Chapel Bridge

We had a wonderful experience visiting the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) in Lucerne. It was a beautiful evening, and the entire setting felt almost magical. The iconic wooden bridge, with its charming roof and historic paintings, reflected perfectly in the calm waters of the Reuss River—making it one of the most picturesque spots we’ve seen in Switzerland. What made the experience even more special was the atmosphere around the bridge. As we walked through, the gentle lighting and the flower decorations along the bridge added to the charm. Right nearby, the Old Town was buzzing with life. The streets were lively with cafés, restaurants, and little shops, making it a joy to stroll through. The blend of history, culture, and energy gave the whole area a very warm and welcoming vibe. Walking across the bridge and then meandering through the cobblestone streets of Old Town felt like stepping into a postcard. The combination of medieval architecture, colorful buildings, and the vibrant evening atmosphere made the entire experience unforgettable. If you are in Lucerne, visiting Chapel Bridge is absolutely a must-do, especially in the evening when the city lights and reflections on the river create such a breathtaking scene. It’s not just a landmark—it’s a place that captures the heart and soul of Lucerne.

Chapel Bridge lives up to the hype being the most iconic outdoor attraction in Lucerne. Pictures of the bridge from the river shore streets are more scenic than photos taken from the bridge itself. Given that fire of 1993 destroyed at least two thirds of the bridge, don’t expect too much from exposed paintings. Fortunately, Water Tower was spared and bridge was rebuilt and reopened in 8 months carefully reconstructed to preserve historic details.

Walking across the Chapel Bridge after dark is just an absolutely core Lucerne experience. During the day it's beautiful, but at night, it's pure magic. You stand in the middle of this ancient wooden bridge, and the view from it is just incredible. The old buildings along the riverfront, like the Am-Rhyn-Haus with its clock tower, are all lit up, and their lights shimmer and reflect on the water. It’s so quiet and peaceful. I must have taken a dozen photos just like these, trying to capture how beautiful it was. If you're looking for a romantic spot or just a place to have a quiet moment, this is it. An absolute must-do.

The adjacent octagonal Water Tower is not open to the public, and predates the bridge and served at different times as a watchtower, treasury, and prison. The name Chapel Bridge comes from its proximity to St. Peter’s Chapel at the south end of the crossing. Chapel Bridge is a medieval covered wooden bridge in Luzern, built in 1333 as part of the city’s fortifications. It runs diagonally across the Reuss river and is lined with 17th-century triangular paintings showing scenes from the history of Luzern and its patron saints.

Lucerne is beautiful city. The Chapel Bridge is one of the iconic attractions of the city. Very beautiful bridge with nice view of the river and the surrounding.

Beautiful bridge which has significant history; there had been a fire in the 90's but apart from some blackened sections it had been repaired. It was not crowded. It provided lovely views of the mountains, lake and Luzern itself. The wood is lovely and the craftsmanship is evident everywhere with examples of quality joinery etc. It's a short walk from the main railway station. I found it peaceful and calming. We were out of season.

built in the 14th century, is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Its historic paintings reflect Lucerne’s past, and despite being restored after the 1993 fire, it still preserves its original charm. It can get crowded, but it’s definitely worth visiting for its history and scenery.

It is a very nice, special place, always beautiful the flowers at the bridge. Mass tourism, a photogenic square, easily accessible from the train station and ship station.

A side trip to Lucerne, Switzerland from our stay in Basel, we arrived after an hour train trip. Our first stop was the Chapel Bridge, conveniently only a short walk from the station. This historic bridge is a Switzerland landmark, the original over 650 years old, before a tragic fire in 1993 destroyed most of it. But the Swiss wasted no time rebuilding, and it was back in operation a short eight months later, looking like the original. The Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden bridge for pedestrians that crosses the River Reuss. It's incredibly scenic and the most photographed destination in Lucerne. As you cross the bridge you have gorgeous views looking out on Lucerne, the river, and the mountains in the distance. Historic paintings can be seen every few feet hanging from the ceiling as you walk on the bridge. At the other end is an equally historic Water Tower. Even though it was off-season and a cold, rainy day there were a good number of people near and on the bridge. I can only imagine what it's like in peak season! So glad we got to see this...

Beautiful historic landmark in Lucerne. Was quite crowded but for sure worth walking across while checking out the city.

The Chapel Bridge is one of the most iconic monuments of Lucerne, so you definitely need to stop there for a quick pic or stroll while visiting. Chapel Bridge covers the Reuss river and connects the two sides of the city for pedestrians. It's the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world, although it did suffer a fire in the 90s. There are beautiful paintings on the interior arches that were damaged by the 1993 fire, but restored expertly, so you can see them today how they looked originally. The bridge itself is gorgeous, covered in flowers all along the outside, the "water tower" jutting into the sky at one end, and the old-world architecture of the bridge's construction. You can also see a lot from the bridge as you pass over it - the Reuss River, the city of Lucerne from a different vantage point, or the water beneath you rushing by. Whether you're there for a day or a longer trip, you most certainly need to make your way to the Chapel Bridge for at least one little stroll on your way!

