Emmen Village Fair
The Emmen Village Fair is the traditional folk festival in the village center with rides, market stalls and food booths.
PlizioGo
Emmen
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Emmen
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Emmen Center, one of the largest shopping malls in Central Switzerland, first-rate for a rainy day.
- The Emmen military airfield often provides exciting views of aircraft operations; there are public viewing spots along the fence.
- Take a stroll along the Reuss river, which flows through Emmen and has lovely recreation areas.
- Emmenbrücke is the main transport hub; from here, you can reach Lucerne by train in just 5-10 minutes.
- Viscosistadt is a former industrial site that has become a hip district with studios and design schools.
🍽 Food
🍽
Lozärner Chügelipastete
Try this Lucerne specialty (meat pastry with mushrooms) in one of the traditional restaurants in Emmenbrücke.
🍽
Riverside Bistros
Enjoy a light lunch in one of the modern bistros right on the banks of the Kleine Emme.
🍽
Cheese Fondue
In winter months, local guesthouses often offer cozy fondue evenings in a rustic atmosphere.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Emmen Center
Here you'll find over 80 shops under one roof, from major chains to smaller stores.
🛍
Mooshüsli District
Explore some of the local specialty shops and craft businesses in this area.
🧘
Riffigweiher
A small pond on the outskirts, first-rate for a short break in nature and for bird watching.
🧘
Reuss Dam Path
The path along the dam provides peace and a nice view of the water.
Water temperature…
Emmen is located north of the city of Lucerne at the confluence of the Reuss and Kleine Emme rivers, making it one of the most populous municipalities in Central Switzerland. The community has transformed from a traditional farming village into a significant industrial and service hub. A defining feature of Emmen is its military airfield, which serves as a key base for the Swiss Air Force and a major site for the aerospace industry, notably through the company RUAG. Geographically, the municipality is situated in the broad plain of the Emme Valley, providing ample space for economic growth and excellent accessibility. Emmen is recognized for its multicultural population and a lively social scene supported by many local organizations. Recent years have seen major urban redevelopment efforts, such as the Viscosistadt project on the grounds of a former synthetic silk factory. With direct access to the A2 and A14 highways and frequent rail services, Emmen is a vital node in Switzerland's national transport network.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Spektakulum · Mooshüsli · akku Kunstplattform
- Nearby: Kriens (5 km)
- Population: ~30.926
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 101 | 81 | 102 | 107 | 163 | 176 | 173 | 190 | 124 | 110 | 103 | 106 |
Live webcam – Emmen
See what it looks like near Emmen right now.
Lucerne: Luzerner Kantonsspital · 2.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Emmen is the second-largest municipality in the Canton of Lucerne by population.
- The Emmen military airfield has been in continuous operation since 1939.
- The municipality is composed of two major districts: Emmen and Emmenbrücke.
- The Viscosistadt area now houses the design department of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences.
- Emmen is located on the A2 motorway, the primary north-south transit route in Switzerland.
- The first recorded mention of Emmen dates back to the year 840 as 'Embe'.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:577 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
The day begins with an invigorating walk along the Reuss. In the morning, you'll explore the cultural heart of Emmen with St. Mary's Church and modern art at akku. After lunch, a longer walk takes you to the charming chapel in Gerliswil. The afternoon is dedicated to nature, with a relaxing time at the Riffigweiher pond and a final stop on the banks of the Kleine Emme to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 18'0.74 km
📍
10:15 · 47'
St. Mary's Church
Notice the modern stained-glass windows that create a special atmosphere.
🚶 6'0.16 km
🚶 38'1.74 km
📍
12:33 · 47'
Gerliswil Chapel
A place of silence. Great for a short break from the city's hustle.
🚶 55'2.6 km
🚶 38'1.74 km
09:00→16:577 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
Morning walk along the misty Reuss, then seek shelter in St. Mary's Church. At midday, the akku Art Platform provides a dry cultural escape. Afternoon leads to Gerliswil Chapel, finishing with the sound of rain at Riffigweiher Pond. Return in the gentle evening rain.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 18'0.74 km
🚶 6'0.16 km
🚶 38'1.74 km
🚶 55'2.6 km
🚶 38'1.74 km
09:00→16:577 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
A frosty start by the Reuss, where morning dew is frozen. Church visits offer welcome warmth. At midday, art at the akku platform warms the soul. The short afternoon at Riffigweiher ends just in time for the 17:00 sunset with a crisp, cold breeze.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 18'0.74 km
🚶 6'0.16 km
🚶 38'1.74 km
🚶 55'2.6 km
🚶 38'1.74 km
09:00→16:188.6 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Hop on your bike and start the day along the Reuss. The route takes you to the center for church and art before heading to historic buildings like Mooshof in the morning. After a quiet break at Gerliswil Chapel, the Riffigweiher pond is the ideal spot for your lunch picnic. The afternoon is all about nature as you leisurely cycle back to the starting point along the Kleine Emme, enjoying the scenery.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Reussufer Promenade
The bike path along the river is first-rate for a gentle start to the day.
🚲 7'0.74 km
🚲 4'0.16 km
🚲 18'2.54 km
🚲 8'0.81 km
🚲 19'2.6 km
📍
14:01 · 47'
Riffigweiher Pond
Well-suited for a lunch break. There are benches with a nice view.
🚲 13'1.74 km
📍
15:01 · 47'
Kleine Emme River
Follow the bike path along the river for the last leg of the tour.
