Are you planning to visit Lucerne, the picturesque city in the heart of Switzerland? If so, you cannot miss the Chapel Bridge, the most famous and beautiful attraction in the city. The Chapel Bridge, or Kapellbrücke in German, is a wooden bridge that spans the Reuss river and connects the Old Town with the New Town. It is also the oldest covered bridge in Europe and the world's oldest surviving truss bridge.
But what makes the Chapel Bridge so special and unique? Read on to find out everything you need to know about this amazing landmark and how to make the most of your visit.
What is the Chapel Bridge or Kapellbrücke?
The name Chapel Bridge comes from the nearby St. Peter's Chapel, which was built around the same time as the bridge in the 14th century. The bridge was originally part of the city's fortifications and served as a defensive structure. The German name Kapellbrücke means "chapel bridge" and is pronounced as "kah-pell-bryoo-keh". The bridge is 204 meters long and 5.5 meters wide, making it the second longest covered bridge in Europe after the Bridge of Love in Romania.
The history of the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower in Lucerne
The Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower are the symbols of Lucerne and have a rich and fascinating history. The bridge and the tower were built in 1333 as part of the city's fortifications. The tower, which is 34.5 meters high and 9 meters in diameter, was used for various purposes over the centuries, such as a prison, a torture chamber, a treasury, an archive, a watchtower and a lighthouse. The bridge and the tower were also the scene of many historical events, such as the Swiss Confederation's victory over the Habsburgs in 1386, the French invasion in 1792 and the Sonderbund War in 1847.
The most remarkable feature of the bridge is the triangular paintings that adorn its roof. These paintings depict scenes of Swiss and Lucerne's history and legends, such as the life of the patron saint of Lucerne, St. Leodegar, the deeds of the Swiss national hero, William Tell, and the battles of the Swiss Confederation. The paintings were created by various artists between the 16th and 17th centuries and were originally 158 in number. However, in 1993, a tragic fire broke out on the bridge and destroyed most of the paintings and the bridge itself. Only 30 paintings survived the fire and were restored and reinstalled on the bridge. The bridge was also rebuilt and reopened in 1994, with some modern additions such as steel reinforcements and fire alarms.
The beauty and charm of the Chapel Bridge and its surroundings
The Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower are not only historical and cultural monuments, but also artistic and aesthetic ones. The paintings on the bridge are a unique and impressive display of art and craftsmanship, showcasing the styles and techniques of different periods and artists. The paintings are also a valuable source of information and education, as they illustrate the history and legends of Switzerland and Lucerne in a vivid and colorful way.
The bridge and the tower are also surrounded by stunning views and a charming atmosphere. The bridge offers a panoramic view of the Reuss river, the Old Town, the New Town and the Alps. The bridge is also decorated with flowers of various colors and shapes, adding to its beauty and appeal. The river is home to many swans, which are the unofficial mascots of Lucerne and are considered a symbol of love and grace. The swans are very friendly and often approach the visitors on the bridge, hoping for some food or attention.
The best time to visit the bridge and the tower is in the morning or in the evening, when the sun casts a golden glow on the water and the buildings. The bridge and the tower are also illuminated at night, creating a romantic and magical ambiance. The bridge and the tower are open 24 hours a day and are free to visit, so you can enjoy them at any time of the day or night.
Things to do near the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
The Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower are not the only attractions in Lucerne. The city has many other things to offer, such as:
- The Old Town: The Old Town of Lucerne is a charming and picturesque area, full of historical and cultural sights, such as the Town Hall, the Jesuit Church, the Lion Monument, the Musegg Wall and the Spreuerbrücke. The Old Town is also a great place to shop, dine and relax, as it has many boutiques, cafes, restaurants and bars.
- The Lion Monument: The Lion Monument is a famous and moving sculpture that commemorates the Swiss Guards who died defending the French king Louis XVI during the French Revolution in 1792. The monument depicts a dying lion with a spear in its side, lying on a shield with the Swiss coat of arms. The monument was carved by Lukas Ahorn in 1820-21 and was inspired by a sketch by Bertel Thorvaldsen. The monument is located in a small park near the Old Town and is considered one of the most beautiful and poignant monuments in the world.
- The Jesuit Church: The Jesuit Church is a stunning and elegant church that was built between 1666 and 1677 by the Jesuits, who were invited by the city to counter the Protestant Reformation. The church is the first large baroque church in Switzerland and has a magnificent facade, a splendid interior and a rich decoration. The church is also known for its organ, which is one of the largest and finest in the country and hosts regular concerts and recitals.
- The Glacier Garden: The Glacier Garden is a natural and geological museum that showcases the traces of the Ice Age in Lucerne. The museum features a collection of glacial potholes, fossils, minerals and rocks, as well as a mirror maze, a relief map of Switzerland and a multimedia show. The museum is located near the Lion Monument and is open from 9 am to 6 pm from April to October and from 10 am to 5 pm from November to March. The admission fee is 15 CHF for adults and 7.5 CHF for children.
- The Swiss Museum of Transport: The Swiss Museum of Transport is a fun and interactive museum that explores the history and development of transport and mobility in Switzerland and the world. The museum has various exhibits and attractions, such as a railway, a road, an aviation, a space, a navigation and a communication hall, as well as a planetarium, an IMAX cinema, a chocolate adventure and a Swissarena. The museum is located near the lake and is open from 10 am to 6 pm from April to October and from 10 am to 5 pm from November to March. The admission fee is 32 CHF for adults and 12 CHF for children.
How to visit the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower in Lucerne
Visiting the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower in Lucerne is easy and convenient, as they are located in the center of the city and are accessible by various means of transport. Here are some tips and recommendations for visiting and enjoying the bridge and the tower:
- The bridge and the tower are open 24 hours a day and are free to visit, so you can enjoy them at any time of the day or night. However, the best time to visit them is in the morning or in the evening, when the sun casts a golden glow on the water and the buildings. The bridge and the tower are also illuminated at night, creating a romantic and magical ambiance.
- The bridge and the tower are very popular and crowded, especially during the peak season and the weekends, so you may have to wait for some time to cross the bridge or to take photos. To avoid the crowds, you can visit them early in the morning or late in the evening, or during the weekdays or the off-season.
- The bridge and the tower are very photogenic and offer many opportunities for taking amazing photos. You can take photos from different angles and perspectives, such as from the bridge itself, from the opposite bank, from the river or from the tower. You can also use different settings and filters, such as HDR, panorama, black and white, etc., to enhance your photos. However, be respectful and courteous to other visitors and do not block their way or view while taking photos.
- The bridge and the tower are very close to many other attractions and activities in Lucerne, such as the Old Town, the Lion Monument, the Jesuit Church, the Glacier Garden, the Swiss Museum of Transport, etc. You can easily walk or bike to these places, or take a bus, a tram or a boat. You can also buy a Lucerne Card, which gives you free or discounted access to many museums, attractions and public transport in the city.
- The bridge and the tower are very historical and cultural monuments, so you may want to learn more about them and their stories. You can join a guided tour, which will provide you with interesting and informative facts and anecdotes about the bridge and the tower, as well as other sights in Lucerne. You can also buy a guidebook or an audio guide, which will give you more details and insights about the bridge and the tower, as well as the paintings and the history of Switzerland and Lucerne.
Where to stay near the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
If you want to stay near the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, you have many options to choose from, as there are many hotels and hostels near the bridge that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best ones:
- Hotel des Alpes: This is a cozy and comfortable hotel that offers a stunning view of the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower from its rooms and terrace. The hotel is located right next to the bridge and is within walking distance to the Old Town and the train station. The hotel has a friendly and helpful staff, a delicious breakfast buffet and a free WiFi service. The hotel is rated 3 stars and the price range is from 150 to 250 CHF per night.
- Backpackers Lucerne: This is a fun and lively hostel that offers a budget-friendly and social stay near the Chapel Bridge. The hostel is located about 10 minutes walk from the bridge and the Old Town and is close to many shops, cafes and bars. The hostel has a spacious and clean dormitory and private rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a common room with games and books, a laundry service and a free WiFi service. The hostel is rated 2 stars and the price range is from 30 to 80 CHF per night.
- Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern: This is a luxurious and elegant hotel that offers a first-class service and a historical charm near the Chapel Bridge. The hotel is located about 5 minutes walk from the bridge and the Old Town and is next to the lake and the train station. The hotel has a stylish and spacious rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant, a spa and wellness center, a business center and a free WiFi service. The hotel is rated 5 stars and the price range is from 300 to 500 CHF per night.
Conclusion
The Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower are the icons of Lucerne and are a must-see for anyone who visits the city. They are not only historical and cultural monuments, but also artistic and aesthetic ones. They offer a unique and unforgettable experience for the visitors, who can enjoy the history, the art, the views and the atmosphere of the bridge and the tower. They are also close to many other attractions and activities in Lucerne, such as the Old Town, the Lion Monument, the Jesuit Church, the Glacier Garden, the Swiss Museum of Transport, etc. They are also easy and convenient to visit, as they are located in the center of the city and are accessible by various means of transport. They are also free to visit and are open 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy them at any time of the day or night.
