The bridge is reconstructed based on archaeological findings from prehistoric wooden pile dwellings discovered in the lakebed.
Over 230 oak trunks were used for the pilings, each measuring between 12 and 18 meters in length.
The project was initiated as a modern reconstruction of a medieval walkway that was largely dismantled in the 19th century.
The walkway is part of the 'Cultural Trail' surrounding the lake, designed to offer continuous pedestrian access.
It remains an open-access route for pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago through Switzerland.
The Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden is a 841-meter-long wooden footbridge spanning the narrowest part of Lake Zurich, connecting the medieval town of Rapperswil with the village of Hurden. Completed in 2001, it is the longest wooden bridge in Switzerland and follows the historical path of a medieval bridge structure originally built in the 14th century. The current construction utilizes 230 oak piles driven into the lake bed to support the deck. This bridge serves as a significant segment of the Jakobsweg, the Swiss section of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The deck is constructed with untreated FSC-certified oak, designed to weather naturally over time. It provides a direct pedestrian connection across the lake, separating the Upper Lake (Obersee) from the main body of Lake Zurich.
The midpoint of the bridge looking back toward the Rapperswil castle and the silhouette of the town.
Bring wind protection, as the exposed bridge deck is subject to strong winds from the lake.
Combine the walk with a boat trip back to the starting point to experience the lake from both the bridge and the water.
Look for the interpretive plaques along the bridge that explain the medieval history of the site.
Do not attempt to walk the bridge during heavy thunderstorms or high-wind warnings, as there is no cover.
Cyclists are requested to dismount and push their bikes during high pedestrian traffic to ensure safety.