09:00→16:188.6 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
A refreshing ride along the Reuss in the rain. St. Mary's Church offers a quick break to dry off. At midday, the akku platform is the goal for dry culture. Pass through Mooshof to the chapel. The afternoon at the pond is wet, but the paths remain cyclable.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 7'0.74 km
🚲 4'0.16 km
🚲 18'2.54 km
🚲 8'0.81 km
🚲 19'2.6 km
🚲 13'1.74 km
09:00→16:188.6 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
A winter tour through Emmen. The wind by the Reuss is biting cold. After visiting St. Mary's, the akku platform beckons as a warm cultural stop. The ride via Gerliswil to Riffigweiher shows nature's bare beauty. The trip ends before the early darkness at 17:00.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 7'0.74 km
🚲 4'0.16 km
🚲 18'2.54 km
🚲 8'0.81 km
🚲 19'2.6 km
🚲 13'1.74 km
09:00→14:472.9 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 22€ · Transport 1€
Your day starts in nature. Park at the Riffigweiher pond and explore the pond and the nearby Kleine Emme river on foot. In the late morning, drive to the center of Emmen. Park again and discover the cultural core of the city: St. Mary's Church and the akku Art Platform. The afternoon is reserved for an extended walk and a long break on the Reussufer Promenade, where you can unwind.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Nature Cluster (Riffigweiher Parking)
Park here to explore the natural surroundings on foot.
🚗 4'0.16 km
🚗 5'0.47 km
🚗 7'1.33 km
📍
11:47 · 47'
Center Cluster (Parking)
From here, the church, art, and the Reuss river are within easy walking distance.
🚗 4'0.25 km
📍
12:38 · 47'
St. Mary's Church & akku Art Platform
Combine spirituality and modern art in one location.
🚗 5'0.74 km
09:00→14:472.9 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 22€ · Transport 1€
A comfortable day despite the rain. The car allows quick access to the pond and rivers without getting wet. Parking near the akku platform ensures a dry transition to culture. An ideal day for sightseeing without umbrella stress.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Nature Cluster (Riffigweiher Parking)
Short sprint from the car to the viewpoint.
🚗 4'0.16 km
🚗 5'0.47 km
🚗 7'1.33 km
🚗 4'0.25 km
📍
12:38 · 47'
St. Mary's Church & akku Art Platform
Both destinations are just a few steps from the parking.
🚗 5'0.74 km
09:00→14:472.9 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 22€ · Transport 1€
Winter magic in Emmen from a warm car. The drive to Riffigweiher offers beautiful views of the winter landscape. Thanks to short walks from the parking lots to the sights, you stay warm. A relaxed day despite frost and the early 17:00 sunset.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Nature Cluster (Riffigweiher Parking)
Be careful if there is snow in the parking area.
🚗 4'0.16 km
🚗 5'0.47 km
🚗 7'1.33 km
🚗 4'0.25 km
📍
12:38 · 47'
St. Mary's Church & akku Art Platform
Both places are well heated and comfortable.
🚗 5'0.74 km
Sights in the town Emmen (15)
akku Kunstplattform🏛 museum
A platform for contemporary art and rotating exhibitions in Emmenbrücke.
🌐 akku-emmen.ch🕒 Fr,Sa 14:00-17:00; Su 10:00-17:00
Zytturm🌿 nature
A historic tower with a prominent clock on the Musegg wall.
Schirmerturm🌿 nature
A part of the medieval Musegg wall that is open to visitors.
Pulverturm🗼 tower
Pulverturm is a historic gunpowder tower in Emmen.
Frequently asked questions
Is Emmen a part of Lucerne?
No, Emmen is an independent municipality north of Lucerne, but part of the agglomeration.
What is the Emmen Air Base?
It is an important military airfield of the Swiss Air Force, where flight demonstrations also take place.
Are there shopping opportunities in Emmen?
The Emmen Center is one of the largest shopping malls in Central Switzerland with many shops.
Which river flows through Emmen?
The Reuss river flows through the municipality and gives beautiful riverside paths for walking.
What can you do at the cinema in Emmen?
Maxx Cinema is a modern multiplex cinema with a wide selection of current films.
Emmen: where is it located?
Emmen is located in Switzerland.
Emmen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Spektakulum, Mooshüsli, akku Kunstplattform.
Emmen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Emmen: why is it worth visiting?
Emmen is located north of the city of Lucerne at the confluence of the Reuss and Kleine Emme rivers, making it one of the most populous municipalities in Central Switzerland.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Switzerland →
Nearby cities
Köniz
Köniz is a municipality located directly south of Bern.
Uster
Uster is the third-largest city in the Canton of Zurich, located by Lake Greifensee.
Zug
Zug is the capital of the eponymous canton and lies on the shores of Lake Zug.
Frauenfeld
Frauenfeld is the capital of the Canton of Thurgau, located in the broad Murg Valley.
Wetzikon
Wetzikon is a city in the Zurich Oberland on the shores of Lake Pfäffikersee.
Horgen
Horgen is located on the left bank of Lake Zurich and is the capital of the eponymous district.
Aarau
Aarau is the capital of the Canton of Aargau, located on the Aare River at the southern foot of the Jura.
Dietikon
Dietikon is the capital of the eponymous district in the Limmat Valley.
Baar
Baar is located north of Zug and is the second-largest municipality in the canton.
Riehen
Riehen is a municipality in the Canton of Basel-Stadt, directly bordering Germany.
Dübendorf
Dübendorf is located in the Glatt Valley, northeast of Zurich.
Reinach
Reinach is a city in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft.
Olten
Olten is the largest city in the Canton of Solothurn and the most important railway junction in Switzerland.
Wettingen
Wettingen is the most populous municipality in the Canton of Aargau.
Allschwil
Allschwil is a municipality in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, bordering directly on the city of Basel and France.
