News, media and entertainment in Luzern
Media is available mainly in German in Luzern although international newspapers and online resources are becoming more widely available in English.
A variety of events take place throughout the year, including theatre, live music, festivals and exhibitions. Luzern hosts the internationally renowned classical music Lucerne Festival, which starts each year in August. A week-long piano festival is held in November. Other smaller festivals celebrate blues and jazz.
Luzern has something for everyone. Information on events and entertainment is available from tourist information centres and local newspapers. Swiss News, a monthly English language journal, also provides information.
Luzern press and online media
International English-language newspapers and magazines are available at most newsagents, close to the train station, often on the day after publication. Most major international publications are also available online.
Hello Switzerland is free of charge, published quarterly and written by expats, for expats, containing features, articles and information to help expats settle in Switzerland.
Swiss news is a national newspaper looking at news and events from an expatriate's perspective. It is published monthly and available at most newsstands and from the Orell Füssli bookshop in Zürich.
Swiss Style provides information on services, products and events for the Anglophone population.
Mothering Matters is a bi-monthly English journal for parents in Switzerland. Articles cover health, education, travel, bilingualism and child development. Available by subscription.
The New Stork Times is published 10 times annually, and provides useful information on parenthood. Available by subscription.
Luzern radio and television
Television
The Swiss national public broadcaster (SSG/SSR) broadcasts regional television channels in French, Italian, German and Romansh, available locally on terrestrial television and nationally on cable and DTH. Digital television providers broadcast several international English-medium TV channels. Digital television is available with an internet and telephone package or a satellite dish. The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) has a full list of licensed television and radio broadcasters operating in Switzerland.
English-language radio stations in Luzern
BBC World Service is available on Satellite Hot Bird 8-13º East.
World Radio Switzerland can be received via DAB+ radio or streamed over the internet. Programming includes contemporary music, chat, BBC news, interviews, lots of great contests, and local goings on for the English speaking community..
Entertainment and culture in Luzern
Concerts, movies & plays
Luzern has an active and diverse theatre scene, with a prime arts, music and cultural venue, the KKL Luzern. Performances are usually in German but there are occasional Anglophone productions. Larger concerts occasionally take place at the FC Luzern Stadium
Some cinemas in Luzern screen films in the original version. A letter after the film title indicates whether it is screened in the original language (E for English, D for German, etc.). Tickets are discounted on Mondays.
Photo: swiss-image/ Zuerich Tourismus
