Contact details:

Phone: 041 208 81 94 Mail: Integration@stadtluzern.ch www.integration.stadtluzern.ch

Lucerne is the capital of the homonymous canton (province). With a population of about 81’000 people Lucerne is the most populous town in Central Switzerland. ¼ of the population is made up of foreign nationals. The city is beautifully situated where Lake Lucerne discharges into river Reuss. Framed by soft hills on the north and steep mountainsides of the Alps on the south the medieval city centre is a photogenic hotspot.

Short after the town’s foundation in the year 1178 Lucerne’s rise as market city and trade centre started. With the opening of the Gotthard Pass soon after 1200 Lucerne became an important transhipment junction between north and south. The mighty foreign influence, especially from Italy is noticeable not only architecturally, but also spiritually, culturally and economically. The new role as a tourist city set in around 1800.

Nowadays Lucerne is well known for its fascinating landscape, historic sights and cultural attractions. The festivals, museums and theatres make Lucerne a city of culture, which elegantly holds its own amongst traditions and trends.