Spreuer Bridge
A 15th-century covered wooden bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland, famous for its 17th-century paintings of the Danse Macabre.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for paintings & views
Spreuer Bridge
Best Time
Best light for paintings & views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century covered wooden bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland, famous for its 17th-century paintings of the Danse Macabre.
"A beautiful historic bridge with artwork on the inside. Definitely worth a trip."
🎨 Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the detailed 17th-century paintings inside the bridge.
📸 Capture the Views
The bridge offers great vantage points for photos of the river and city.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Danse Macabre Paintings
Interior of the bridge
Witness 17th-century paintings illustrating Death's dance with people from all walks of life.
Reuss River Views
Along the bridge
Enjoy picturesque views of the Reuss River and the charming city of Lucerne.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Art and History
Accessibility and Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The interior of Spreuer bridge built in c. 1408 with triangular frames which form a Danse Macabre, known as Totentanz in German, created from 1616 to 1637 [2544x2947]
🎨 Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the detailed 17th-century paintings inside the bridge.
📸 Capture the Views
The bridge offers great vantage points for photos of the river and city.
The Spreuer bridge in the city of Lucerne, Switzerland, built in 1408. The pediments contain paintings in the interior triangular frames, which form a Danse Macabre, known as Totentanz in German, created from 1616 to 1637 [4032x3024]
♿️ Wheelchair Access
Lifts are available, but require a key and deposit from Tourist Info.
🚶♀️ Easy Walk
It's a short, pleasant walk from the train station to the bridge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎨 Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the detailed 17th-century paintings inside the bridge.
📸 Capture the Views
The bridge offers great vantage points for photos of the river and city.
♿️ Wheelchair Access
Lifts are available, but require a key and deposit from Tourist Info.
🚶♀️ Easy Walk
It's a short, pleasant walk from the train station to the bridge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Spreuer Bridge for its unique historical paintings depicting the Danse Macabre and its picturesque views of the Reuss River and Lucerne. While some find the artwork somber, most appreciate its historical significance and the bridge's charm. Accessibility for wheelchairs is noted, though it requires a key from tourist information.
"Beautiful historic bridge with artwork on the inside. Definitely worth a trip. It was fun seeing people jumping into the water and floating down river. Definitely worth the walk from the train station. It’s also a very nice vantage point for beautiful photos."
Timothy Brennan
"Lucerne is a breathtaking town with stunning lake and mountain views. The old town is full of charm, and walking across the Chapel Bridge is a must. A perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty!"
Vilma Vanessa Diaz
"The stunning city views and beautiful Reuss river. I don't really know about the history of the bridge. Only enjoy the views and the sound of river. I went there by bus, stopped at Kasernenplatz and walk just about 5 minutes to the bridge. Many restaurants nearby. I looked for halal restaurants and I find one vegetarian restaurant there."
Tyas Wulandari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spreuer Bridge is easily accessible by foot from the Lucerne train station, taking about 5 minutes. It's also reachable by bus, with a stop at Kasernenplatz nearby.
While there isn't direct parking on the bridge itself, there are several parking garages in Lucerne's city center, a short walk away. Consider the Kasernenplatz parking garage for proximity.
Yes, the Spreuer Bridge is located just a short distance downstream from the Chapel Bridge, making it easy to visit both on foot as part of a Lucerne city exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, crossing the Spreuer Bridge is completely free of charge. You can explore its unique artwork and enjoy the views without any admission fee.
Spreuer Bridge is a public pedestrian bridge and is accessible at all hours. However, the best time to visit for viewing the paintings and enjoying the scenery is during daylight hours.
Yes, Spreuer Bridge is wheelchair accessible via lifts at each end. You'll need to obtain a key from Luzern Tourist Information (available at the train station or across the road) and pay a deposit.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridge itself offers great angles for capturing the Reuss River and the city skyline. The interior paintings also make for unique, albeit challenging, photographic subjects.
Photography is generally allowed inside Spreuer Bridge. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash directly on the historical paintings if possible.
Daytime offers the best natural light for viewing the paintings and capturing the river views. Early mornings can provide fewer crowds and a softer light.
🎫 💡 Interesting Facts
The Spreuer Bridge was built around 1408 and is one of Lucerne's two remaining medieval wooden bridges. Its unique feature is the series of 17th-century paintings depicting the Danse Macabre.
The paintings inside the bridge, created between 1626 and 1635, illustrate the 'Danse Macabre' or 'Dance of Death,' a medieval allegorical concept showing death leading people from all walks of life.
No, Spreuer Bridge is distinct from the more famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke). Both are medieval wooden bridges in Lucerne spanning the Reuss River, but Spreuer Bridge is known for its macabre paintings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for more engaging activities, the nearby Swiss Museum of Transport or a boat trip on Lake Lucerne might be more suitable. However, if your children are older and interested in history or art, the unique paintings on Spreuer Bridge can spark interesting conversations about life, death, and historical beliefs. Remember that the bridge is free to access, making it a budget-friendly stop.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit to Spreuer Bridge with a walk through Lucerne's charming Old Town and along the lakefront for a full day of exploration without significant costs. Many of the city's most beautiful sights are outdoors and free to enjoy. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river, further saving on dining expenses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Danse Macabre: Art and Meaning
These artworks are not just historical curiosities; they are a powerful visual commentary on life and death. The detailed scenes show Death interacting with people in various professions and stages of life, emphasizing that no one is exempt from its grasp. Visiting the bridge allows for an intimate encounter with this historical artistic tradition, prompting reflection on one's own mortality and the transient nature of life. The preservation of these paintings within the covered wooden structure has helped them endure for centuries, making the Spreuer Bridge a significant cultural and artistic landmark.
Navigating Lucerne's Bridges: Spreuer vs. Chapel
The Spreuer Bridge, built around 1408, is shorter and less visually prominent from afar but holds its own unique allure. Its primary draw is the Danse Macabre artwork housed within its covered structure, offering a more introspective and historically specific artistic experience. While the Chapel Bridge is a must-see for its overall grandeur and historical narrative, the Spreuer Bridge provides a deeper dive into a particular artistic and cultural theme of the past. Both bridges are easily walkable from each other and the city center, making it simple to experience the distinct charms of each.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit