The Glacier Garden in Lucerne

8 August 2023

The glacier in Lucerne was discovered in 1872 and is one of the city’s major attractions. The history of this glacier began 20 million years ago when Lucernce was situated on the beaches of the sea. Climate change occurred, and the glacier formed during the last ice age, approximately 20,000-10,000 years ago.

The complex contains the Gletschergarten (Glacier Garden), a Spiegellabyrinth, a Museum, an Alpenpark and the new world of rock formations (Felzenwelt).

After global warming and periods of colder fluctuations, the glacier dried up 10,000 years ago. The Glaciergarden shows a unique geological insight into the influences of weather, wind, rocks and climate (changes).

The Glacial Potholes

The model of a glacier mill (Gletschermühle) with a rotating grindstone, dating back to 1896, is outdated; however, it remains applicable to explain the origin of glacial potholes (Gletschertöpfe), as illustrated below in the Felsenwelt.

(Source and further information: www.gletschergarten.ch).