Chapel Bridge
Chapel Bridge
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,456 reviews
Excellent
3,997
Very good
2,042
Average
377
Poor
33
Terrible
7
CK1890
Lincoln, UK66 contributions
Aug 2022
Beautifully preserved old wooden bridge across the river mouth into the lake. Although some older paintings had been destroyed by fire some time ago, the remaining paintings tell a story of the region's past. Nicely lit at night.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
permia
Ireland38,173 contributions
Sep 2022
Delightful in a glorious early autumn day, it is a beautiful sight across the river. Charmingly bedecked with vibrant flowers along its full extent, it is a premier attraction in the city.
It was great to see the forest of wooden beams while traversing it. Another unique feature are the array of paintings in triangular holdings along it.
They were created during the 1600s as part of the Counter Reformation and strongly promoted the Catholic faith. Originally numbering 158 in total, after a devastating 1993 fire only 30 could be fully salvaged.
An adjacent octagonal tower stands in the river and was actually in existence a few decades before the bridge. It is an added attraction in the full vista.
Down the centuries it has had numerous roles such as prison and archive store.
It was great to see the forest of wooden beams while traversing it. Another unique feature are the array of paintings in triangular holdings along it.
They were created during the 1600s as part of the Counter Reformation and strongly promoted the Catholic faith. Originally numbering 158 in total, after a devastating 1993 fire only 30 could be fully salvaged.
An adjacent octagonal tower stands in the river and was actually in existence a few decades before the bridge. It is an added attraction in the full vista.
Down the centuries it has had numerous roles such as prison and archive store.
Written December 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
860Vetman
Bethlehem, PA833 contributions
Aug 2022
Looking at the chapel bridge and hearing all the history behind it was amazing. Just to see the craftsmanship involved in constructing this bridge was amazing. As you walk along the bridge there are numerous paintings depicting events of times gone by. It's just a beautiful sight, one that even the best pictures can't capture.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Snowball's adventure
Barnet, UK6,798 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
I don't think anyone can deny The Chapel Bridge is the main landmark of Luzcern. It was first built in 1333 and is one of the oldest wooden Bridges in Europe. When it was built, its main purpose was to enable the locals to attend the Jesuit Church crossing the River Reuss (so it's called the Chapel Bridge). Inside, it still has approximately 30 original paintings left from the 17th century as more than 2/3 of them were destroyed from the fire in 1993. The octagonal tower on the bridge is currently used as the Artillery Association's office, although it also used to be a prison, treasury and torture chamber...etc.
Visit the bridge in both day and night times would give you a completely different impressions.
The Chapel Bridge is a must see when you visited Luzcern as it's absolutely beautifu no matter when you visited itl!!!
Visit the bridge in both day and night times would give you a completely different impressions.
The Chapel Bridge is a must see when you visited Luzcern as it's absolutely beautifu no matter when you visited itl!!!
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
debk16
Sunshine Coast, Australia67 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Visited in mid December while staying close by at Hotel Monopol. Hubby and I got up early each morning and walked to the bridge before breakfast to enjoy the amazing scenery around the lake and the chapel bridge. Recommend visiting the bridge early for sunrise or later for sunset as it’s just magical and no crowds. We had bridge all to ourselves! The gorgeous Lucerne lake - chapel bridge with mountains of snow in background absolutely charmed us. While walking on the bridge take note of the old paintings dating back 1700s up along rafters. Scenery near the bridge is also breathtaking.
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Arthur M
Hamilton, Canada811 contributions
Dec 2022
While visiting Lucerne, don't miss this iconic bridge! Europe's oldest covered bridge apparently!
As for the experience along the bridge itself, it was interesting to see the paintings looking up the covered bridge. Also great viewpoints of Lucerne along the bridge. They also have this tower in the middle which apparently was a torture chamber but has now turned to a gift shop (yikes).
As for the experience along the bridge itself, it was interesting to see the paintings looking up the covered bridge. Also great viewpoints of Lucerne along the bridge. They also have this tower in the middle which apparently was a torture chamber but has now turned to a gift shop (yikes).
