Spreuer Bridge

Welcome to the famous Spreuer Bridge. It was built in the early 1400s to connect the old mills on this side of the river with the bakers’ district on the opposite bank. While most of the city lived on the right bank of the Reuss, bakers were forced to work on the left bank. Can you guess why? It was simply a precaution. Since bread ovens were kept running all night, they were a real fire hazard. The original bridge was destroyed in a storm in 1566, but it was rebuilt a few years later. The small chapel further along also dates from that period, though it was restored in the 19th century. Originally known as the Mill Bridge, it was later renamed Spreuer Bridge because it was located downstream. From here, people were allowed to throw chaff—known as “Spreu” in German—into the water. These were the protective husks left over after threshing grain. One of the bridge’s major tourist attractions is its famous “Dance of Death.” Lucerne’s wooden bridges are unique for their painted roof panels. The paintings on the Spreuer Bridge are known as the “Totentanz,” meaning the Dance of Death. This artistic theme was highly popular in the Middle Ages, depicting Death dancing alongside people from all social classes. These images serve as a stark reminder that death comes for everyone, regardless of status. This series originally included 67 paintings created between 1626 and 1635. Today, 45 remain intact, making it the most complete collection of Dance of Death paintings. I’ll let you admire them as you cross the bridge, and don’t forget to give Death a friendly wave as you pass by.