Lucerne Festival brings together world-class orchestras, legendary conductors
and an incomparable atmosphere against the stunning Alpine backdrop of Lake Lucerne.
Lucerne Festival is one of the world's leading classical music festivals. The main summer festival, which runs from mid-August to mid-September, comprises around 100 concerts with a diverse programme. It brings together world-famous orchestras, celebrated classical stars and outstanding young artists. Each Summer Festival has a specific theme that runs like a thread through the dramaturgy of the programme. The offerings range from symphony concerts and chamber music to recitals and debuts to late-night formats and much more.
The KKL Lucerne, the main venue for the Lucerne Festival, is located directly on Lake Lucerne. It was designed by French star architect Jean Nouvel and is famous for both its architecture and its exceptional acoustics. When you walk through the burgundy-red gangways into the brightly lit concert hall with its gleaming white plaster reliefs, fine woods and midnight blue starry sky, you immediately sense a special atmosphere. The KKL Lucerne's ‘Salle blanche’ captivates the audience even before the first note is played.
Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is rich in sights. In addition to the world-famous Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower, the Musegg Wall, the Jesuit Church, the Spreuer Bridge, the Lion Monument and the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre (KKL) also characterise the impressive cityscape. Lake Lucerne invites you to take a stroll along the shore or enjoy a boat trip. The region also offers numerous excursion possibilities, from majestic mountains to sparkling lakes.
There is no fixed dress code for the festival. However, many visitors opt for festive, elegant attire.
Whether by bus, train, car or boat, Lucerne is extremely well connected and easy to reach. There are fast and regular train connections to all major Swiss cities and to the most important European cities. Zurich Airport can be reached by train in around an hour.
Lucerne and the surrounding region offer a wide selection of three-, four- and five-star hotels. Guests staying at a hotel in the city of Lucerne can use all buses and trains within the city zone free of charge. Due to high demand during the festival, it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance.
From cosy lakeside cafés to elegant gourmet restaurants, Lucerne offers dining options for every taste. The KKL Lucerne also features several restaurants and bars for a meal before or after the concert, while nearby city-centre restaurants invite you to round off the evening with a culinary treat.
