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Kapellbrücke in Lucerne, Switzerland
Bridge at blue hour
The Kapellbrücke is the most enduring symbol of Lucerne, central Switzerland's biggest city. Spanning the river Reuss at the point where it flows from Lake Lucerne, it is Europe's oldest covered wooden bridge, dating back to 1395. It's also the world's oldest surviving example of a truss bridge, an efficient design stabilised by support beams arranged in sturdy triangular shapes, now seen all over the world on bridges of all sizes and materials. The Kapellbrücke's interior is also notable, its rafters lined with triangular paintings that depict local history. Unfortunately, most of the original 158 paintings were burnt in a 1993 fire, but around 30 were saved and restored.
Bridge at blue hour
The Kapellbrücke is the most enduring symbol of Lucerne, central Switzerland's biggest city. Spanning the river Reuss at the point where it flows from Lake Lucerne, it is Europe's oldest covered wooden bridge, dating back to 1395. It's also the world's oldest surviving example of a truss bridge, an efficient design stabilised by support beams arranged in sturdy triangular shapes, now seen all over the world on bridges of all sizes and materials. The Kapellbrücke's interior is also notable, its rafters lined with triangular paintings that depict local history. Unfortunately, most of the original 158 paintings were burnt in a 1993 fire, but around 30 were saved and restored.
The largest city in central Switzerland is named after the large lake it sits on.
© Maico Presente / Moment / Getty Images 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :