Chapel Bridge – Lucerne’s Historic Icon on the Reuss River

The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is Lucerne’s most iconic landmark and Europe’s oldest surviving covered wooden bridge, originally built in 1333. Spanning the Reuss River, it once formed part of the city’s medieval fortifications. The bridge is famous for its 17th-century interior paintings, depicting Lucerne’s history and legends, many of which were restored after a devastating fire in 1993. Adjacent to the bridge stands the Water Tower, a striking octagonal structure that once served as a prison and treasury. Today, the Chapel Bridge is a symbol of Swiss heritage and a must-see attraction in the heart of Lucerne’s Old Town.