Walk toward the lakefront to see the smaller sculptures near the boat docks. These pieces often feature interactive elements that respond to your movement. The area is very flat and easy for everyone to navigate. Follow the glowing signs that lead toward the famous bridges.

Check the digital information boards near the station entrance for updates. They show the full map of all eighteen light stations across Lucerne. Starting here ensures you do not miss the grandest opening displays. It is also the easiest place to meet friends before walking.

Exploring the Old Town and Lakeside Path

Cross the Seebrücke bridge to enter the heart of the historic Old Town. The view of the Chapel Bridge from here is truly spectacular at night. Look for subtle light accents that highlight the medieval wooden architecture. This section of the route feels like a winter wonderland.

Continue your walk along the Rathausquai toward the Town Hall. This riverside path features several hidden light projections on ancient stone walls. Many people stop here to enjoy the indoor light shows at Lilu Lucerne 2026 nearby. These special ticketed events offer a warm break from the cold.

Schwanenplatz is the next major stop on your circular walking route. This busy square transforms into a gallery of modern light art during January. You will find large-scale installations that tower over the local watch shops. The atmosphere here is lively and full of holiday cheer.

The walk along the lakeside promenade is peaceful and very romantic. Trees are often draped in thousands of tiny fairy lights for the festival. You can see the lights of the mountain resorts across the dark water. This path is wide enough for large groups to walk comfortably.

Visiting the Lion Monument and Hofkirche

Head north from the lake toward the world-famous Lion Monument. This part of the route features more poetic and quiet light installations. The sandstone lion is often bathed in soft, changing colors for the event. It creates a very moving experience for all visitors.

The walk from the lake to the monument takes about fifteen minutes. You will pass through charming streets filled with local boutiques and cafes. If you need a rest, consider the best hotels near Lilu festival Lucerne for a drink. Many hotel lobbies host their own small light displays.

Visit the Hofkirche church to see its twin towers illuminated against the sky. The courtyard usually hosts interactive sculptures that children love to explore. These displays often focus on themes of peace and winter light. The church interior sometimes hosts organ concerts during the festival nights.

The terrain around the church has a few small steps and slopes. Wear sturdy shoes to stay safe on the cobblestone paths in winter. This northern loop completes a large part of the official festival map. From here, you can easily walk back toward the city center.

Essential Tips for Navigating the Light Walk

The festival runs daily from 18:00 to 22:00 every evening in January. Arrive right at opening time to see the lights in the twilight. Weeknights are much less crowded than Friday or Saturday nights. You will have more space to take photos without other people.

Dress in very warm layers because Lucerne is quite cold in winter. Temperatures often drop below freezing once the sun goes down over the Alps. Wear a hat, gloves, and thick socks for the two-hour walk. Check the Lucerne Tourism website for the latest weather alerts.

The full walking route is about three kilometers long in total. Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring all the different stations. You can find hot tea and snacks at stalls along the way. These small breaks help keep your energy up during the walk.

Download the official festival app before you arrive in the city. It provides an interactive map and descriptions of every art piece. The app also lists the times for the indoor light performances. Having this tool on your phone makes navigation much easier.