Dreilindenpark

Dreilindenpark in Lucerne is the city's largest public park, covering roughly 35,000 square meters on a hill east of the center. Locals call it "Konsipark" after the music conservatory that occupied its buildings for decades. It suits a quiet walk, a picnic or a look at the Alps, without the crowds of the lakefront.

What will you see in Dreilindenpark?

The park was laid out as an English-style garden, with gently curving paths, mature trees and open lawns. Its centerpiece is Villa Vicovaro, a mansion that looks like a small castle, with a service building and a former gatekeeper's house beside it. Among the greenery you will also find an artificial gate ruin, marble sculptures and a grotto. The whole ensemble is listed in the cantonal register of monuments.

From the higher parts of the grounds the view opens wide. Visitors mention Mount Pilatus, Rigi and Lake Lucerne in particular.

What is the park's history?

Eleonora Cenci, Princess of Vicovaro, born Lorillard Spencer, bought the land in 1890. It was developed as an English landscape garden to plans by the architect Edward Heweston. According to city documents, the property has belonged to Lucerne since 1929. From 1952 the buildings housed the conservatory, and from 1999 they belonged to the music department of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Sources disagree on the exact year the city took ownership, so we use the one from municipal records.

The city is now handing the villa and service building to the Jazzschule Luzern, which may use them from August 2026. For the city it is a trial before deciding the park's long-term use after 2030. The park itself stays open to the public.

How do you get there, and what should you know?

Walk up from the city or take bus lines 7 or 14. The park has benches and basic facilities, including toilets. It works well for a picnic or a break between the Old Town and the museums. Morning and early evening usually give the best light on the mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dreilindenpark free to enter? Yes. It is a public park open to everyone, and the city has said it will remain accessible.

Why is it called "Konsipark"? The name comes from the conservatory (Konservatorium) that operated in the villa and park buildings from 1952.

What is there to see? Villa Vicovaro, an artificial gate ruin, marble sculptures, a grotto, and views of Pilatus, Rigi and the lake.

Can you enter the villa? The villa is being handed to a jazz school, so access depends on its events. The surrounding park is open.