Wyler Bridge

Wylerbrücke in Brunnen is a covered wooden bridge over the Muota river in the municipality of Ingenbohl, canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. Brunnen sits on Lake Lucerne, and the bridge spans the river close to the old hamlet of Wilen, at roughly 47.003 N, 8.605 E.

What is the Wylerbrücke?

It is a historic timber bridge with a roof, in the style of many traditional Swiss crossings. It carries a path across the Muota, which runs down from the Muotatal towards the lake. The name comes from nearby Wilen (recorded in old sources as Wilerbrugg), and Swiss archive files list it as the "Wyler-Holzbrücke".

How old is it?

A crossing has existed here for centuries. The Swiss Inventory of Historic Traffic Routes (IVS) records a footbridge over the Muota between Seewen and Brunnen in the first half of the 13th century, and a timber bridge by 1554 at the latest. Merian's map of 1642 shows a covered bridge at this spot.

A plaque on the bridge passes on a tradition of a covered bridge in 1555 and states that the present structure dates from 1716. A stone in the central pier, however, carries the year 1733, when a thorough renovation took place. Both dates appear in the accounts of the bridge, so it helps to know the two.

In 1974 the wooden bridge was moved upstream, and in 1975 it was restored. Plans and documentation from 1973 to 1984 are held in the Swiss Federal Archives. In 1977 ownership passed from the canton of Schwyz to the municipality of Ingenbohl-Brunnen.

What will you see?

The main sight is the roofed timber structure itself, set over a fast alpine river. Walking through the middle lets you look down at the Muota and see traditional carpentry up close. Look for the information plaque about the bridge's history and for the dated stone in the central pier. The bridge fits neatly into a walk around Brunnen and the lakeshore.

How do you get there?

Brunnen has a railway station and a landing stage for boats on Lake Lucerne. From the village centre you can walk along the Muota towards Wilen to reach the bridge. It is a footpath crossing, so leave any car in Brunnen.

When should you visit?

The bridge is open all year as part of the public landscape. Morning and late afternoon give the best light for photographs, and in spring the Muota carries the most water, which adds drama to the view. In summer it pairs well with a lake cruise.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Wylerbrücke really covered?

Yes, it is a roofed timber bridge. A covered bridge at this stretch of the Muota already appears on Merian's map of 1642.

When was the current bridge built?

The plaque on the bridge gives 1716, while a stone in the pier shows 1733, the year of a major renovation. The bridge was moved upstream in 1974.

Who owns the bridge?

Since 1977 the municipality of Ingenbohl-Brunnen. Before that it belonged to the canton of Schwyz.

Do you need a ticket?

No. It is a public structure with no admission fee and no opening hours.