Alte Brücke

It is made of Neckar sandstone and was built in the 18th century by Elector Karl Theodor: the famous Old Bridge. It is one of the last great examples of classic bridge building in stone. It connects the old town with the banks of the Neckar at the eastern end of the Neuenheim district. The predecessors of today's Old Bridge were made of wood. Since they were repeatedly destroyed by wars and floods, Elector Karl Theodor had a stone bridge across the river build (1786-1788).

Old Bridge (Carl Theodor Bridge)

Friedrich Hölderlin has sung about her and Gottfried Keller too. Many painters have captured them in their pictures: the Old Bridge, which after the sovereign who had it built, actually called Carl Theodor Bridge. With nine arches, the bridge of red sandstone spans the Neckar and harmoniously blends into the cityscape framed by river and mountains.

In fact, the Old Bridge is still a relatively young beauty with many wooden ancestors. The first bridge at this point was mentioned in documents in 1284. Like all subsequent wooden bridge constructions, it was a victim of flooding and ice. That is why Elector Carl Theodor - after a large ice flood in 1784 had also destroyed the wooden bridge - commissioned the construction of a stone bridge in 1786-88 for the first time. Their elevated bridge yokes in the middle allow rapid outflow at high tide.

On March 29, 1945, one of the last days of the war, German soldiers blew up the Heidelberg Neckar bridges and the Alte Brücke. Thanks to a donation campaign, which was vigorously supported by the citizens, reconstruction began on March 14, 1946. On July 26, 1947 was the inauguration. In 2001, the Old Bridge was added to the World Monuments Fund, the list of the 100 most endangered monuments in the world.

ww2.heidelberg.de/Altstadt-Information/Sektor07/Sektor07_altebruecke.htm

Before the construction of the weir at Karlstor, a very wild section of the Neckar stream was called "Hackteufel".

From the old Neckar bridge you have a great look at the Heidelberg castle

A must when visiting Heidelberg

It not only connects two banks, but is also beautiful to look at. Unfortunately, during the week, unfortunately, always overflowing with tourists, too bad ...

Very imposing monument 👍

The Heidelberg Castle is one of the most famous ruins in Germany and the landmark of the city of Heidelberg. Until its destruction in the Palatinate War of Succession, it was the residence of the elector of the Palatinate. Since the destruction by the soldiers of Louis XIV in 1689 and 1693, the Heidelberg Castle was only partially restored. The castle ruin of red Neckar valley sandstone rises 80 meters above the valley floor on the northern slope of the Königstuhl and dominates from there the image of the old town. The Ottheinrichsbau, one of the palaces of the palace, is one of the most important German buildings of the Renaissance.

A beautiful sculpture of a monkey 👍🏼

The Karl Theodor Bridge, better known as the Old Bridge, is a bridge over the Neckar in Heidelberg. It connects the old town with the opposite bank of the Neckar at the eastern end of the Neuenheim district. The Old Bridge made of Neckartäler sandstone was built in 1788 under Elector Karl Theodor as the ninth bridge in total.

Actually, it should only be a trip to the Christmas market. But the "Old Bridge" in the morning was a highlight.

Great view of the old town and the castle. Through the gate you get into the old town.

Beautiful view of the Neckar and Heidelberg Castle. One of the sights in HD.

Find all small and big statues for reward.
Statue of a monkey on the Old Bridge holding a mirror - local legend has it that rubbing the mirror brings good luck, rubbing the fingers ensure a return to Heidelberg.
Little bronze-cast mice nearby bring fertility.

Beautiful bridge is reminiscent of Prague

Beautiful view of the Neckar and Heidelberg Castle.

From the old Neckar bridge you have a great view of the Heidelberg Castle.

Do you like bridge in sepia toning or in black and white better? I could not decide.

The old Theodor Heuss Bridge is the starting point for some hikes from Heidelberg to the surrounding countryside.

The Old Bridge is less known under the name Karl-Theodor-Brücke. It is constructed as an arch bridge and connects the old town with the Neckar meadows and the opposite district Neuenheim.

The Old Bridge is less known under the name Karl-Theodor-Brücke. It is constructed as an arch bridge and connects the old town with the Neckar meadows and the opposite district Neuenheim.

Beautiful view of the Neckar and Heidelberg Castle.

nice view of the city with castle

Beautiful bridge, albeit overcrowded in good weather. The Charles Bridge of Heidelberg, so to speak.