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.
Part of the bridge complex is the octagonal 34.5 m (113 ft) tall (from ground) Wasserturm, which translates to "water tower," in the sense of 'tower standing in the water.' The tower pre-dated the bridge by about 30 years. Over the centuries, the tower has been used as a prison, torture chamber, and later a municipal archive as well as a local treasury. Today, the tower is closed to the public, although it houses a local artillery association and a tourist gift shop.
Ellis Nevitt | Mar 4, 2018
Really nice attraction, surrounded by great shops and bars. Some of the most beautiful urban scenery in Europe can be found here, with views all the way over the lake and into the mountains whilst the rushing water resounds in your ears. Really good for memorable pictures of your holiday here. I would seriously recommend walking along here on a sunny evening at sunset for a beautiful and somewhat romantic setting in a lovely place
chetan mantri | Feb 17, 2018
scenic peacefull beautiful !!! stunningly decorated bridge, a lovely evening setting and the sky changing the colours...it was a perfect evening. the lake is a min walk and the overall atmosphere is serene. you are sure to pause and soak it even if you want to rush your car through the road.
Swapnesh Mangaonkar | Feb 18, 2018
Lucerne is one of the beautiful towns of Switzerland.. and what makes it special is the chapel bridge right in between the town. Blue waters and the Alps in the background makes it picture perfect. Wooden structure bridge amazes truely.. some souvenir shops also present on the bridge. Seagulls flying all around makes the ambience mesmerizing... Must visit when in Switzerland.
Bruno Scalon | Feb 7, 2018
The bridge itself is OK but the area around the bridge is nice. Very touristy. Try to avoid the restaurants near the bridge or you will pay big bucks. We've learned the hard way... Good experience thou.
Yati Sonderer | Jan 24, 2018
Good for walking and sightseeing. Its a beautiful place. Romantic old architecture. But too many steps for babies and young children. Handicap rams doesn't work.
Stefan P | Mar 9, 2018
The Chapel Bridge is one of the highlights of visiting Lucerne. It's a beautiful covered wooden bridge that's stunningly decorated and makes for an amazing photo opportunity all year round. The Chapel Bridge is to Lucerne what the Charles Bridge is to Prague. During the summer beautiful flowers hang off of the bridge and the mountains looming off in the distance turn this setting into what you imagine Switzerland to be. The urban scenery is beautiful and there are few places in Europe where you'll find such a beautiful bridge, an Old Town, crystal clear river, and Swiss Alps dominating the skyline in this perfect combination. The bridge is free to visit and totally picture perfect so don't forget to bring your camera. Try check it out in the morning before all of the tourists arrive for the best photo opportunity!
Luka Panourgia | Mar 21, 2018
Stunning views, from this bridge, will be captivated in memory forever. The bridge is unique, it contains a number of interior paintings! Night time bridge is lit, that attaches some mysterious feel to it.
sharma Llama | Jun 8, 2018
Lovely old covered wooden bridge over a fast flowing river. Very clear and clean water. Plenty of bird life. Lots of cafes and restaurants along the bank, al fresco. Very photogenic bridge. Not too crowded.
JAYESH C S PAI | May 31, 2018
Ducks and wooden bridge. Before going on a dinner cruise, I had some time and what better way to spend it than feeding ducks which come close to you and eat out of your hands. The wooden bridge is quite shady compared to the heat outside. The market nearby is very expensive and was flooded with tourists. But the local Fondue and Ice cream are really good. W managed to get food for the ducks which they loved. We spent the whole free time with the birds.
Jean Seah | Jun 18, 2018
Amazing historical Catholic paintings all along the restored wooden bridge, which once burned down. Many beautiful swans in the area. Walking distance to the Jesuit church.
Rebecca Thompson | Jun 18, 2018
Beautiful bridge. The city of Luzerne is spectacular and this bridge is a must see when visiting. It is located in the centre of town and close to shops and restaurants. Walk along the bridge and see it’s architecture and the view over the lake. Makes for some nice photographs and it’s one of my favourites things to see in Luzerne.
Mary Sue Ankner | May 6, 2018
Luzern is a beautiful city. The chapel bridge is a pretty bridge with wonderful history. Pause to look at the pictures in the eaves. Heartbreaking to see the pieces that burned in the 1993 fire. Be sure to wander through alleyways in the old town. The squares are impressive but the quiet alleys hold the charm.
Keith Jones | Jul 18, 2018
What a most unusual bridge. Attracts many visitors so can be very busy. In the area, lots of restaurants and bars nearby. Very close to train and bus stations.
Andrew Marden | Jul 14, 2018
An absolutely BEAUTIFUL bridge. Be sure to check it out as one of Lucerne's most iconic attractions. Also don't forget to check out the other old bridge, just down the river from this one. Both are very quaint and worth checking out while in Lucerne
Jayesh Baid | Jul 22, 2018
Landmark of Luzern. Nice to find combination of swiss engineering and history. Worth visiting the place. It's next to train and boat station.
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