Kuldīga vaulted bridge

The Kuldīga vaulted bridge is a red brick structure extending roughly 154 meters across the Venta River, built with a series of stone arches supporting the deck. The design relies on repeating arch spans to distribute weight, allowing pedestrians and vehicles to cross between the two sides of town.

Construction finished in 1874 based on designs by architect Otto Dietze and represented a significant engineering accomplishment for its time. The completed bridge opened new transportation routes and supported Kuldīga's development as a regional hub.

The bridge serves as a daily crossing for residents moving between neighborhoods on foot and by bicycle. Its red brick appearance has become an integral part of how locals and visitors perceive the town's character.

Access is from Stendes iela street, which connects central areas of town and provides views of surrounding architecture. Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the brick structure and river views from the middle of the crossing.

It ranks as one of the longest brick arch bridges in Europe and showcases construction techniques from the 1800s that have proven remarkably durable. The bridge continues to carry traffic today despite its age, demonstrating the strength of traditional arch design.

Location: Kuldīga

Inception: 1874

Address: Kalna iela

GPS coordinates: 56.97005,21.97753

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:06