📷 Photo by Geertje Caliguire on UnsplashKapellbrücke
Lucerne, Switzerland
A covered wooden bridge with painted panels and a stone water tower, crossing the Reuss.
The Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) is a covered wooden bridge over the Reuss in the old town of Lucerne, Switzerland. It is about 200 metres long and, according to Europe for Visitors, was built in 1333; Lonely Planet dates it to the 14th century.
The bridge passes the stone, octagonal water tower, which survives in its original form. It is said to have served as a lighthouse, which could explain the origin of the city's name (lucerna). In 1993 a fire destroyed large parts of the bridge, and the roof was reconstructed. Triangular paintings under the roof show scenes from Swiss history and mythology; you also see the city's patron saints Mauritius and Leodegar. The sources differ on when the paintings were made (early 16th or 17th century).
Practical: the bridge is especially photogenic at dusk in golden light. In some seasons large spiders spin webs in the rafters; if you dislike that, walk through briskly.
- Nearest town
- Lucerne, Switzerland
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 47.0517, 8.3079
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- TCS Camping Luzern-HorwCampsite5 km from KapellbrückeTentsCaravansElectricityWi-Fi
- Camping Buochs-VierwaldstätterseeCampsite12 km from KapellbrückeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Campingplatz VitznauCampsite14 km from KapellbrückeTentsCaravansWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping SeefeldCampsite19 km from KapellbrückeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Stellplatz Hasle-EntlebuchMotorhome stopover20 km from Kapellbrücke · 18 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping International GiswilCampsite24 km from KapellbrückeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Kapellbrücke?
Kapellbrücke is in Lucerne, Switzerland, at GPS 47.0517, 8.3079. It is about 10 km from Weggis.
Can you camp near Kapellbrücke?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping International Lido Luzern, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 39 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Kapellbrücke?
Kapellbrücke is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Swiss Alpine passes from Lucerne.
What is there to see near Kapellbrücke?
Places worth a stop nearby: Swiss Museum of Transport (2 km), Pilatus (9 km), Rigi Kulm (13 km) and Susten Pass (37 km).
When is the best time to visit Kapellbrücke?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)