Needle Dam & Spreuer Bridge

The story

Before you cross, look at the river: the row of wooden planks across the Reuss is the needle dam (Nadelwehr), built between 1859 and 1861. To this day the level of Lake Lucerne is regulated by hand, by putting in or pulling out these wooden "needles". Then walk onto the Spreuer Bridge, the younger, quieter sister of the Chapel Bridge. Its name comes from "Spreu", chaff: from this bridge millers were allowed to throw chaff into the river. Look up into the roof: between 1626 and 1635 the painter Kaspar Meglinger and his workshop painted a Dance of Death, showing Death visiting everyone, from the pope to the farmer.

Key facts

• The needle dam was built 1859-1861; its rules for the lake level date from 1867.
• The Spreuer Bridge was built in 1408 and rebuilt after a flood in 1566.
• 67 Dance of Death paintings were made; 45 of them survive in the gables today.

Good to know

Free, covered and open day and night. Stay on the walkway: cyclists cross here too.