Old Harburg Elbe Bridge

The Old Harburg Elbe Bridge, which was built between 1897 and 1899, is the last portal bridge of its kind in Hamburg. The bridge was opened on September 30, 1899 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. It is 474 meters long and was the first road bridge over the Southern Elbe. Therefore, in some sources it is also referred to as the Old Southern Elbe Bridge.

The old Harburg Elbe Bridge with its portals that are over 100 years old is worth a visit. Here you can easily cross the Süderelbe by bike.

Unfortunately the last remaining portal bridge in Hamburg, with a length of 447m. Built between 1897 and 1899. Luckily, the portals were not demolished later, as was the case with other Elbe bridges in Hamburg, but were extensively renovated together with the bridge between 1980 and 1995. Since then, the bridge has no longer had side footpaths, since it is only open to pedestrians and cyclists anyway.

The two sandstone portals were designed by Hubert Stier (1838-1907). The coats of arms of Wilhelmsburg and Harburg can be seen on the portals. The bridge is a listed building and is included in the list of cultural monuments in Harburg.

For years it was the only connection for cars and trams across the southern Elbe. That only changed when the June 17 Bridge was built. The Old Harburg Elbe Bridge is almost half a kilometer long.

From the bridge you also have a nice view of the Elbe and the port - the new buildings in Harburg on the left, the refinery site on the right and the power plant in the background.