The “Römerbrücke”, as the Volkenbachbrücke has been called since the middle of the 19th century, is a building from 1696. It was built by Schaffhausen master masons Hanß Mülleren and Beath Wilhelm Spörnlein with 24 journeymen. The client was the Prince of Schwarzenberg. Already 50 years later the foundations showed themselves to be damaged and in 1770 the Tiengen government had the use of the bridge forbidden because it was “unusable”.

From now on, the road from Schaffhausen to Zurich led over the Birret near Jestetten. To this end, the Birretü crossing was expanded and the Volkenbach bridge there was widened and reinforced. The “Römerbrücke” also fell into disrepair due to the slides of the stream banks and the high levels of moisture in this shadow valley. The ruins of the “Römerbrücke” were heavily modified in 1892, 1937/38 and 1966 through maintenance repairs without any prior scientific research. Questions, even about a previous bridge, have to remain open. Compared to other Rhine bridges in our area, the first construction of the Volkenbach Bridge is possible between the 12th and 14th centuries.

It would then have been used to continue the Salt Road and the Fruit Road, which converged at Altenburg, to Zurich. However, there are also indications of a building in the 15th or 16th century (Schaffhausen's accession to the Swiss Confederation and the attraction of the Zurzach trade fair). According to this, the previous bridge, which is also documented in the files, is a late medieval or early modern building. An older bridge from Roman times is excluded today.

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Heloks

November 14, 2021

Very impressive, the restored bridge ruins can be crossed over a small wooden bridge next door.

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Christian K. & Miriam

October 21, 2023

Beautiful bridge ruins that are somewhat hidden. The information sign at the top of the road provides interesting information and clarifies the name of the bridge.

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Elevation 380 m

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Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Location: Jestetten, Waldshut, Freiburg District, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

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