Lucerne, known in German as Luzern, is a city and municipality located in central Switzerland within the German-speaking portion of the country. It serves as the capital of the canton of Lucerne and is part of the district bearing the same name. Situated at the outfall of Lake Lucerne into the river Reuss, the city occupies both banks of the river and the lowest reach of the lake. Its urban area extends to include 19 municipalities and towns, forming a significant nexus for economics, transport, culture, and media in Central Switzerland.

The origins of the settlement trace back to around 750 with the founding of the Benedictine Monastery of St. Leodegar, after which the area became known as Luciaria. Lucerne acquired independence from Murbach Abbey in 1178, marking the probable founding of the city proper. It joined the Swiss Confederacy in 1332 and gained Reichsfreiheit in 1415. The city's borders were largely established after its victory over the Habsburgs in 1386, though it later lost its prominent position in the confederacy following the Toggenburg War in 1712.

The city is defined by its historic landmarks and architecture, including the Chapel Bridge, a wooden bridge first erected in the 14th century. The urban landscape features hotels from the late 19th century, such as the Schweizerhof Hotel and Grand Hotel National, reflecting its history as a fashionable destination for royalty and artists like Richard Wagner. The municipality also includes an exclave on the south shore of Lake Lucerne, with the summit of the Bürgenstock as its highest point, while the city centre straddles the river immediately downstream of the lake's outfall.

Lucerne has long been a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its proximity to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps. The city hosts a distinguished tourism industry dating from the mid-19th century, with notable figures like Mark Twain and Queen Victoria visiting and writing about the area. It is also known for its Catholic heritage, having hosted annual passion plays from 1453 to 1616, and for its role in Swiss history as the first city to join the Swiss Confederation.

As of 2024, Lucerne has a population of 86,234 people. The economy is supported by its status as a transport hub, with rail connections established from 1856 linking the city to Olten, Basel, Zug, and Zurich. The climate features cold, dry winters and warm to hot summers. Visitors can access the city via Lucerne railway station, which offers frequent services from major Swiss cities, or by boat on Lake Lucerne, making it an accessible gateway to Central Switzerland.