Lion Monument
Lion Monument
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Lion Monument
The area
Address
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • doctorfoxtrot
    Taguig City, Philippines13,106 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Powerful But Sad Figure
    This is actually my 3rd time to visit this monument. The lion represents the country. That is powerful. But seeing the lion dying shows the horrendous sacrifice that had happened for the Swiss army during that time . While it seem nice to take photos or selfies , it is hard to even smile knowing the history behind it. Best to visit early or late when there many tourists would be leaving by that time or hadn’t arrived yet.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled on business
    Written 16 September 2023
  • Jeff K
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania2,208 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very Impressive
    The lion was much bigger and more detailed than I had expected. It reminded me of the Mount Rushmore carvings but was more accessible and had better detail. The history of the monument and the Swiss Guard was also very interesting. A “must see” sight in Lucerne.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 September 2023
  • Chong
    Singapore, Singapore60 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must visit in Lucerne.
    Moving piece of monument. We went in the raining morning. There were a lot of tourist at the area. The sculpture is huge and very solemn. There were sign boards to explain the history of the Lion Monument. Enjoyed the short stay there as I watched the monument in silent and enjoyed the peace.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 27 September 2023
  • lindasllim
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia969 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Lion of Lucerne
    The Lion Monument is located in a lovely park. The monument of the lion is carved into the rock surrounded by a pond. It has a sad story as it commemorates the massacred Swiss Guards during the French Revolution. Admission is free to the park and the toilet is also free with a gushing flush after use. A must visit place if one is in Luzern.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 October 2023
  • Phillip L
    Melbourne, Australia364 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Poignant
    A beautiful, detailed monument of a lion on an old quarry wall, in a pleasant park. Read the history before you visit, although there are sufficient explanations there. However, knowing the background beforehand will make you appreciate it more. A sad history, but a wonderful memorial. The monument is on the other side of the end of the lake to the train station and is a flat walk, of probably 20 minutes. Cross the main bridge turn right for about 200 - 300m and then left at effectively any street. There is little in the way of signage, so a map or google maps will be required. It is free to visit, but can be busy.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 October 2023
  • Charles M
    Virginia163 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning Tribute to the Sacrifice of the Swiss Guards, the Lion Monument, Lucerne.
    Sobering, stunningly lifelike monument to the historic sacrifices of the Swiss Guards, the Lion Monument, Lucerne, is a must stop for any student of history, reader of Mark Twain (A Tramp Abroad), or any traveler who wants to experience a timeless tribute to the bravery of the human spirit. Even with the hordes of selfie tourists, one can step to the side, pause, and spend a few private moments reflecting on the meaning behind the majestic image of the dying lion. Strongly recommend. Tip: Go early or late to avoid the crowds.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 October 2023
  • Mich
    London, United Kingdom266 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must visit
    The Lion Monument in Lucerne is a stunning & poignant piece that is definitely worth a visit. The monument depicts a dying lion, carved into a wall of rock, & commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution. The level of detail & emotion captured in the monument is truly awe-inspiring, & it is a moving tribute to the bravery & sacrifice of the Swiss soldiers. The surrounding area also offers beautiful views of the city & the nearby lake, making it a peaceful & reflective place to visit. Overall, the Lion Monument is a must-see when in Lucerne, & a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 December 2023
  • Dylan M
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The most beautiful statue I've seen
    I didn't think the statue was that big. It really gave me different vibes when I got there. It's quite crowded during the day (still possible to take good pictures!) but you can also go during the evening and enjoy a very peaceful - almost scary and sad - atmosphere!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 7 April 2024
  • mark m
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Peaceful
    The Lion monument is why I went to Lucerne. I stayed there two hours. It has the power to make you mournful and make you feel respect for the Swiss guard. The atmosphere is calm with the pond and the trees surrounding you. I love that monument and I would recommend a visit to the park when you go to Lucerne.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 May 2024
  • Dholakia2014
    Rajkot, India398 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic monument
    We missed it in 2016 due to time constraint as we were on Swiss train pass, but this time we had plenty of.. This is a beautiful sculpture carved right in the stone. It is historic and very interesting, and around many other attractions. Its a tranquil place.. one of Lucernes must see place..
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles4,744 reviews
Excellent
2,536
Very good
1,545
Average
598
Poor
48
Terrible
17

