Spreuerbruke

The younger and lesser known brother of the iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), Spreuerbruke or Spreuer Bridge is an 81 m long wooden footbridge in Lucerne. While the work on the structure began sometime in the 13th century in order to connect factory buildings to the mainland, it was completed only in the early 15th century as a part of the fortification of the city. It is known as the Spreuer Bridge because of the chaffs of wheat that would then be dumped into the river. With a plethora of striking triangular framed paintings that are exclusive to the bridges of Lucerne, this bridge was destroyed by a 16th century flood, only to be restored to look the way it does today. In fact, there were 67 paintings added by artist Kaspar Meglinger that represented the ‘Dance of Death’ out of which only 45 exist today.

A romantic and macabre structure that is a symbol of ephemeral beauty and good life, Spreuerbruke is only 50 years younger than the Chapel Bridge, but is a force to be reckoned with. It is a reminder of the fact that death is all-pervading. Despite the morbidity associated with it, do not skip on this sight during your trip to Lucerne. It is a more intimate experience and is less crowded.