Lucerne Wooden Bridge in Switzerland: Explore with Kids
After the memorable time we spent on Mount Titlis, we had the rest of the day for leisurely stroll through the city of Lucerne. We then drove around the city, got a good parking slot for our car and set off on walking tour of Lucerne. One of the spots worth exploring was the Kapellbrücke Paintings on Lucerne wooden bridge over River Reuss.
This wooden bridge in Lucerne also called as Kapellbrücke Bridge because of its paintings is worth adding to your Lucerne walking tour itinerary. In this blog: Learn about the history of this iconic Chapel Bridge and the artistic culture of Switzerland. Read on for a virtual tour while exploring the charm of this must-see landmark.
History of Kapellbrücke Paintings: Tracing the Evolution of Art on Chapel Bridge
I am glad I took the decision to cross this famous bridge in Lucerne while on my walking tour of the city. The Kapellbrücke paintings on the wooden bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland, fascinated me beyond words. Dating back to the 17th century, they were originally painted as religious images but later expanded to include depictions of local history, legends, and landscapes.
Sadly, many of the paintings were destroyed in a fire that ravaged the bridge in 1993 due to a carelessly discarded cigarette butt. They reconstructed the bridge. A note there mentioned that the lost paintings were replaced in 2003. Thanks to concerned authorities, the paintings have since been meticulously restored.
It was a learning experience for me to catch a glimpse into the evolution of art in Lucerne. I love how the paintings serve as a testament to the cultural heritage of the city and tracing their history gives an insight into the art, culture, and history of Lucerne.
Reasons to Visit Lucerne’s Wooden Bridge
Kapellbrücke is a must-visit, especially if you’re traveling with family. Wooden bridges like this are rare, offering a unique opportunity for kids to see something from history instead of the modern metal bridges they’re used to. Here’s why this iconic spot is worth exploring:
- A Symbol of Lucerne: This historic bridge is a landmark and a symbol of the city, making it a great spot for family photos.
- Educational and Fun: It’s Europe’s oldest covered bridge and the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge—a fascinating piece of history for kids to learn about.
- Lucerne Bridge Paintings: Inside the bridge, kids and adults alike can enjoy the unique paintings that depict moments from Lucerne’s past.
- Painted Wooden Bridge: One of the two famous bridges of Lucerne that has paintings on its roof.
- Stunning Views: Walk across the bridge and enjoy beautiful views of the Reuss River, especially during sunsets—or sunrises if your family is up early.
A stroll across the Chapel bridge is a mix of history, beauty, and family-friendly exploration, making it a perfect addition to your Lucerne itinerary.
Oldest Wooden Bridge Interesting Facts
The Chapel Bridge is the oldest wooden bridge of Europe (1332) which makes Switzerland so rightfully proud of it. In those years it was used as pedestrian’s bridge. And the bridge got its name from nearby St. Peter’s chapel.
During its construction it measured 200 m. However with time due to river bank getting filled up the length shortened to 170 m.
Oldest Wooden Bridge Lucerne Europe
Kapellbrücke Paintings: A Stunning Collection of Art on Lucerne’s Iconic Chapel Bridge
Chapel Bridge, the covered wooden foot bridge, is in the heart of Lucerne. It is a symbol and architectural masterpiece of Switzerland’s medieval town.
Water Tower near Chapel Bridge
As you approach it you can’t miss the octagonal tower just by the side of the bridge, standing tall and mighty. Can you believe it was used as prison tower and torture chamber once? Probably it echoed with shrieks and screams of the prisoners then. That day, when we were there, it was so peacefully silent.
The Water Tower is a stone fortification built in the 14th century to protect the city from invaders. The tower offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Inside the tower, visitors can explore more historical paintings that depict scenes of medieval life in Switzerland, including the tower’s role in the city’s defense.
Paintings of Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
Chapel bridge is unique, it is wooden and as I walked over it I felt I heard creaking noises under my feet.
Also read: Needle Dam over River Ruess
Exploring the Artistic Treasures of Kapellbrücke Paintings of Chapel Bridge- A Journey Through Lucerne’s History
My visual senses were engrossed in observing the paintings in the triangular panels above. To appreciate them one has to have good knowledge of the history of Switzerland.
