Event Details
Welcome to the Lucerne Fasnacht 2027
Lucerne Fasnacht is the largest annual event in the city of Lucerne and Central Switzerland. With over 350,000 participants in 2025, it is Switzerland's biggest carnival. From Thursday, 4 February to Tuesday, 9 February 2027, revellers celebrate throughout the Old Town on both sides of the Reuss River. The emotional highlight is the traditional "Urknall" (big bang) on Dirty Thursday at 5:00 AM at Kapellplatz.
Highlights
- Traditional early-morning "Tagwache" with Urknall and confetti shower on Dirty Thursday
- The grand Fritschi Parade through the Old Town on Thursday afternoon
- The Wey Parade on Rosenmontag with over 70,000 spectators
- The Monster Corso on Shrove Tuesday featuring around 80 groups
- Approximately 80 Guggenmusik bands and numerous small carnival groups
- The "Komische Frytigs" with traditional Värsli-Brönzlete in Old Town bars
- The Guggenmesse (Guggenmusik Mass) at Hofkirche on Carnival Sunday
- Street, bar and brewery carnival across the entire city
Program
The carnival begins before Dirty Thursday with the Fasnachtsmäärt on Saturday, 30 January 2027 (11:00 AM–11:00 PM, Town Hall steps) and the "Usgüüglete" on Tuesday, 2 February 2027 (3:00 PM–11:00 PM, Unter der Egg). On Wednesday, 3 February, the Guggenbaum (Guggenmusik tree) is erected on Kornmarkt.
Dirty Thursday (4 February 2027) kicks off at 5:00 AM with the Tagwache at Schwanenplatz and Kapellplatz. The Fritschi Parade starts at 2:00 PM. "Komisch Fritig" (5 February) features the bar carnival with the Värsli-Brönzlete. "Rüüdige Samschtig" (6 February) offers the seniors' carnival at Grand Casino and Guggenmusik stages. Rosenmontag (8 February) begins with the Wey Tagwache at 6:00 AM, followed by the Wey Parade from 2:00 PM. Shrove Tuesday (9 February) belongs to the Guggenmusik bands with the Chendermonschter (2:30 PM) and the closing Monster Corso (7:30 PM). On "Trurige Fritig" (12 February), the Guggenbaum is felled.
Tickets & Admission
Most Lucerne Fasnacht events are free and open to everyone. The street carnival with parades, Guggenmusik stages and squares throughout the Old Town is free of charge. However, some events have limited capacity and require tickets, including the seniors' carnival at Grand Casino (ages 60+, 1:30–6:00 PM) and various brewery and bar events. Tickets are available through the respective organizers and online shops.
Getting There
- Travel by train or SBB is strongly recommended; Lucerne station is just a short walk from the Old Town.
- Driving is difficult; parking in the Old Town is virtually unavailable during carnival.
- Park+Ride facilities on the outskirts of town are a good alternative.
- SBB offers additional services during the carnival period.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early for the Tagwache on Dirty Thursday – the best spots at Kapellplatz fill up quickly.
- Bring warm, waterproof clothing; February temperatures in Lucerne are often just above freezing.
- The Old Town is closed to traffic during carnival; pedestrians have priority.
- The LFK Fasnachts-App provides all information on programmes, parade routes and where to buy the traditional carnival plaque.
- Try the traditional Fasnachtsplakette – a must-have for every carnival-goer.
- Lucerne Läckerli and Värsli specialities are available at numerous stalls throughout the Old Town.
