Chapel Bridge Tours

Chapel Bridge which includes boating, a river or creek and flowers
Enjoy “history with a view” amid the natural beautyof Lake Lucerne from Europe’s oldest covered bridge.

Chapel Bridgeis located in the heart of Lucerne and serves as a symbol of Switzerland’smedieval town. Also referred to as Kapellbrücke, the bridge is named afternearby St. Peter’s Chapel. The bridge is famed as an architecturalmasterpiece, because of its wood construction and iconic covered style. It isthe oldest covered bridge in Europe, dating back to the 14th century.

Spanning 670 feet (204 meters), the bridge connects Old Town toNew Town and allows only foot traffic. This makes it the perfect spot toleisurely admire its scenic setting and historic murals.

Chapel Bridgeis located at the mouth of the Reuss River. Stand on one side of the bridge tolook out over the river and turn to the other to admire Lake Lucerne. Thevantage point is impressive from any angle: mountains tower behind the ancientcity, their snow-capped peaks contrasting with the clear blue water of thelake. The scene is especially picturesque at sunset. Have your camera readyaround dusk and find a spot along the railing before the bridge fills withother visitors.

With suchstriking scenery surrounding you, make sure you remember to look up. ChapelBridge is famous for its vast collection of historic paintings tucked into thearchitecture. Dating back to the 17th century, the artwork displays scenes fromLucerne’s past. If you need a Swiss history lesson, don’t worry explanationsare printed beneath each painting.

The bridge leads to the Water Tower, an octagonal structure that hadmany uses throughout time, serving as a torture chamber and prison forcenturies. Today, it is considered to be the symbol of Lucerne and houses asmall gift shop.

In 1993, a fire tore across Chapel Bridge and destroyed two-thirds ofthe structure and many of the original paintings. The bridge was quicklyrestored to look exactly as it did in the 14th century. A number of the savedpaintings were restored be sure to keep your eye out for a few charredportraits as well, which historians left to remind visitors of the fire.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Chapel Bridge

Reviews of Chapel Bridge

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
390
" "5 - Excellent 64.14473684210526%
4 - Good
196
" "4 - Good 32.23684210526316%
3 - Okay
20
" "3 - Okay 3.289473684210526%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.16447368421052633%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.16447368421052633%

5/5 - Excellent

JnG
Oct 14, 2019

Chapel bridge is in Lucerne, not Zurich!!??

2/5 - Disappointing

PrecisionBass
Jun 26, 2019

Sad that the fire did so much damage, happy that I got to see and photograph the original when the place wasn't flooded with so many low grade tourists.

5/5 - Excellent

ST
Sep 22, 2018

Very pretty, unusual, picturesque, right in the middle of the old town, and an easy stroll from the Bahnhof .

5/5 - Excellent

PG
Aug 22, 2018

Saturday morning market area is fantastic!  Lots to see and to purchase.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Chapel Bridge

Barabas - Hostel
Barabas - Hostel
3 out of 5
Löwengraben, 18, Lucerne
Barabas - Hostel
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
4 out of 5
Seidenhofstrasse 5, Lucerne, LU
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
Hotel Central Luzern
Hotel Central Luzern
3 out of 5
Morgartenstrasse 4, Lucerne, LU
Hotel Central Luzern
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne
4.5 out of 5
Lakefront Center, Inseliquai 12, Lucerne, LU
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne
ibis budget Luzern City
ibis budget Luzern City
1 out of 5
Kellerstrasse 6, Lucerne
ibis budget Luzern City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.