However for those who don’t know, a mention of date here and some notes give a rough idea of what is being depicted.
Read about the covered bridge over River Ruess: Spreuer Bridge
What do Paintings in Wooden Bridge Lucerne represent?
What amazed me most was the clarity of these 17th century paintings!
The paintings are in triangular boards hanging just below the roof of the bridge. These paintings depict events from the history of Lucerne. Some depict present life and death of Lucerne’s patron saint St. Leger and legends of city’s other patron saint St. Maurice.
I had a stiff neck by the time I covered the entire 170m stretch, looking up at those 120 marvellous paintings.
Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, Lucerne
Mauritius patron saint of Lucerne – Uncovering the Secrets of Kapellbrücke Paintings: A Fascinating Look into Lucerne’s Past
Observe carefully, and you will see there are some slightly charred paintings which serve as reminder of the fire. A stroll across the Chapel bridge is a mix of history, beauty, and family-friendly exploration, making it a perfect addition to your Lucerne itinerary. I haven’t seen a more interesting wooden bridge before. Have you?
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That tower is such a beautiful structure with dreadful history of torture of prisoners. Interesting bridge, indeed!
Me too. I have not seen such a interesting bridge.
Too bad that your neck wasn´t made for the whole experience!
Stunning old structure!
That is a lovely bridge, and how sad about the fire (although to hae lasted this long is pretty amazing!)
Happy WW, and thanks for stopping by 🙂
Not only can you see the view from the bridge, but the art work on the bridge!
Thanks for sharing the story too! I am for the preservation of historic sites.
Wow!! Nice bridge and I can imagine you looking around and up and saw the paintings.
Good that nobody tags any graffitti. You heard of the Swiss national tagging graffitti on Singapore train?
Another wonderful post. I'm trying to catch up after a couple of weeks away from the computer and as always, I'm enjoying your wonderful photos. I love those seahorses a few posts back!
that bridge is so interesting!
A most engrossing bridge indeed. A lovely one too. Sad to know that the original painting were lost. Great post Indrani!
A most engrossing bridge indeed. A lovely one too. Sad to know that the original painting were lost. Great post Indrani!
We have a famous Harbour Bridge here down under, but this one is rich in history. It's a shame that the original paintings were gone due to the fire.
So, what was the creaking noise about? Did you feel freaky?
Very interesting Indrani. Always, always. 🙂
awesome and mind blowing pics
Like Anu I'm intrigued that the wood has lasted for so long.
That bridge looks spectacular!!!
i remember trips to many of these places you wrote about ..especially Lucerne. on our trip back to Baden i got pick pocketed, can you imagine..after all those places in the world, in CH…
Yes it is so beautiful. I would love to visit Switzerland.
Such beauty – and made all the more poignant due to the gruesome history of the torture tower.
an amazing wooden bridge! i'm glad you didn't hear any screams from the torture tower when you visited.:p very interesting post–thank you!
Very interesting history of the bridge and tower.
Great place and captures.
Thank you for sharing.
That is amazing! I would have had a stiff neck, too! Hard to imagine a wooden bridge that old and still being used! Your photos are terrific as always. Enjoy your week!
Sylvia
That is a fascinating bridge and your photography and description made me feel like I was there.
This is truly a fascinating and unique bridge. I'm glad the bridge was reconstructed after the fire. Thanks for the photos and the information.
Switzerland seem to me to be such an enigmatic place. You make it so real, though. Thanks.
Interesting info on the wooden bridge that is also painted. Great shots.
WOW! such a great display of paintings above one's head! Interesting and unique bridge.
Interesting bridge and story! Wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing. Have a great week!
Great structure.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Interesting structure. And amazing too.
The first photographs was beautifully composed. Sad fire damaged a part of this beautiful monument.
Its beautiful!!!! and to think its made of wood and has lasted all these years!! wow!
Wow! Have never heard of this bridge and you are so right. Very unique and interesting. The paintings you showed are amazing!!
Thanks
Hugs
SueAnn
Agreed, its a most interesting bridge. Unfortunately, at the time we visited, the restoration work was not completed, most sections of the paintings were screened off.
But i did buy postcards showing some marvelous art.