July 2024 - I was here for several days and this a scenic area to walk through or take fantastic photographs. During the summer they place flowers along the sides of the bridge. It is free to walk over and you will have a lot of fantastic selfies or photographs to share

Well if you're in Lucerne you can't miss this beautiful, unique, and historic bridge. You'd be a fool not to walk across it for fun! Get some great photos and maybe buy something from the shop in the middle. From Wikipedia: "The Kapellbrücke (literally, Chapel Bridge) is a covered wooden footbridge spanning the river Reuss diagonally in the city of Lucerne in central Switzerland. Named after the nearby St. Peter's Chapel, the bridge is unique in containing a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century, although many of them were destroyed along with a larger part of the centuries-old bridge in a 1993 fire. Subsequently restored, the Kapellbrücke is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, as well as the world's oldest surviving truss bridge. It serves as the city's symbol and as one of Switzerland's main tourist attractions."

Breathtaking views of Luzern. Do pay a visit to the Studer distillery pop-up store on the Chapel Bridge. The Studer distillery was founded in 1883 and remains family-owned. Although we didn't buy any spirits, it might be good for those with more time in Luzern. #ruizmedina

Historic bridge crossing Lake Lucerne. Look up while you are crossing to see the historic paintings! Great spot for photos of the lake and the town.

The Kapellbrucke or Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden bridge that we had the great fortune of walking across today. A stroll across the 600 foot long bridge is like taking a walk through history, as it was built in 1360. Sadly, this beautiful bridge was almost entirely destroyed in a fire in 1993. It was rebuilt and is a very popular tourist attraction in Switzerland . The adjoining 113 foot tall water tower was built 30 years prior to the bridge, and was used in a variety of ways including as a look out and even prison and torture chamber. Now days, this beautiful bridge and tower are only used to create happy memories.

Such a huge historical place, staying here in the city for a little while and seeing it as often as I did made me appreciate die Schweiz so much more than I have! Years ago, when I was engaged to my fiancée (now ex). He used to talk so highly about his city and I can see why after staying there. The place was beautiful and rustic! The architecture was stunning and really brought character to the city. The Chapel Bridge has such a beautiful history and whoever decides to visit is so lucky! I would love to be back to the city! So many memories!

The Chapel Bridge...Luzern's most landmark is a groovy long wooden bridge with artworks spanning the river at an angle...its nice! The original burned down in August 1993 and was rebuilt in 1994. Officially the cause of the fire is unknown, but I suspect it was one from a lit cigarette butte carelessly tossed onto the dry wood by one of many millions of cigarette smoking addicted Europeans...just a guess. You could spend 5 minutes walking across the bridge, or perhaps 5 hours savoring each piece of art and taking professional DSLR photos or selfies. To each his own.

The iconic wooden bridge that connects the two halves of downtown Lucerne. From the charming farmers markets along the water's edge to the infamous swans floating through the water, this bridge is dreamy to say the least. Built in the 1300s, its part museum, part landmark and part photo opp... Along both sides of the bridge you'll find lush and vibrant lowers pouring over the edges of the bridge and artwork every few feet inside that dates back to the 1600s. The bridge is about a 10 minute walk from the main train station. I'll echo Louisa M's note on this bridge looking like "something out of your fantasy daydreams of what Switzerland is supposed to look like." Your visit to Lucerne would be incomplete without it. Take your time to soak in both the inside and exterior of Kapllbrucke.

Lucerne is a pristine Swiss city and its Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) looks like something out of your fantasy daydreams of what Switzerland is supposed to look like. It's a landmark that anchors the city and it's free. Hard to beat a tourist attraction that's not only completely photogenic in both the daytime and at night, is open 24/7, and doesn't cost you a cent to visit. The bridge was built across the river in the 14th century as a means to connect the town's fortifications. It's crafted at an angle so when you walk across it you'll get great views of the town and nearby mountains (bring your camera). Make sure you also look up into the rafters because you'll see lots of colorful paintings from the 17th century that depict landscapes of Luzern and portraits of its patron saints.

It's a beautiful and iconic wooden bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland. The walk along the bridge is fairly quick if you are a fast walker. I loved that there were flowers hanging outside along the bridge too. Put Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge) on your travel list while in Switzerland.

Breathtaking, special, magical. We only had a few hours in Lucerne and this was one of my favorite spots. It was a spectacular sight shortly after sunset when we visited it!

