Chapel Bridge
Luzern
The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) in Lucerne, Switzerland, is a remarkable medieval covered wooden footbridge spanning the Reuss River. Built around 1365 as part of the city's fortifications, it connects Lucerne's old town with the new town and is the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world. Its distinctive feature is the series of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century, created by local artist Hans Heinrich Wägmann, depicting scenes from Lucerne's history and promoting the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation. Although a devastating fire in 1993 destroyed much of the bridge and two-thirds of the paintings, the bridge was meticulously restored and reopened in 1994, preserving its cultural and historical significance. Adjacent to the bridge stands the Water Tower (Wasserturm), a medieval octagonal tower that served various roles including prison and treasury. Today, the Chapel Bridge remains Lucerne's symbol and a major tourist attraction, admired for its unique blend of history, architecture, and art.
Plan your trip to Switzerland with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit the Chapel Bridge during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Purchase tickets for guided tours or combined city passes in advance to avoid lines. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and groups. The bridge is accessible year-round, but spring to early autumn offers the most pleasant weather for walking and photography.
Interesting facts
- •The Chapel Bridge is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe and the world's oldest surviving truss bridge.
- •Its interior paintings are unique among European wooden footbridges, depicting 17th-century scenes of Lucerne's history and Catholic symbolism.
- •The Water Tower adjacent to the bridge has served as a prison, torture chamber, municipal archive, and treasury over the centuries.
- •The bridge was nearly destroyed by fire in 1993 but was rebuilt and reopened within eight months.
- •Originally over 270 meters long, the bridge was shortened due to urban development and riverbank replenishment to approximately 204.7 meters.
History
Constructed circa 1365, the Chapel Bridge was originally part of Lucerne's defensive fortifications, linking the old and new towns across the Reuss River.
The adjacent Water Tower predates the bridge by about 30 years and has served multiple functions including a prison and municipal archive.
Over the centuries, the bridge was shortened due to riverbank changes and urban development, now measuring approximately 204.7 meters.
The 17th-century interior paintings, commissioned by city council members, were a unique feature promoting Catholic heritage.
In 1993, a fire destroyed much of the bridge and many paintings, but restoration efforts led to its reopening in 1994, preserving this historic landmark for future generations.
Place Guide
Chapel Bridge Main Walkway17th century
The covered wooden walkway features triangular 17th-century paintings by Hans Heinrich Wägmann illustrating Lucerne's history and religious themes. Many paintings were restored after the 1993 fire.
Water Tower (Wasserturm)circa 1290
An octagonal tower standing mid-river, predating the bridge by about 30 years. Historically used as a prison, torture chamber, municipal archive, and treasury. It now houses a tourist shop and an artillery association, but is closed to the public.
Contact
Phone: 041 227 17 17