Nature and Pilgrimage on the Wooden Bridge of Rapperswil

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.

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 14^th century, and lasted for 500 years. The current bridge was opened in 2001.

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 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.

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.

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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