Culture and Congress Centre (KKL)

The basics

The standout architecture of the KKL is a talking point on many Lucerne city tours and sightseeing cruises, but it’s well worth a close-up look. Guided tours in English or German can be booked through the center, showcasing the design and acoustics of the Concert Hall, among other spaces in the building, with commentary on the architectural vision of Jean Nouvel.

As the KKL is a functioning venue, visitors can also attend a performance, dine at one of the on-site restaurants, or check out the Museum of Art Lucerne. Tickets for concerts can be purchased online, and restaurant bookings are best made in advance.

Things to know before you go

• Tickets for tours and events often sell out at the KKL, so making advance reservations is recommended.

• The complex contains restaurants, bars, and the Museum of Art Lucerne.

• The public areas at KKL are wheelchair accessible, but the Concert Hall, Lucerne Hall, and Auditorium all have limited accessible show seating, available with advance booking.

• Larger bags, coats, umbrellas, and strollers must be checked into the cloakroom for a fee.

How to get there

Right on the waterfront, the KKL is in the city center, just a few steps from the Bahnhofplatz, where the Lucerne train station and bus stops are found. If you arrive by train and want to skip the outside weather, you can even enter from the station . For drivers, there are plenty of paid parking lots nearby.

When to get there

Concerts and international events run year-round at the KKL, and with more than 500 of them taking place every year, you’re likely to find one during your visit. If you’re a real music and culture fan, time your trip for the summertime Lucerne Festival, when special music events happen not only at the KKL, but all over the city for roughly four weeks.

A night out at the Lucerne waterfront

A night out at the KKL is more than just a concert. Arrive early to take advantage of the surroundings, enjoying the fountain, taking a lakeside stroll, and savoring the view from the Seebar terrace, along with cocktails and local beer. For dinner, you can choose from the KKL’s informal Le Piaf or the fancier Lucide—though the latter deserves more time to appreciate the food.