The Old Bridge, Heidelberg

Also known as the “Alte Brücke” or “Karl-Theodor-Brücke”

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This historic stone bridge spans the Neckar River and connecting the Altstadt (Old Town) with the northern bank. It offers stunning views of Heidelberg Castle, the river, and the surrounding hills. The fine stone bridge is 700 feet long, 30 feet broad, and its 9 arches are supported by 8 huge pillars. It is constructed of a fine red sandstone, of which most of the houses of the town and the castle were built.

History: The current version of the bridge was built in 1788 during the reign of Elector Karl Theodor. It replaced several wooden bridges each having been destroyed by floating ice blocks, floods and wars over the centuries.

“A French army invaded the Palatinate, Occupying Heidelberg Oct. 24, 1688, and, spite of all promises, put it under contribution, and devastated it unmercifully. The castle was the chief object of the fury of these modern Vandales. The magnificent buildings of Frederick the Victorious, the venerable edifice of Robert, the noble palace of Otto-Henry, the excellent plantations of Frederick V, on the western side of the castle, all was blown up, ruined, or burnt down. In the town the armoury, the mews, the magnificent townhouse, together with many other houses, were committed to the flames, and even the noble bridge across the Neckar was destroyed.”

” . . . .  A covered bridge occupied originally the site of the present one, but being destroyed by the breaking up of the ice (1784), they began the present one, which was finished already in 1788.”

Excerpts From: Helmina von Chézy. “Manual for Travellers to Heidleberg and Its Environs”

Construction: Made of Neckar sandstone, it is considered a fine example of classical stone bridge architecture.

Statues: Two statues adorn the bridge, which produces a peculiar effect at night time, especially when the sun is setting, or the moon rising. One of the two statues, that which faces the town, is enclosed in an iron railing and represents the elector Charles Theodor, in whose reign the bridge was built; at his feet the Gods and Goddesses of the rivers: Rhine, Neckar, Danube and Mosella, are reposing. The other statue represents the figure of Minerva, the Goddess of wisdom, at whose feet likewise symbolical figures repose, which are intended to represent the four faculties of the university. Both statues, together with the by-figures, were executed by Link, the then sculptor to the court, at Mannheim. They were damaged in the French siege in (1799), the marks of the cannonballs can still be seen in the statue of Charles Theodor. These sculptures symbolize wisdom and the ruler’s contributions to the city. On the other side of the bridge, on the way to Ziegelhausen, there is a statue of St. Nepomuck. Also at the northern entrance to the bridge, – the Heidelberg Bridge Monkey: the a famous sculpture of a monkey holding a mirror. It’s said to bring good luck and serves as a reminder to visitors to reflect on their actions and humility.

Views: The Old Bridge is a favorite amongst tourists, photographers, and locals alike. From the bridge, you can see the picturesque Heidelberg Castle perched on the hillside and the charming rooftops of the Old Town, especially at sunset when the scenery becomes even more magical. For even better views, cross the bridge and follow the steep zig-zag Schlangenweg up to the Philosophers Walk which runs parallel to the river half way up the Heiligenberg.