![Alte Brucke (Old Bridge), Heidelberg](/img/gd_attr/31194.jpg)
Alte Brucke (Old Bridge), Heidelberg (must see)
The Old Bridge spans the Neckar River, linking the Old Town with the newer eastern part of the city. Although built in 1788, it is actually one of Heidelberg's newer structures. Historically, there have been eight bridges in this location, with the current one constructed on the foundations of its predecessors. When the Theodor Heuss Bridge was built in 1877, this became known as the "Old Bridge".
The first bridge at this site was built by the Romans in the 1st century, but it collapsed, and it took nearly 1000 years to replace it. A new crossing was constructed in the 13th century when Heidelberg was founded, aligning with its present location near the marketplace. Goethe hailed its beauty as "not equalled by any other in the world", and it certainly provides a classic vista.
In the early days, the Old Bridge marked the border with the Electorate of Mainz and was part of the city's defenses. Several of its early versions were destroyed by ice floes; the seventh survived the Thirty Years' War but was destroyed during the Nine Years' War. The current nine-arch bridge, built with distinctive red sandstone, was completed thereafter, featuring an ancient gate, two towers, and statues of Prince Karl-Theodor and Minerva. During the Second World War, three of its arches were destroyed, and had to be rebuilt.
A monkey statue has been a part of the bridge since the 15th century and remains a tourist attraction. The original statue disappeared during the Nine Years' War and was later replaced; the current one depicts a monkey holding a mirror in one hand. Tourists often place their heads inside the monkey's head, rub the monkey's mirror for luck, and touch its fingers to ensure a return to Heidelberg.
The first bridge at this site was built by the Romans in the 1st century, but it collapsed, and it took nearly 1000 years to replace it. A new crossing was constructed in the 13th century when Heidelberg was founded, aligning with its present location near the marketplace. Goethe hailed its beauty as "not equalled by any other in the world", and it certainly provides a classic vista.
In the early days, the Old Bridge marked the border with the Electorate of Mainz and was part of the city's defenses. Several of its early versions were destroyed by ice floes; the seventh survived the Thirty Years' War but was destroyed during the Nine Years' War. The current nine-arch bridge, built with distinctive red sandstone, was completed thereafter, featuring an ancient gate, two towers, and statues of Prince Karl-Theodor and Minerva. During the Second World War, three of its arches were destroyed, and had to be rebuilt.
A monkey statue has been a part of the bridge since the 15th century and remains a tourist attraction. The original statue disappeared during the Nine Years' War and was later replaced; the current one depicts a monkey holding a mirror in one hand. Tourists often place their heads inside the monkey's head, rub the monkey's mirror for luck, and touch its fingers to ensure a return to Heidelberg.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Heidelberg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Alte Brucke (Old Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Alte Brucke (Old Bridge)
Sight Location: Heidelberg, Germany (See walking tours in Heidelberg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Heidelberg, Germany (See walking tours in Heidelberg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Heidelberg, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Heidelberg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Heidelberg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Heidelberg Introduction Walking Tour
Heidelberg is located on the Neckar River and is Baden-Württemberg’s fifth-largest city. One-quarter of the approximately 160,000 residents are students. Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 and is Germany’s oldest and one of Europe’s most prestigious universities. In addition, Heidelberg is home to internationally acclaimed research facilities, including four Max Planck Institutes.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Philosophers’ Path
Heidelberg may be famous for its Castle, Old Town, and University, but its attractions don't stop there. A trip to Heidelberg isn't complete without visiting the Philosopher's Path.
Located on the northern side of the Neckar River, this popular path, about two kilometers long, meander along the sunny side of Holy Mountain. Over the centuries, it has inspired numerous scholars and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Located on the northern side of the Neckar River, this popular path, about two kilometers long, meander along the sunny side of Holy Mountain. Over the centuries, it has inspired numerous scholars and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles