There are many reasons to visit Rapperswil, a picturesque lakeside town just a short train ride from Zurich. There’s the medieval town, with its castle, deer park and rose gardens (Rapperswil is known as the City of Roses). Then there are restaurants, lakeside walks and boat trips. But for me the highlight was the Holzbrucke, the wooden bridge across Lake Zurich. This is a historic place of pilgrimage, and part of a nature reserve.
The Holzbrucke is part of a pilgrimage route and also a nature reserve
Jacobsweg, the Way of St James
The Holzbrucke crosses the lake at its narrowest point, between Rapperswil and Hurden. There has been a crossing here since ancient times, whether by bridge or ferry. The earliest known bridge was Roman, but there is evidence of an earlier, Neolithic, structure. A “new” bridge was built in the 14th century, and lasted for 500 years. The current bridge was opened in 2001.
The bridge stretches across Lake Zurich
Ittwas more than just a way across the lake. Close to the Rapperswil side of the water is a small chapel, the Heilig Hüsli. Built in 1551, this is a reminder of the historic importance of the Holzbrucke. It was part of the Jacobsweg, or Way of St James, which linked northern Europe to the Camino di Santiago, the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Today it forms a section of a long distance hiking trail, following the original path of the Jacobsweg.
The old chapel was built in 1551
The Rapperswil Nature Reserve
Even if you are not a pilgrim or a long distance walker you can still enjoy a stroll across the bridge. Although it doesn’t look particularly imposing as you approach, the extent of the Holzbrucke soon becomes apparent as it zigzags across the lake. This is the longest wooden bridge in Switzerland, 841m long. It must have been quite some feat to build such a long crossing thousands of years ago.
Looking back towards Rapperswil
The whole of this part of the lake is a nature reserve. The water is peaceful, and offers panoramic views of the town. The whole place teems with birdlife: we spotted gulls, coots and crested grebes in specially created nesting areas.
A gull nests on Lake Zurich
On the way back we passed a hiker with a big rucksack. A long distance walker, perhaps, or a modern day pilgrim bound for Santiago de Compostela.
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Tagged with: natural world
How beautiful! I’ve never been to Switzerland, let alone Rapperswil. It looks ideal. One day I shall have to go.
Nice to find your post, Karen. I’ve just ret’d from a fabulous week in Switzerland and will be posting about it soon. I didn’t make it to Rapperswil, but maybe next time …
I loved Switzerland – looking forward to seeing your posts!
Wow, Karen, what a great place for watching birds! Switzerland looks so lovely. Maybe one day I’ll get to see this long bridge of Rapperswil. Here’s hoping.
So beautiful…must be lovely in the Spring as well…