Germanic Alemannic peoples had increased their influence on the area of present day north-central Switzerlan after the fall of the Roman Empire beginning in the sixth century.

The Benedictine Monastery of St. Leodegar was founded around 750 and later acquired by Murbach Abbey in Alsace in the middle of the ninth century, by which time the area had become known as Luciaria.

In 1178, Lucerne acquired its independence from the jurisdiction of Murbach Abbey, and the founding of the city proper probably occurred that same year.

The city has gained importance as a strategically located gateway for the growing commerce from the Gotthard trade route.

By 1290, Lucerne has become a self-sufficient city of reasonable size with about three thousand inhabitants.

About this time, German King Rudolph I von Habsburg gains authority over the Monastery of St. Leodegar and its lands, including Lucerne.

The populace is not content with the increasing Habsburg influence, and Lucerne allies with neighboring towns to seek independence from their rule.