Lion Monument: Free Entry & Visiting Tips
20 - 45 min
Historic Monument / Public Park
Inaugurated 1821; designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen
Denkmalstrasse, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland
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Practical Visitor Info & Tips
CHF 0.00
N/A
Open at all times; an open-air public monument with no gate.
None — open public monument at all times.
A monumental dying-lion rock relief by Bertel Thorvaldsen (1821), commemorating the Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI in 1792.
| Option | Price | Booking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General access | Free | None — open to all, at any time |
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Ticket Options
CHF 0.00
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See pass compatibility below ↓Overview & History
The Lion Monument is a monumental dying-lion rock relief carved directly into a sandstone cliff face, set in a small park just north of Lucerne's Old Town. Inaugurated in 1821 and designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, it commemorates the roughly 700-1,000 Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the storming of the Tuileries Palace in Paris in 1792. Mark Twain called it "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." The monument and its surrounding park are freely accessible at all times, with no ticket required.
What to See: Top Highlights
The Dying Lion Relief
A larger-than-life lion carved into a natural rock grotto, pierced by a broken spear and shielding a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis.
A Monument to Sacrifice, Not Victory
Unlike most war memorials, it commemorates the Swiss Guards' loss rather than a triumph — part of why it resonates with visitors.
A Quiet Park Setting
A small, shaded park around the pond in front of the relief, popular for a calm pause away from the Old Town crowds.
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Do You Need a Pass Here?
Compare Lucerne PassesNo — the Lion Monument and its park are free, open public space, with or without the Lucerne Museum Card. No pass is needed for entry at any time.
Lucerne Museum Card
Not included. Not applicable — the Lion Monument and its park are free public space regardless of any pass.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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