Chapel Bridge & Old Town

The Chapel Bridge is not only Lucerne's landmark but also the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe — and probably the most photographed bridge in Switzerland.

★★★ Chapel Bridge & Water Tower

Built in 1333 as part of the city's fortifications, the 204-meter-long bridge spans the Reuss in an elegant arc. Under the roof hang 111 triangular paintings (17th century) depicting scenes from Swiss history and Lucerne's city history. The octagonal Water Tower in the middle of the bridge served as a watchtower, prison, and treasury. In 1993, a fire destroyed large parts of the bridge — it was lovingly reconstructed.

In the evening light, when the bridge and tower reflect in the calm water and Mount Pilatus rises in the background, the image is unforgettable.

Freely accessible, around the clock. Most beautiful at sunset and at night (illuminated). Photographers: From the left bank (Bahnhofquai) you have the best angle with the Water Tower and Pilatus.

★★ Spreuer Bridge

The second historic wooden bridge of Lucerne — less known but more significant in art history: The 67 paintings of the Dance of Death (1626–1635) by Kaspar Meglinger depict scenes in which death befalls people of all ranks — a fascinating memento mori.

★★ Old Town at Chapel Square

The Lucerne Old Town is compact and atmospheric: The Chapel Square with the Jesuit Church (the first large Baroque church in Switzerland), the painted facades at Hirschenplatz and Weinmarkt (magnificent guild houses with medieval frescoes), the Musegg Wall with nine towers — the best-preserved part of the medieval city fortifications. Three towers are accessible (free!) and offer views over the rooftops to the lake.