Traveller
New York City, NY3,281 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
I visited the Lion Monument in December 2019. It is a bit of a walk (15-20 minutes) from the Chapel Bridge but worth it. There was a lot of construction in the area and the only way to see the Lion Monument was to go on a viewing platform. I took some photos, admired it and continued on my way.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Audrey F
Loretto, TN341 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
It most certainly isn't a monument to a lion. It is so much more and one much pick up a pamphlet or do some reading before visiting the Monument. Knowing the story and the length of time it took to create this masterpiece, I found myself standing in "awe" for quite some time. You can see the sadness in the lion's eyes and you want to reach out and comfort him. Seeing it was such a gift.
Written 24 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Janet M
Cordova, TN818 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
It was raining the morning we walked to see this monument and there was a crowd already. The monument was sculpted in the early 1820’s and is a rock relief of a dying lion carved into a former sandstone quarry. The lion represents the Swiss Guard, which was massacred while trying to protect Louis XVI at the Tuileries Palace on 10 August 1792 during the French Revolution. There’s rich symbolism in the work: The lion rests on top of a broken shield with the fleur-de-lis of the French royalty, and behind him is another intact shield with the Swiss coat of arms.
Written 23 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Everett S
Hummelstown, PA51 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The lion statue in itself is an beautiful work of art, and therefore a must for any site seer to Luzern. Carved from the rock of an impressive hill side, with a small pool in the foreground. What makes it even more important is the story why it was carved. Do your homework and learn the history behind this monument. This will make the symbolism very apparent. When approaching the Lion from the city, do not stop at the first or even second location. The best viewing is the third flat platform, directly across from his head.

Please remember that this is a monument to the dead, and it should be respected as such. Take your pictures, say your prayers and let others do the same.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Arthur M
Hamilton, Canada1,621 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
This monument is dedicated to the Swiss guards who were killed (I would even say massacred due to the astonishing numbers). They received a note from the King (of France) to withdraw from the barracks far too late, when they were already overwhelmed.

This connection with France explains the fleur-de-lys shield that the Swiss lion is resting on. And of course, the cross is a universal Swiss symbol so that doesn't need any explanation.

Yes, pretty moving after hearing the backstory. Perfect place to reflect. Perfect monument to dedicate. You should drop by. Just within the downtown area of Lucerne. Walking distance.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The Swiss Nomad
Lugano, Switzerland3,510 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2021 • Couples
We have been several times to Lucerne, but for one reason or another we had never made it to the Lion, so yesterday we made it our top priority and headed there immediately after arriving in the city.
The lion sculpture is in an idyllic location, between trees and with a clear small pond in front of it.
We enjoyed reading the inscriptions about the history of why the lion sculpture was commissioned, about the Swiss mercenaries fighting for the king of France and so on.
We are happy we visited it and we will gladly be back in the future.
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mayccm2018
Hong Kong, China1,054 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2024 • Solo
The Lion Monument was one of the top landmarks in Luzern so it was quite crowded. The expression of the Lion that represented sorrowful story in the Switzerland's history. It also indirectly reflected introspection of cost of the war. It was one of must-see attractions.
Written 23 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand4,288 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
At first viewing, visitors may not be all that impressed with this monument, but upon observing the details and learning of the background reason for the monument, it becomes more meaningful and poignant. The monument commemorates the dedication of the hundreds of Swiss guards who were killed trying to protect King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. The monument itself is a marvelous stone carving recessed above the serene pool of water. The monument is one of the most visited spots in all of Switzerland.
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rajesh_in
Mumbai, India1,277 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2022
The Lion Monument, or the Lion of Lucerne, is a rock relief in Lucerne, Switzerland, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn in 1820–21 by Lukas Ahorn. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris.

So there is a historic significance attached to this place, which is in the center of Lucerne . A small monument to see . The water reservoir is not maintained clean , which is surprising. It's ok to see.

There are many souvenir shops & Gelato shops outside the place.
Written 30 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,293 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2022
I first saw this in 1989 and again in June 2020. This monument is carved on a low cliff face on the outskirts of the Old Town of Lucerne and is the city's most distinctive landmark. It was hewn in 1820-1821. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when the revolutionaries stormed the Tuleries Palace in Paris. It is one of the most famous monuments in Switzerland. It depicts a dying lion resting in a shaded nook above a shimmering pool. Mark Twain described it as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world".
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 3,155
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Lion Monument - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

All Lucerne HotelsLucerne Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Lucerne
All things to do in Lucerne
Day Trips in Lucerne
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars