Holzbrücke Rapperswil-Hurden

Imagine walking right over the water on the longest wooden bridge in the country. The Rapperswil–Hurden Wooden Bridge is a unique engineering feat 841 meters long, connecting the picturesque town of Rapperswil-Jona and the village of Hurden. This site has become a symbol of harmony between ancient traditions and modern Swiss architecture.

Rapperswil–Hurden Wooden Bridge. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The bridge's construction is impressive for its sustainability and solid design: it rests on 233 powerful oak piles, and more than 400 cubic meters of solid wood were used to create it. The bridge passes through the narrowest part of the lake, offering pedestrians a safe and exciting route, separated from the noisy car traffic of the Seedamm dam.

One of the main highlights of the walk is access to Heilig Hüsli—an ancient medieval chapel that literally floats above the water on a small rocky island. For a long time, this historic site was isolated, but thanks to the new bridge opened in 2001, it is once again accessible to everyone wishing to touch history.

For more details about the walk or to get additional information about events in the region, you can use the official contact details of the city services.

The main pleasure here is the stroll itself. From the wooden deck, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Alps and the endless blue of the lake. It is the perfect spot for those who value peace and quiet, away from the city noise. Since the bridge passes through shallow areas, you can see many waterfowl in their natural habitat.

Be sure to stop by the Heilig Hüsli chapel. Built in 1497, this small building looks incredibly photogenic against the mirror-like water. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the rhythmic patterns of the wooden beams and the play of light on the water during the sunset hours. The bridge is also part of the popular Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, so you will often meet travelers from all over the world here.

For families with children, it is a great opportunity to spend time in the fresh air: the wide path is convenient for walking, and information boards along the way tell stories about the unique flora and fauna of the region. In summer, the walk is complemented by the scents of blooming coastal herbs, making your visit truly memorable.

The easiest way to reach this attraction is from the historic center of Rapperswil-Jona. A walk or bike ride from the Rapperswil railway station takes between 5 and 15 minutes. If you start from the village of Hurden, the route is just as short and scenic.

For travelers from other cities in Switzerland, the most convenient option is to use the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). Local trains from Zurich reach Rapperswil in about 30–40 minutes. You can also arrive by water: during the summer season, scheduled boats operate on Lake Zurich, taking you straight to the city pier.

If you plan to travel by car, you can leave your vehicle in parking lots in Rapperswil or near the Seedamm dam. It is important to remember that the wooden bridge itself is intended exclusively for pedestrians. For more comfortable travel around the region, you can use local taxi services, which will quickly take you from the station to the start of the pedestrian zone.

The history of this site is fascinating: the first crossings existed here as early as 647 BC, during the Hallstatt culture era. Later, in 165 AD, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Romans built an impressive bridge six meters wide. Researchers still find remains of these ancient structures in the lake sediments.

The medieval stage of the crossing's life began in 1358 at the initiative of Duke Rudolf IV. That bridge was significantly longer than the modern one—about 1.4 kilometers—and rested on more than 500 oak piles. It served as a vital artery for pilgrims and merchants for centuries until it was replaced in 1878 by the modern Seedamm stone dam.

The landmark took on its modern appearance in 2001. Construction proceeded at a rapid pace, taking only nine months. The new bridge was designed to fit as delicately as possible into the lake's ecosystem while reviving the region's centuries-old tradition of wooden architecture. Today, it is considered the longest wooden bridge in the country.

A leisurely visit to the bridge and its surroundings usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. A one-way walk takes about 15–20 minutes, but most visitors prefer to go slower, stopping for photos and nature watching.

If you plan to visit the historic chapel or linger at the observation points, you should budget about 3 hours. This time will be enough to enjoy the panoramas of Lake Zurich and return to the city to continue your sightseeing program.

The bridge is a public space and is open 24/7. There are no gates or ticket offices, so you can enjoy a walk at dawn or under the starry sky.

To plan a visit during holidays or to check the access times for the Heilig Hüsli chapel (which may have its own schedule), it is recommended to visit the city's official tourism website.

The city and its surroundings offer many interesting locations to visit right after your walk across the bridge. Exploring the coastal area and the old center will allow you to deeper experience the atmosphere of this lake region.