Out of all the Cities we visited in Europe, Lucerne was definitely one of my favorite just for the scenery itself. My husband and I were walking around the city on our first day in Lucerne. You'll find Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge) spanning across the Reuss River. It was constructed in the 14th century and named after St. Peter's Chapel which is located nearby. You'll see various 17th century paintings which illustrate Swiss and local history. They are the triangular paintings under the eaves of the rooftop. Unfortunately, due to a fire in 1993, a large portion of the bridge and paintings were destroyed so all the more reason to come see this bridge while it's still in existence. If you are here visiting, it's something you can't miss and very iconic. It's also a great photo op location with the architecture, and river in the background! 91/100 Reviews for 2015

The Chapel Bridge is possibly Luzerne's best known landmark, gorgeous by day in its picturesque setting with swans gliding serenely by her posts. On either side of the bridge, Old Town sprawls along the shores. Buildings painted with interesting designs date back to the 15th century. You'd expect them all to be beer pubs, but there are churches, cafes and shops. Under the covered bridge, you'll also find a couple of gift shops selling souvenirs, postcards and Swiss memorabilia including Swiss army knives and mini kegs worn by the infamous St. Bernard dogs. Be sure to look up at the ceiling to see the pictorial panels, still showing the marks from a long-ago fire.

Interesting bridge that has survived its history My wife and I were recently on a Tour of Austria and Switzerland and had a tour of The Chappell Bridge in Luzern. Our Tour Director Lucy gave us the fascinating history of the Bridge and how it had been part of the Fortification of the city in years past. It turns out that originally there were other wooden bridges across the river; this one survived, but had burned at some points. There were paintings in the Rafters, but some of them had burned and blackened when the bridge caught fire once. In fact, some of the paintings currently in the bridge rafters were originally from the other wooden bridges that are no longer around. Anyway, when you come to Lucerne - whether on a Tour Group or by yourself - be sure to check it out. Admission is free.

EVERYONE comes here to walk on this bridge and take pics. You'll be engulfed by the 1 bzillion asian tourists, no joke. Anyway, you should walk this bridge from the train station side to the bars/restos side and then get drunk. Don't mind the 1 bzillion gnats (I'm not referring to the asians, BTW)...forreal...like a bzillion gnats. Please don't feed the giant swans and ducks under the bridge, they'll attack you. Be like Louis R, travel to Switzerland.

An iconic landmark that has been standing since 1333, you can't help but soak in the history of this bridge if you're visiting Lucerne. Paintings from the 17th century dot the insides and it's a wonderful way to waft from one side of the Reuss to the other, taking selfies on the way.

Such a beautiful and serene Chapel Bridge! Especially in the early morning in a light drizzle. I woke up about 3 am, took a walk and ended up at this beautiful bridge. During the daytime, this bridge is very crowded and you can.t get a good picture. It is nicely light up at night. Very peaceful when the crowds are not present.

Built in 1300, Kapellbrücke is a pedestrian bridge made of only wood and stone. It spans 283 meters across the Reuss River in Luzern. The bridge was originally created to transport people to the nearby watertower, which was used as a prison and a torture chamber. This beautiful icon is the oldest surviving wooden bridge in Europe, and is still traveled by hundreds of pedestrians each day. Inside the bridge, be sure to look up at the ceiling. In the archway, there are several murals that date back to the 17th Century, depicting the history of Luzern. Created by Hans Heinrich Wägmann, there are over 150 paintings lining the interior of Kapellbrücke. In 1993, a devastating fire destroyed a good portion of the bridge, as well as many of the paintings. Only 40 of the original 150 murals survived the blaze. Kapellbrücke was rebuilt the following year, but charred remnants of the fire can still be seen today. Kapellbrücke is a must see if you're in Luzern. Be sure to find time to take a stroll across it! Viewing Time: 45 minutes

The Chapel Bridge, named for St. Peter's Chapel close by, is a covered wooden footbridge over the Reuss River in Lucerne. Built in 1333, this is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, although most of it was destroyed in a fire in the 1990s. The bridge includes a water tower, which was once a prison and torture chamber and now used for artillery, which kind of dampened the beauty for me. Find markets around the bridge. Easy to walk from the train station.

This is an ancient, iconic bridge in the heart of Luzern. It is pedestrian-only. The bridge was built during the Middle Ages and is decorated with paintings showing scenes of death. It is definitely worth seeing.

