Chapel Bridge Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Lucerne Tourism
Chapel Bridge
Photo provided by Lucerne Tourism
Chapel Bridge featuring heritage architecture, views and a bridge
Photo provided by Lucerne Tourism


Enjoy “history with a view” amid the natural beautyof Lake Lucerne from Europe’s oldest covered bridge.

Chapel Bridgeis located in the heart of Lucerne and serves as a symbol of Switzerland’smedieval town. Also referred to as Kapellbrücke, the bridge is named afternearby St. Peter’s Chapel. The bridge is famed as an architecturalmasterpiece, because of its wood construction and iconic covered style. It isthe oldest covered bridge in Europe, dating back to the 14th century.

Spanning 670 feet (204 metres), the bridge connects Old Town toNew Town and allows only foot traffic. This makes it the perfect spot toleisurely admire its scenic setting and historic murals.

Chapel Bridgeis located at the mouth of the Reuss River. Stand on one side of the bridge tolook out over the river and turn to the other to admire Lake Lucerne. Thevantage point is impressive from any angle: mountains tower behind the ancientcity, their snow-capped peaks contrasting with the clear blue water of thelake. The scene is especially picturesque at sunset. Have your camera readyaround dusk and find a spot along the railing before the bridge fills withother visitors.

With suchstriking scenery surrounding you, make sure you remember to look up. ChapelBridge is famous for its vast collection of historic paintings tucked into thearchitecture. Dating back to the 17th century, the artwork displays scenes fromLucerne’s past. If you need a Swiss history lesson, don’t worry explanationsare printed beneath each painting.

The bridge leads to the Water Tower, an octagonal structure that hadmany uses throughout time, serving as a torture chamber and prison forcenturies. Today, it is considered to be the symbol of Lucerne and houses asmall gift shop. 

In 1993, a fire tore across Chapel Bridge and destroyed two-thirds ofthe structure and many of the original paintings. The bridge was quicklyrestored to look exactly as it did in the 14th century. A number of the savedpaintings were restored be sure to keep your eye out for a few charredportraits as well, which historians left to remind visitors of the fire.

Plan a trip to see Chapel Bridge

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Top Chapel Bridge Hotel & Accommodation Deals

AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora

AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora

4 out of 5
Seidenhofstrasse 5, Lucerne, LU
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
Hotel Central Luzern

Hotel Central Luzern

3 out of 5
Morgartenstrasse 4, Lucerne, LU
Hotel Central Luzern
ibis budget Luzern City

ibis budget Luzern City

1.5 out of 5
Kellerstrasse 6, Lucerne
ibis budget Luzern City
Astoria Lucerne

Astoria Lucerne

4 out of 5
Pilatusstrasse 29, Lucerne
Astoria Lucerne
Hotel Continental Park

Hotel Continental Park

4 out of 5
Murbacherstrasse 4, Lucerne, LU
Hotel Continental Park
Barabas - Hostel

Barabas - Hostel

3 out of 5
Löwengraben, 18, Lucerne
Barabas - Hostel
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne

Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne

4.5 out of 5
Lakefront Center, Inseliquai 12, Lucerne, LU
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne
Cascada Boutique Hotel

Cascada Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
Bundesplatz 18, Lucerne, LU
Cascada Boutique Hotel
Waldstaetterhof Swiss Quality Hotel

Waldstaetterhof Swiss Quality Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Zentralstrasse 4, Lucerne, LU
Waldstaetterhof Swiss Quality Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Chapel Bridge

Chapel Bridge in Lucerne offers a delightful experience for tourists, featuring leisurely strolls along its picturesque pathways. You can enjoy live music in the area, bike around the beautiful landscapes, or take to the water with boating activities. This charming setting provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal spot for visitors looking to soak in the local culture and stunning scenery.

Shopping

For shopping near Chapel Bridge, Hertensteinstrasse is a charming area only 322m away, offering a mix of local shops and eateries. If you're up for a drive, the Metalli Shopping Centre, located 20.9km away, boasts a range of shops and entertainment options for the whole family.

Recreation

At Sempachersee Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes, just 14.5km from Chapel Bridge. Alternatively, dive into family fun at Aquacenter Obwalden, located 17.7km away, or find serenity at the Kneippanlage Schwandalp, 29.0km away, perfect for wellness and relaxation.

Adventure

The Stanserhorn Cable Car offers stunning views and a thrilling ride up the mountain, perfect for families seeking adventure. Emmetten-Stockhütte provides exciting skiing experiences for sports enthusiasts, while Aengi Ski Lift is ideal for those looking to hit the slopes and enjoy the alpine scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Chapel Bridge is vibrant and exciting. For a thrill, head to Sommerrodelbahn Fräkigaudi, located 8.0km away, for an exhilarating ride. Alternatively, enjoy the fun at Sommerrodelbahn Wirzweli, a 16.1km journey, offering a unique amusement experience in the area.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Chapel Bridge

Chapel Bridge in Lucerne is a stunning blend of culture and outdoor adventure, surrounded by picturesque mountains and the serene Lake Lucerne. While exploring the iconic bridge, visitors can also discover nearby churches and enjoy various outdoor activities. For those seeking accommodation, there are several motels around Chapel Bridge, making it convenient to experience all that this enchanting area has to offer.

  • Swiss Transportation Museum: Located 1.6km from Chapel Bridge, this museum offers a fascinating look into Switzerland's transport history, featuring interactive exhibits that are perfect for families. Enjoy a day exploring trains, planes, and automobiles while soaking in the engaging atmosphere.
  • KKL Lucerne: A mere 322m away, KKL Lucerne is a stunning conference and event venue known for its striking architecture and excellent acoustics. It hosts a variety of cultural events and concerts, making it a hub for business and creativity in the region.
  • Burgenstock: Situated 9.7km from Chapel Bridge, Burgenstock is a breathtaking mountain offering outdoor adventures. Hike through scenic trails, take in panoramic views of Lake Lucerne, or enjoy a leisurely day surrounded by nature's beauty.

Best time to go to Chapel Bridge

The best time to visit Chapel Bridge can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Chapel Bridge falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Chapel Bridge falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.4°F (0.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February34.5°F (1.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December36.0°F (2.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Chapel Bridge

To save money on your visit to Chapel Bridge, consider travelling during the off-peak months of February to March or November when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, especially on Saturdays, which are generally cheaper than Wednesdays. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and filter for budget options, including eco-friendly stays. Don’t forget to explore the area on foot, as it's compact, and look for packages that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Chapel Bridge are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Chapel Bridge about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Chapel Bridge is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Chapel Bridge is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature enables you to specify your budget, ideal location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from low to high, helping you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Chapel Bridge hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.