Altenbergsteg, Chain footbridge in Altenberg, Switzerland
Altenbergsteg is a chain footbridge made of metal that spans 54 meters across the Aare River, connecting central Bern with the northern Altenberg residential area. The structure relies on steel chains and wooden planking to create a narrow walkway for pedestrians only.
Engineers Gustav Gränicher and Niklaus Riggenbach designed this structure in 1857 to replace an earlier wooden bridge that had served since 1834. The new metal design represented a major engineering advancement for that era.
The bridge links the historic center with newer residential areas to the north, serving as a daily meeting point for locals who cross it to go to work or meet friends. Its narrow passage creates a sense of shared space where people naturally encounter one another.
The bridge accommodates pedestrians only and has a maximum capacity of 200 people at once, which means it can feel crowded during peak hours. Walking slowly and carefully is recommended, especially during wet or windy weather.
During summer months, locals use the section near Freibad Lorraine swimming pool as a jumping spot into the river, giving the bridge an unexpected recreational role. This informal tradition shows how deeply residents have woven the crossing into their daily life.
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