Köhlbrand Bridge

Köhlbrand Bridge

Hamburg, a beautiful port city in northern Germany, is crisscrossed with waterways and numerous bridges. It is said that the city has over 1,500 bridges, making it a true metropolis built on bridges. Among Hamburg’s many bridges, the Köhlbrand Bridge stands out, and today this bridge has become a new landmark of the city.

The Köhlbrand Bridge is a massive cable-stayed bridge, stretching 3.9 kilometers in length and standing 54 meters above sea level. The bridge was designed by Hans Wittfoht and Egon Jux. Its construction took four years, and it was officially opened to traffic on September 9, 1974. Since its opening, the bridge has been open to pedestrians only twice: on the day it was first opened in 1974, and again on its 30th “birthday” in 2004. Perhaps due to its fame, some people have even chosen to jump off the bridge to take their own lives.

The design and structure of the Köhlbrand Bridge are considered classics in the world of bridge architecture. Its pylons are A-shaped and curve inward to embrace the roadway. The elevated approach ramps and main piers are made of concrete, while the pylons and the main span are constructed from steel. Around 81,000 cubic meters of concrete and 12,700 tons of steel were used in its construction. Approximately 30,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily. As a visitor, you can either view the bridge from afar or drive across it and experience being on the bridge itself—either way, the Köhlbrand Bridge leaves a lasting impression.

Köhlbrand Bridge

Must-visit reason: Hamburg’s most iconic bridge

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Germany[Germany]

Province/State: Hamburg State [Hamburg]

City: Hamburg [Hamburg]