Königsbrücke Schmalfeld

Right next to the new bridge, this gem is often overlooked.

From Jutland to the Elbe, an ancient trade route runs through Schleswig-Holstein, the Ochsenweg, on which merchandise was transported and thousands of oxen were driven south each spring. Its main route in Mittelholstein ran from Rendsburg via Neumünster, Bramstedt, Kaltenkirchen and Ulzburg to the south.However, the main route was often in poor condition and tolls were collected in Bramstedt. In addition, the ox drivers had to buy up hay as feed for the herds of cattle, which was likely to be in short supply early on the main route. Therefore, the users liked to look for alternative routes.The most important branch line in our area branched south of Neumünster from the main line and ran via Heidmühlen and Fuhlenrüe via Schmalfeld, Bollweg, Oersdorf, Kisdorferfeld and returned to the main path shortly before Ulzburg.The Schmalfelder Au traffic obstacle was crossed in a ford that was 50 m downstream from the Königsbrücke. Since this ford was often impassable due to floods, especially in spring at the time of the ox trift, it was replaced by a wooden bridge.The location of this bridge, which was first documented in 1703, was identical to that of the Königsbrücke. This oak plank bridge did not withstand the increasing traffic for long and had to be repaired regularly and completely renewed every 20 years.Slow freight traffic also significantly disrupted the emerging stagecoach system on the Ochsenweg, so that freight drivers were forced to take the branch line by decree, which required a more stable and permanent bridge solution in Schmalfeld.In 1785, for example, this bridge was built from hewn granite blocks with the help of manual and tensioning services from all places in the parish of Kaltenkirchen.schmalfeld.net/index.php/dorf/geschichte/54-koenigsbruecke

The Schmalfeld Königsbrücke is a historic arch bridge that leads over the Schmalfelder Au. The bridge, which was made of cuboids, was built in 1785 and operated until 1983. It is possibly the oldest surviving large stone bridge in Schleswig-Holstein.
The name “Königsbrücke” goes back to the Danish King Christian VII, who was the Duke of Schleswig and Holstein at the time the bridge was being built.