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About this place
Männliturm in Lucerne is one of the nine towers along the Museggmauer, the medieval city wall that runs above the old town on the north side of the Reuss. The tower stands about 33 metres tall, measured from the ground to the battlements, and its open top makes it a favourite lookout.
Why is it called the Männliturm?
The name means roughly "Little Man Tower". It refers to an iron figure of an armoured knight, around two metres tall, holding a flag and a sword. He sits on one of the corner turrets and is a well-known, cheerful character across Switzerland. The tower is the second one along the wall, right beside the Zytturm, the clock tower.
What is its history?
Nobody knows the exact year it was built. Sources point to the 15th century, with one naming the year 1440. Its shape has hardly changed since; only the roofs of the corner turrets were renewed, in 1537. From 1847 the Swiss Army used it, fitting an optical telegraph for military signalling, and it stayed in service well after the Second World War. The latest renovation came in 1951 after a lightning strike.
What can you see from the top?
A climb of 125 steps leads to the viewing platform, roughly 30 metres up. From there you look over the old-town rooftops, Lake Lucerne, the Reuss and Mount Pilatus. One visitor describes it as the only one of the nine defence towers with an open top, so nothing blocks the view.
How do you visit?
The Musegg wall is open from April to November. The Männliturm is among four towers you can enter freely, and walking the wall costs nothing. It sits on the path along the whole wall, so it pairs well with the neighbouring towers. Do not expect a clock here: that belongs to the Zytturm, built in 1442, 31 metres high, with the oldest tower clock in central Switzerland.
FAQ
Does the Männliturm have a clock?
No. The clock belongs to the neighbouring Zytturm.
How many steps are there?
125 steps lead up to the viewing platform.
When can you go up?
The Musegg wall is open from April to November.
When was it built?
The exact year is unknown. The 15th century is the usual estimate, and one source names the year 1440.
Has the tower changed much?
Very little. The corner-turret roofs were renewed in 1537, and it was repaired in 1951 after lightning struck.
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