The Victor Neels Bridge is a four-rope steel suspension bridge that has spanned the Urftsee in the Eifel National Park since 2009.
The aim and purpose of the construction of the bridge was to create a connection for cyclists and hikers to get from the Urftseerandweg - coming from Gemünd as well as from Rurberg / Urftsperrmauer - up to the other side of the lake up to the old NS-Ordensburg Vogelsang.
Construction of the bridge:
First, a steel pylon about 20 meters high, inclined at 17 ° to the mountain slope and guyed with two ropes, was erected on the eastern shore of the lake. Two suspension ropes were stretched between it and two reinforced concrete discs on the west bank (parapet); underneath are two tension cords. In this regard, the entire support structure consists essentially of only four ropes. The aluminum covered passage, secured by steel guardrails with metal cladding, is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
In December 2009, the bridge was named after Victor Neels, who commanded the Belgian armed forces at Camp Vogelsang from 1970 to 1980. After finishing his active time, he tried to get closer to the local people through various social activities.
The bridge received the German Steel Construction Award in 2010. Awarded for their landscape-friendly construction and environmentally friendly aesthetics.