On a visit to Lucerne, this is a must-do. Additionally, it's kind of hard to miss as it is smack-dab-in-the-middle of the main tourist sites, and it's quite close to the train station if you've planned a day trip. In other words, you got no excuses not to visit. The bridge diagonally spans the Reuss river in central Lucerne. It was originally built as part of the city's fortifications and linking Old Town with newer parts of the city. Unfortunately, since it is built out of wood, it is prone to destruction from fire. That was the case in the early 1990's and it was re-opened after a vast reconstruction in 1994. As you stroll through the bridge, keep looking up from time to time, as there are many lovely paintings promoting Catholic beliefs. Of course, no tourist attraction would be complete without a reasonable number of souvenir-peddling folks on both sides of the bridge. I was lucky enough to visit Lucerne on a nice sunny day with pleasant weather. Attractions like this really shine on a nice day where you can take advantage of the weather.

This is a classic tourist spot that is worth the visit when you are in Lucerne. We went at night and got great pics with the city lights in the background. Overall don't miss this if you are in Lucerne and don't forget to check out old town as well!

As stated in an earlier review, Kapellbrücke is German for the Chapel Bridge. Walking across a bridge is not usually the first thing I do upon arrival at a destination, but the Chapel Bridge is the quintessential landmark that tourists converge upon. It is understandable, with its tower fortification from the thirteenth century. It's a truly stunning wooden structure that crosses the river that flows into the exquisite Lake Lucerne. Apparently it is the oldest covered bridge in Europe. Unfortunately, a considerable amount had to be replaced after a fire in the early 90's. Within the pedestrian bridge itself, you will find scads of charming paintings depicting Lucerne's history. You cannot visit Lucerne without taking at least one snap of it's bridge. Last visited in July 2012.

I love how Lucerne has these little bridges connecting the different parts of town. They're so lovely and charming. Made of wood there obviously is somewhat of a fire risk but it really adds some character to the city and they're lovely to walk over with someone special! You get some great views of the city, especially at christmas time with the lights

This very relaxing serene view can be seen by my hotel window. Our tour group took a walk there and browsed at the nearby jewelry store where they have all these famous Swiss watches and cuckoo clocks.

Beautiful views both of the bridge its-self and from it. Swans give the area elegance and there are lots of them. Beautiful flowers line the bridge bursting with color. The Chapel Bridge (German: Kapellbrücke) is a covered wooden footbridge spanning diagonally across the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne. It is named after the nearby St. Peter's Chapel. The bridge contains several paintings on its interior dating back to the 17th century. Many were destroyed along with most of the old bridge in a 1993 fire but restored. Its is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, as well as the world's oldest surviving truss bridge. It serves as the city's symbol and as one of Switzerland's main tourist attractions. Great picture spot with the crystal teal water, flowers, swans and beautiful architecture.

This is a beautiful medieval bridge, built in 1333, which has been maintained after a bad fire in 1993 and had some work done on it this year (2015). It is a city landmark and gives a gorgeous backdrop for your travel photos. There are a number of bars and restaurants on the bank of the river so you can enjoy the view for longer. This bridge gives the city a romantic feel :)

Chapel Bridge is an famous landmark that must not be missed. One can have photo opt @ different times of the day. The bridge against the setting sun, the bridge @ mid day etc...The paintings on the bridge is interesting to look at and they are so well preserved. Definitely THE place for picture taking!

One of the oldest bridges.Prettier at night and don't miss looking up at the paintings while walking on the bridge

The Kapellbrucke bridge over the river in Luzern is the epitome of tourist destination and is therefore full of tourists bearing cameras, but, unfortunately, also many others looking to take advantage of said tourists, in far greater number than any of the other tourist-centric places in Luzern, including the train station. I was afraid at times to pull out my camera, but maybe I'm just paranoid. The paintings that have survived are quite magnificent and can be easily missed when crossing the bridge unless you're looking for them. Note that only one side of each support is painted and thus you will only see the paintings for the first half of the bridge crossing. Great views of the city along the water from the bridge.

Very picturesque and ancient bridge that crosses over to the old town. Look upwards for the beautiful paintings that grace the roof. Sadly there is no translation available for tourists to understand the history of the bridge or the meanings of the paintings which seems a terrible shame.

Crossing the Kapellbrucke bridge makes you feel traveling in time to the middle ages. Crossing from one side of the river to the other side, you almost feel your back in time. This bridge is a remarkable piece of history and I recommend to every visitor to Lucerne to walk on this bridge. Lucerne is old and famous city. It has many old building with historical value, but Kapellbrucke bridge stands out of all the landmarks of the city.

It's a bridge with some artwork. It's worth going over this bridge to get to the old town, but the bridge itself was just whatever with lots of tourists in your way.

I came here with some co-workers on the weekend. This is a fun bridge to walk across. It is mostly made of wood, and one has a nice view of the river when walking across it. Unfortunately my iPhone battery died at this point, so I was unable to check in here. =(