Alte Saalebrücke Jena-Burgau, Stone footbridge in Burgau, Germany
The Alte Saalebrücke Jena-Burgau is a stone bridge with nine arches spanning the Saale River between the districts of Burgau and Lobeda. It stretches about 142 meters in length and was reinforced with modern concrete during its 2004 restoration, yet maintains its appearance as a historic stone structure.
The bridge began as a wooden structure in 1484 and was gradually rebuilt in stone between 1491 and 1534. This long process shows how demanding such a project was during that time.
The bridge shows how people in the region crossed rivers over centuries and what building skills were needed for such work. Its nine arches tell the story of the craftsmanship that went into creating structures like this long ago.
The bridge serves today as a path for pedestrians and cyclists only, with a surface about 3 meters wide. After the 2004 work, it is easy to walk across and provides a safe crossing over the river.
The bridge shows a rare example of how old stone structures were reinforced with modern techniques without losing their historical look. This blend of old and new remained visible during the renovation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
