Stroll along the Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge stretching diagonally over the Reuss River in the heart of Lucerne, Switzerland. Named after St. Peter’s Chapel located nearby, the unique bridge is one of the oldest in Europe and dates back to 1333. Initially stretching over 200 meters, the bridge is currently 170 meters long and connects Altstadt, the old Lucerne to its modern counterpart.
The Chapel Bridge, also known as Kapellbrücke, is one of the most visited landmarks of Lucerne, Switzerland, and a must-see on Switzerland tour packages. It is the oldest covered bridge in Switzerland, built in 1333 as a part of the fortification of the city. The bridge is 170 metres long and connects the new town of Lucerne to the old town, spanning the Reuss River.
The Chapel Bridge is named after the church St. Peter’s Chapel and has a Water Tower as a part of it. The tower is older than the bridge and was built as a prison. It is not open to tourists but is a great structure to admire. The bridge features a distinctive covered wooden roof, and a series of triangular paintings, added in the 17th century, depicting scenes from Lucerne’s past and historical times.
Take a calm walk on the Chapel Bridge in the morning or evenings, and admire the historical, cultural, and architectural marvel that it is.
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Highlights
• Take a tranquil walk on the oldest covered bridge in Switzerland - the Chapel Bridge.
• Get the best pictures clicked with a beautiful background of flowers on both sides of the bridge overlooking the blue waters of the Reuss River.
• Soak in the beauty of breathtaking views of the river and marvellous architecture of Lucerne’s Old Town.
• Stop by the famous Lion Monument, built to commemorate the Swiss Guardsmen who died during the French Revolution.
How To Reach
The Chapel Bridge is quite easy to reach as it is in the heart of Lucerne City. It is within walking distance of the city centre, Altstadt or Old Town.
1. By Foot: If you are in the Lucerne Old Town (city centre), you can walk up to Chapel Bridge easily. It is only 280m from the city centre and is a 3-minute walk.
2. By Car/Taxi: You can always drive from your hotel or anywhere in Lucerne to the Chapel Bridge. It is in the centre of the city and in close proximity to major attractions in Lucerne.
3. By Train: You can take a bus or a train to Lucerne's main train station (Lucerne Hauptbahnhof) and then walk to the Chapel Bridge. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from the train station to the bridge.
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Best Time To Visit
The Chapel Bridge is quite famous with tourists and is open 24 hours. The entry is free for everyone.
1. Best Season to Visit: The best season to visit the Chapel Bridge is from March to May or October and September. The weather is pleasant and breezy during these months. If you are looking for less tourist crowds, visit between March and May, as October and September are peak tourist months.
2. Best Time of the Day: Visit Chapel Bridge during early mornings or late afternoons. It is the best time of the day to take a stroll on the bridge and soak in the beauty of Lucerne city.
3. Best Day of the Week: It depends on your personal preferences to pick the best day to visit the Chapel Bridge. Weekdays are usually quieter and weekends are bustling with locals and tourists.
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Other Essential Information
- Carry a jacket with you if you are planning to visit the bridge during the evenings. It gets a little chilly and breezy.
- The Water Tower is not open to tourists.
- The bridge is open 24 hours and the entry is free of cost.
- Wear comfortable footwear to walk easily along the bridge and stroll in the old town.
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Walk Along the Chapel Bridge
Enjoy a walk on the historic Kapellbrücke Bridge, which is entirely made of wood. Admire the charming wooden bridge adorned with flowers, presenting a vibrant and well-maintained appearance. Pause to admire the art of the Kapellbrücke’s roofs, narrating the history of Switzerland and Lucerne. Observe the classic style painting, showcasing German tradition, as you stroll across the bridge. While walking on the bridge, you will come across pictorial panels which were incorporated in the 17th century.
While walking on the picturesque bridge, stop for a while to admire the breathtaking view of the crystal clear waters of the Reuss River. Take a look at both sides of the river which will give you a glimpse of two different areas of beautiful Lucerne - the ancient city on one side and its modern counterpart on the other.
Visit the Old Town
After walking along the Chapel Bridge, you must visit the Old Town of Lucerne, known as Altstadt. It is situated across the Chapel Bridge from the newer part of town and it offers a plethora of charming sights and attractions. The most stunning feature of the Old Town is its quaint buildings adorned with decorations and vibrant murals. A few other highlights of the Old Town are the riverside boulevard lined with charming restaurants with views of the Reuss River, Weinmarkt, and Lion Monument.
Visit the St. Peter’s Chapel
If you are in the Old Town, you must not miss a visit to the St. Peter’s Chapel, where the Chapel Bridge gets its name from. It is located right next to the bridge and is a centuries-old Baroque-style marble chapel. Adorned with fascinating artwork on its exterior walls, the chapel offers a charming backdrop for memorable photos. Inside, it provides a serene space for prayer and reflection, making it a worthwhile stop during your visit to the bridge.
Stop by the Lion Monument
A short walk from the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument is quite a famous visiting site for tourists. It is a rock carving monument with a sculpture of a dying lion, commemorating the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution in the year 1792.
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