Hotels near Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)

The Chapel Bridge, built from 1333, is the oldest surviving wooden truss bridge in Europe and the single image most people associate with Switzerland. It runs 204 metres diagonally across the River Reuss, linking the medieval Old Town to the newer right bank, and its octagonal Water Tower (Wasserturm) predates the bridge by a few decades. The interior gable paintings, added in the 17th century by Hans Heinrich Wägmann, depict scenes from Swiss and Lucerne history. A serious fire in August 1993 destroyed about two-thirds of the bridge and 78 of the 111 paintings, so the panels you see today are a mix of restored originals and reconstructions. Crossing is free, 24 hours, and takes about four minutes at a slow pace. For background see Wikipedia.

Best photo angles are from the Rathaussteg pedestrian bridge to the east, or from the Seebrücke road bridge to the north, especially at blue hour when the flower boxes on the railings are lit.

Pro Tip: Cross the Chapel Bridge east-to-west at 07:30 to have it almost to yourself, then loop back on the Rathaussteg for the classic Water Tower shot with morning light on the bridge's south side. Bus stop Schwanenplatz (lines 6, 7, 8, 24) puts you 90 seconds from the eastern portal.