Chapel Bridge — Attraction in Lucerne

Not for nothing is the world-famous timber bridge Lucerne’s most photographed destination, it being held in high esteem by visitors and residents in equal measure. Together with the Water Tower, the bridge forms a landmark in the townscape like no other attraction.

The Chapel Bridge these days links the Lucerne Theatre on the south bank of the River Reuss with St. Peter’s Chapel on Rathausquai, passing the Water Tower on the way. The devastation that caught the world’s attention was one that no one would have wished to have happened. A major part of the Chapel Bridge caught fire in the night of 18 August 1993. All that could be saved were the two bridgeheads and the Water Tower. The remainder of the bridge was rebuilt in a record eight months, allowing the «new» Chapel Bridge to be reopened on 14 April 1994. Never before has Central Switzerland experienced such an incident as that which befell the emblem of an entire country and moved so many people around the world. When all is said and done, the Chapel Bridge – an incredible 650 years old – served not only in its early days as a means of crossing the river on foot, but also as part of the town’s fortifications. Forming the bridgeheads were the chapel on the right-hand bank and the Freienhof (now gone) on the left. Immediately recognisable when viewed from the air, the Chapel Bridge and Spreuer Bridge appear to bind the town together.

Just as significant as the bridge itself was the fascinating cycle of paintings which adorned it and lent it the requisite depth of character. The chronicler of the town of Lucerne, Renward Cysat (1545–1614), spent years studying the history of both ancient Switzerland and Christendom and formulating a concept for the pictorial decoration. The bridge was to describe how great good fortune had guided the many accomplishments of the Old Confederacy. Since it proved impossible to fund the venture from the public purse, well-to-do citizens were called upon to sponsor one or more of the panels. Cysat finalised his ideas in 1611, whereupon work could begin. The pictures were first restored in 1646. In 1726, the town had to appoint a watchman to keep an eye on the bridge and prevent youths from constantly vandalising the pictures. Prior to the fire in 1993, 147 of the original 158 panels were still in existence; 110 of them were directly affected by the fire that destroyed the bridge, of which some two-thirds either went up in smoke or suffered severe damage. The defiant yet handsome Water Tower was erected before the Chapel Bridge, sometime around 1290–1300. Octagonal in shape and with sides 4.4–5 metres long, the edifice is rather unique. The tower is 39 metres in circumference and 34.5 metres in height. It has served a variety of purposes during its 700 years. As a lookout post, the comings and goings of boats in the town’s bay could be monitored. It formed part of the town’s lake-facing fortifications alongside the Hof and Chapel Bridges. It was used as an archive on a number of occasions from the 14th century onwards. The town’s archives were finally moved out of the tower in 1919. It served as the cantonal treasury and as a place of safety for war plunder. Until the late 18th century, the tower was also used as a prison. Prisoners had to sit on a toggle and be lowered into the dungeon on the end of a rope, re-emerging only after serving their sentence. Located just above the dungeon is the armoury, which today contains an extensive display of weaponry courtesy of the Artillery...

We visited the city of Lucerne at the end of March in 2023 and one of the things to see on our list was the "Kapellbrücke" or "Chapel Bridge". It's a beautiful timber truss bridge that crosses the river Reuss and dates back to the 14th century. With picturesque views of the city and Swiss Alps its worth seeing this site!

History: The bridge was originally built somewhere around the 1360's and it links the old town on the right bank of the river Reuss to the new town on the left bank. It is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, as well as being the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world. The bridge was almost burned down in August of 1993 when a fire broke out and the damage can still be seen today in the reconstructed sections. The octagonal "Wasserturm" or "water tower" is also part of the bridge complex however, it's not an actual water tower but aptly named because it stands in the water. This tower predates the bridge and has been used for various purposes over the centuries but it is closed to the public.

Paintings: The interior triangular frames of the bridge feature paintings which date back to the 17th century. The paintings once ran all along the apex of the bridge and depicted scenes from the history of the Swiss Confederation and the lives Lucerne's patron saints, St Leger and St Maurice. Originaly there were 158 paintings of which 147 had survived up until the 1993 fire. The remains of 47 paintings were saved however, only 30 were fully restored.

Tourist Spot: It's a very touristy area and there are numerous little restaurants and cafés along the banks of the Reuss to choose from. Here you will be able to enjoy fantastic views of the bridge against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps while you sip on a coffee or have something to eat . It was busy but not too crowded when we visited but I would imagine that during the Summer it would be a lot busier so plan accordingly.

Tips for getting there: It's not far from the city centre and it is walking distance from the train station.

Wheelchair Users: This tourist attraction is open to everyone and there are lifts at either end of the bridge making it wheelchair accessible which is really nice.

Overall Opinion: The "Kapellbrücke" or "Chapel Bridge" is definitely worth a visit and best of all it's free. I highly recommend visiting this maginificent structure, overall 5...

The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Switzerland, located in the picturesque city of Lucerne. It is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe and serves as a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture.

Key Features:

Historical Significance: • Built in 1333, the Chapel Bridge originally served as part of Lucerne’s fortifications. It connected the old town to the new town and protected the city from attacks. • The bridge is named after St. Peter’s Chapel, a nearby church. Unique Structure: • The bridge spans the Reuss River, running diagonally across it for 204 meters (669 feet). Its wooden structure is particularly distinctive for its covered walkway, which offers protection from the weather. • It was originally designed to serve a defensive purpose but has since become a charming pedestrian crossing. Painted Panels: • A standout feature of the Chapel Bridge is its triangular painted panels that hang under the roof. These 17th-century paintings depict scenes from Lucerne’s history, important events, and local saints. Many were lost in a fire in 1993 but have been restored or replaced. Wasserturm (Water Tower): • The Wasserturm, an octagonal stone tower adjacent to the bridge, dates back to the 13th century and adds to the structure’s defensive strength. Originally a prison and archive, it is now a landmark in its own right. 1993 Fire: • A significant portion of the bridge was destroyed in a 1993 fire, believed to have been started by a boat moored beneath it. Many of the paintings were lost, but the bridge was quickly rebuilt and reopened within a year, restoring its position as a key tourist attraction. Modern Role: • Today, the Chapel Bridge serves as a major tourist destination, offering stunning views of Lucerne’s medieval architecture, the Reuss River, and the surrounding mountains.

The Chapel Bridge is a symbol of Lucerne’s medieval heritage and continues to be a beloved part of...