--- title: "Green oases, parks and gardens | Natural recreation areas in Lucerne" url: "https://www.luzern.com/en/the-city/sights/parks-and-gardens" description: "The perfect setting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a short time. Discover the parks, gardens and natural recreation areas in Lucerne." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Welcome to Lucerne > The City > Sights > Parks and Gardens" --- Parks and Gardens in Lucerne ============================ ### The idyllic oases offer the perfect backdrop to escape the city hustle and bustle for a short while. Lucerne's green side should not be underestimated. From nature recreation areas to neighbourhood parks with playgrounds for the youngest visitors, everything can be found in the city of Lucerne. Picturesque Old Town squares ---------------------------- - Weinmarkt Luzern – Historischer Altstadtplatz mit bemalten Fassaden - Weinmarkt Luzern im Herbst - Altstadtplatz Weinmarkt in Luzern mit Fassadenmalerei von Seraphin Weingartner, an der Alten Apotheke Weinmarkt --------- **These include the neat Weinmarkt, where the citizens of Lucerne 1332 swore an oath of allegiance to the federation formed by Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden.** Until the middle of the 16th century, the Weinmarkt was the fish market. The demolition of the two-storey wooden market hall, where meat, bread and leather had been traded, led in 1841 to the emergence of the square in its present form. The work of Konrad Lux, the Weinmarkt fountain of 1481, was ten years in the making and is considered the prettiest in the city. The original hexagonal basin was replaced in the 16th century by an octagonal one. The fountain’s column was also refashioned over the centuries, until finally sculptor Leopold Häfliger created the one seen today out of shell limestone. The original is preserved in the History Museum on Pfistergasse. - - Mühlenplatz Luzern im Herbst – belebter Altstadtplatz mit Aussenbeiz - Mühlenplatz Luzern – Altstadtplatz an der Reuss - Mühlenplatz Luzern – Altstadtplatz mit Aussenrestaurants im Sommer - Mühlenplatz Luzern im Herbst Mühlenplatz ----------- **Mühlenplatz, which first emerged in the late Middle Ages following the demolition of a terrace of houses, is, at 1500 m2, Lucerne’s largest historic square.** Excavations in the vicinity of the square have revealed that the area was already settled before the foundation of Lucerne as a city. During the Middle Ages, it was home to mills of all kinds due, principally, to its proximity to the river and the need for hydropower. - - Fritschibrunnen auf dem Kapellplatz in Luzern - Kapellplatz Luzern im Herbst - Peterskapelle Luzern – Lichtprojektion beim Lilu Lichtfestival - Kapellplatz Luzern mit Fritschibrunnen im Herbst Kapellplatz ----------- **Legend has it that «Brother Fritschi», a carnival character, is buried in Kapellplatz with its colourful Fritschi Fountain.** The fountain’s column depicts the Fritschi family. They are surmounted by carnival masks from the turn of the 19th century, and capping it all is a standard bearer. It is in Kapellplatz that the annual carnival starts on «Schmutziger» Thursday, heralding a week-long party which ends in the early hours of Ash Wednesday. - - Hirschenplatz Luzern im Herbst – malerischer Altstadtplatz - Fassade "Dornacher Haus" am Hirschenplatz, Luzern - Herbst in Luzern Kornmarkt und Hirschenplatz --------------------------- The town erected a public trading hall in Kornmarkt around 1370. Also serving as a granary, it was later converted and became the town hall. The traditional houses on Hirschenplatz feature fascinating ornamented facades which are under historical monument protection. - Parks in Lucerne ---------------- Playgrounds ----------- In the city of Lucerne Here, children can let off steam in a safe environment in the heart of Lucerne. Go on a journey of discovery through the city of Lucerne. The playgrounds are within walking distance of sights, museums and restaurants. -