Written January 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
publiussulla
Seattle, WA220 contributions
Apr 2022
One of those must see things in Lucerne. The chapel bridge is easy to find and easy to access but parking could be a bit tricky. We opted for the parking garage at the train station was cheap and easy to walk to get back to after the walk. The walk across the bridge was easy and there are informative plaques along the way some are very small. The artwork hand under the middle section of the inside of the bridge and is very well done however some were lost when the bridge burned in the 90s. Highly recommended and is a beautiful spot to visit.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Need To See It All
Perth, Australia1,088 contributions
Sep 2021
This iconic bridge lived up to the photos. Well worth a visit, there are some nice cafes and bars along the river to sit and look at the bridge, and the artwork was an unexpected and nice touch. It is pretty easy to imagine an older time when walking across this bridge.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chaminda s
Colombo, Sri Lanka276 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
A beautiful and romantic historical bridge. Our favourite time to visit was in the evening. Even though we visited during the day too. With the lights shimmering on the surrounding water at night the view is magical and romantic. A must visit
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kayjayell
Wicklow, Ireland390 contributions
Apr 2021
This bridge really does give you a sense of history as you cross from the new side of the city to the old side.
Built originally in the 1300s and burnt down and rebuilt since, it is still spectacular. If you understand Swiss German you can read text and see paintings of old Swiss historical incidents along the bridge.
Great spot for a photo opportunity.
Built originally in the 1300s and burnt down and rebuilt since, it is still spectacular. If you understand Swiss German you can read text and see paintings of old Swiss historical incidents along the bridge.
Great spot for a photo opportunity.
Written April 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deepak S
1 contribution
Traveling solo will be reaching Luzern on Friday at 20:30. Can I check in to hostel and come back around 21:30 to visit Chapel bridge or should I first visit Chapel bridge and then check in? How much time is required around the bridge?
chris
Memphis, TN6 contributions
sunset around the Chapel bridge is the best time to visit it, i think.
sunset is around 9 .15 pm in July. the ducks ans swans are on the lake having a beer on the far side of the bridge at a lake side "restaurant" looking back at the "new city" is simply marvelous!!
HF6978
Austin, TX32 contributions
Hi BigHugh51,
I read you have visited the Kappel Bridge and would like to ask you a question. Hope you won't mind. how far is the bridge for train station? Do I need to take bus or other train to get there or it is a walking distance. Your response is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
HF
Codiak!
Abbotsford, Canada10,454 contributions
Very short distance -- walkable!
alirudfra
malta89 contributions
We have 1 day available to visit Lucerne and would like to see the Bridge, the lion statue and old town. If we have available time steam boat. Which car park is best P1 P2 or P3 to reach ann these sites by walk?
Manish K
Mumbai, India7 contributions
P1 & P2 are near to the Bridge. All the excursions can be done on foot.
elainejana2017
Singapore, Singapore
Where to park if driving to Old Chapel Bridge
Glenn002
Pattaya, Thailand382 contributions
The car park by the station or opposite the art gallery
Good luck
Is there a cost to see or walk on the bridge?
andreluisss
Piracicaba, SP41 contributions
No cost. You can walk through w/out any issues.
susanregi
Kochi (Cochin), India8 contributions
Is it open throughout or is there any closing time?
AndiTravelalot
Switzerland227 contributions
It is open all year and free of charge.
Sajan I
Dhaka City, Bangladesh126 contributions
when it was built? I mean the year.
TheAndy12
Lucerne, Switzerland132 contributions
The bridge itself was originally built in 1333 as part of Lucerne's fortifications. And after the fire the Kapellbrücke was reconstructed and again opened to the public on April 14, 1994.
Chapel Bridge (Lucerne) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Chapel Bridge
- We recommend booking Chapel Bridge tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 65 Chapel Bridge tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Chapel Bridge:
- Explore Lucerne in 1 hour with a Local (From $89.80)
- Private Classic Lucerne City Walk (From $156.03)
- Lucerne Walking and Boat Tour: The Best Swiss Experience (From $124.83)
- 1.5-Hour Small-Group Nightwatchman Walk in Medieval Lucerne (From $31.21)
- Discover Lucerne’s most Photogenic Spots with a Local (From $106.39)
- Hotels near Chapel Bridge:
- (0.04 mi) Hotel Mr. Pickwick
- (0.04 mi) Hotel des Alpes
- (0.08 mi) AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
- (0.13 mi) Hotel des Balances
- (0.05 mi) Boutique Hotel Weisses Kreuz
- Restaurants near Chapel Bridge:
- (0.02 mi) Starbucks
- (0.03 mi) Mr. Pickwick Pub Luzern
- (0.03 mi) Starbucks
- (0.03 mi) dieci Gelateria Lucerne
- (0.03 mi) Da Ernesto
- Attractions near Chapel Bridge:
- (0.09 mi) Old Town Lucerne
- (0.12 mi) Lake Lucerne
- (0.11 mi) Kornmarkt
- (0.14 mi) Free Walk Lucerne
- (0.07 mi) Rathaus Stadt Luzern