Spreuerbrücke

Spreuerbrücke is a covered wooden footbridge over the Reuss River in Lucerne’s Old Town, at 6004 Luzern. Built in 1408, it is quieter than the better-known Chapel Bridge and has views over the river and historic town. Look up as you cross: triangular panels beneath the roof carry a 17th-century Dance of Death painting cycle, with scenes reminding viewers that death comes to people from every walk of life. It is both a practical river crossing and a close-up encounter with Lucerne’s historic art.

A covered crossing over the Reuss

Spreuerbrücke links parts of Lucerne’s Old Town across the Reuss River. The wooden bridge dates to 1408 and is one of the city’s two historic covered bridges. Its position downstream from the Chapel Bridge makes it a useful crossing on a walk through the Old Town, as well as a place to pause above the river.

The bridge is often quieter than its more famous counterpart, especially later in the afternoon. From the walkway, look out over the Reuss and the surrounding old town buildings. The covered structure also gives the crossing a different feel from an open riverside walk: the paintings overhead are part of the route, not a separate gallery visit.

The Dance of Death panels

Look up beneath the rafters to see triangular panels painted with scenes from the Dance of Death. The cycle was created between 1616 and 1637 by Kaspar Meglinger and his students. Its subject comes from a medieval artistic tradition in which death appears among people of different ranks and occupations, a reminder of shared mortality.

The paintings are dark in subject, but their placement makes them part of an everyday crossing. Take time to follow the panels rather than hurrying from one end to the other. Their subjects and inscriptions give the bridge an artistic character distinct from the views outside and from the scenes painted on Lucerne’s other covered bridge.