The Historical Needle Dam

The needle dam, in Lucerne

The needle dam is a historic hydraulic structure that regulates the level of the lake, on the Reuss river in Lucerne. The Lucerne audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this ingenious mechanism, still in service today.

An ingenious mechanism on the Reuss

The needle dam, located on the Reuss at the outlet of the lake, is a historic hydraulic structure that serves to regulate the level of Lake Lucerne. Its operation rests on a system of needles, wooden beams that are inserted or removed manually to control the flow of the river. From the Mills Bridge, you observe this ingenious mechanism, a witness of the technical know-how of the past, and the fine view over the Reuss upstream.

What to see

Here you observe the needle mechanism that regulates the level of the lake, and you enjoy, from the Mills Bridge, the fine view over the Reuss upstream. The needle dam testifies to the technical know-how of the past. It is a stop for those curious about engineering and history, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The needle dam lies on the Reuss, near the Mills Bridge, in the heart of Lucerne, reachable on foot. You observe it freely from the bridges and the quays, public spaces freely accessible. You discover it during a walk along the river.

What is the needle dam of Lucerne for?

To regulate the level of Lake Lucerne, thanks to a system of wooden needles that are inserted or removed to control the flow of the Reuss.

Where is the needle dam?

On the Reuss, near the Mills Bridge, in the heart of Lucerne.