The bridge's name derives from 'Spreu' (chaff), as millers were historically permitted to dump grain chaff into the river from this specific location.
The series of 45 paintings was commissioned by the Lucerne merchant Jakob Meglinger between 1626 and 1635.
The Dance of Death theme was inspired by the Great Plague of the 17th century, aiming to provide a religious and moral perspective on mortality.
It is the second oldest covered bridge in Lucerne, following the Chapel Bridge.
The bridge houses a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built in 1568.
Unlike most decorative art of the period, these paintings include portraits of actual 17th-century Lucerne citizens alongside the skeletal figures.
The Spreuerbrücke is a 15th-century wooden covered footbridge spanning the Reuss River in Lucerne, Switzerland. It is most famous for housing 45 triangular 17th-century paintings by Kaspar Meglinger depicting the 'Danse Macabre' (Dance of Death). Originally constructed in 1408, the bridge was rebuilt in 1566 after a flood destroyed the previous structure. Unlike the more famous Chapel Bridge, this structure remains relatively quiet and retains its original historical character. The paintings serve as a memento mori, reminding viewers of the inevitability of death across all social classes. It connects the Mühlenplatz area with the northern bank of the Reuss. The timber roof protects the series of paintings from environmental exposure. It remains a functional pedestrian route for residents and tourists alike.
From the river embankment just north of the bridge to capture the full structure and the water flow.
Walk slowly to properly view each of the 45 paintings, as they contain intricate details reflecting 17th-century social hierarchy.
Visit during the golden hour to capture the texture of the old timber against the setting sun.
Combine the visit with a walk through the nearby historic Mühlenplatz for a better sense of medieval Lucerne.
Do not mistake it for the more crowded Chapel Bridge; tourists often bypass this bridge, missing the significant art collection.
