Lucerne institution since 1897 offers exquisite pastries, chocolates, and lakefront café seating. Beautiful Old Town location.
Confiserie Bachmann on Schwanenplatz in Lucerne has been the city's preeminent patisserie and chocolate house since 1897, occupying a prime location at the intersection of the Old Town, the lakefront promenade, and the main bridge approach. The Schwanenplatz flagship is the largest of the Bachmann locations — there are several branches across Lucerne and Central Switzerland — and features a ground-floor confectionery shop displaying handmade chocolates, pralines, seasonal specialties, and Lucerne's own traditional cakes and biscuits. The café on the upper floor or in the terrace extension, depending on season, overlooks Schwanenplatz and the lake approach, providing one of the most pleasant café-sitting vantages in Lucerne. The kitchen produces Birnbrot (pear bread, a Lucerne regional specialty), Magenbrot (ginger-spiced bread), and Tirggel-style biscuits at appropriate seasons. The chocolate range includes hand-dipped truffles, milk-chocolate Lucerne specialties, and custom gift boxes assembled on request. Coffee is well-prepared and the service is attentive without being over-formal. Bachmann is a practical stop after crossing the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), which is visible from the café terrace, or before boarding a lake boat from the adjacent quay. It has served generations of Lucerne residents and represents the city's confectionery tradition as reliably as any institution in Central Switzerland.
Signature dishes
- Lucerne specialties — $6-9
- Handmade chocolates — $3-5 each
- Coffee specialties — $5-7
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily: 7:00-19:00
- Reservations
- Walk-in only
Location
Schwanenplatz 7, 6004 Luzern
47.0514, 8.3069 View on map
Highlights
- Lucerne's leading patisserie since 1897, at Schwanenplatz with lake and Old Town views
- Handmade pralines, truffles, and seasonal Lucerne specialties including Birnbrot and Magenbrot
- Terrace café overlooking Schwanenplatz — steps from the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
- Multiple Lucerne branches with the Schwanenplatz flagship as the largest and best-stocked
- Custom-assembled chocolate gift boxes made on request at the ground-floor shop
Tips for visiting
- The terrace is the best seat in fine weather — ask to be seated outside, with views toward the lake and bridge.
- Birnbrot (pear bread) and Magenbrot are distinctly Lucerne specialties worth taking home as edible souvenirs.
- The café is busiest mid-morning (10:00–11:30) with tourists post-Chapel Bridge — visit at 14:00 for a quieter atmosphere.
- Pralines are sold by piece or in pre-assembled boxes; a small mixed box of six is a well-priced option for a gift.
- Bachmann opens daily, including Sundays, which is helpful when many other Lucerne food options have reduced hours.
Accessibility
The Schwanenplatz location has a ground-floor shop accessible at street level. The café seating on the upper floor requires stairs, which limits wheelchair access to that area. The ground-floor confectionery counter is fully accessible. The outdoor terrace access point may vary by configuration.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Bachmann ship chocolates internationally?
Bachmann offers shipping within Switzerland and to select international destinations. Perishable items like fresh pralines have limited shipping windows; enquire at the shop for current options.
What is Birnbrot?
Birnbrot is a traditional Central Swiss bread-like cake filled with dried pears, figs, nuts, and spices, wrapped in a thin pastry crust. It is a seasonal specialty associated with Lucerne and the surrounding region, typically available in autumn and winter.
Is there table service or is it self-service?
The ground-floor shop is self-service at the counter. The café seating areas, including the upstairs room and terrace, have table service.