Köhlbrand Bridge

The Köhlbrand Bridge is a cable-stayed crossing over the Elbe in Hamburg's port, linking Steinwerder and Wilhelmsburg across a span of nearly three and a half kilometers. The roadway is supported by steel cables radiating from two tall pylons and extending over several piers.

Construction began in the early seventies to create a direct link for the growing port and industrial traffic. The opening took place in the mid-seventies and offered an alternative to the existing tunnel and ferry connections.

The construction connects two major port districts and forms part of a key route for heavy traffic between northern and southern Germany. The name refers to an old tributary of the Southern Elbe that once ran through this area.

The passage is toll-free and runs high above the river, allowing large ships to pass underneath without obstruction. Travelers on foot or by bicycle will find a separate footpath along the full length.

The structure features special expansion joints on the eastern ramp that absorb material movement and prevent cracks in the concrete. These joints can expand or contract by up to three-quarters of a meter over time.

Location: Hamburg-Mitte

Inception: 1974

Official opening: September 20, 1974

Height: 135 m

Length: 3,618 m

Part of: bridges over the Elbe in Hamburg

GPS coordinates: 53.52139,9.93944

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:28