Switzerland
Nordwestschweiz
Aargau
Old Rhine Bridge (Alte Rheinbrücke) Rheinfelden
Switzerland
Nordwestschweiz
Aargau
Old Rhine Bridge (Alte Rheinbrücke) Rheinfelden
Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 323 out of 335 hikers
Location: Aargau, Nordwestschweiz, Switzerland
4.7
(130)
677
01:26
5.51km
40m
4.5
(29)
116
04:46
16.3km
430m
9
05:21
18.9km
390m
Rhine Bridge, Rheinfelden since 1150
Around 1150, Konrad von Zähringen had the first Rhine bridge built in Rheinfelden. This gave the newly minted town of Rheinfelden (which received town charter in 1130) a major economic boom. The bridge in Rheinfelden was the only bridge over the Rhine in the area at the time, and was even older than the bridges in Basel.
Thanks to the island, building a bridge here was easier than elsewhere on the Rhine, as the island could be used as a bridge pillar. This is why the bridge still has a bend today.
One night in 1897, the old wooden bridge burned down. "It is said that many a Rheinfelden resident shed a tear when this old landmark of the town, to which such a rich piece of history is linked, was destroyed by fire." Construction of the bridge that still stands today began soon after. Fortunately, it is now fireproof, but still not completely out of danger. In 1995 it was almost washed away by floods, and in May 1999 the bridge also withstood the flood of the century.
Text / Source: rheinfelden.net/rhf-p.htm
rheinfelden.net/rhf-p.htm
December 19, 2024
Rhine Bridge "Border crossing between the two Rheinfelden"
The old Rhine Bridge is a Rhine and border crossing between the two Rheinfelden. Only pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds, taxis and the local bus are allowed to cross.
From the ferry to the bridge.
There was already a ferry in the area of today's bridge during Roman rule. The Zähringen family, who expanded the market town of Rheinfelden into a town, also had a ferry connection across the Rhine. It ensured the connection to the road to the Zähringen possessions in Breisgau.
The first bridge was probably built in the second half of the 12th century, because in 1198 a citizen of Rheinfelden was referred to in a document as Heinricus de Ponte (Heinrich von der Brücke). It was therefore the oldest bridge between Constance and Strasbourg, even before the middle bridge in Basel, which was built in 1225.
Pedestrian bridge.
Except for taxis and the local bus, cars are no longer allowed to use the bridge. The crossing over the Rhine and the entire old town is reserved for bicycles at walking pace and pedestrians.
The Rhine bridge offers a wonderful view of the old town facades and the Park Hotel on the Rhine.
Text / Source: Tourism Rheinfelden, City Office, Rheinfelden
tourismus-rheinfelden.ch/de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/rheinbruecke
December 19, 2024
Whether in spring, summer, autumn or winter - the bridge always offers a beautiful view of the old town.
March 9, 2024
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Location: Aargau, Nordwestschweiz, Switzerland
4.7
(130)
677
01:26
5.51km
40m
4.5
(29)
116
04:46
16.3km
430m
9
05:21
18.9km
390m