Ponte des Bergues, 19th century bridge across Rhône River in Geneva, Switzerland
Pont des Bergues is a beam bridge over the Rhone, reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, with a metal deck replaced in 1967-1968. Because the crossing here measures 220 metres, a circular terrace in the middle of the river links the two spans, and a footbridge runs from it to Île Rousseau.
The first Pont des Bergues was built by cantonal engineer Guillaume Henri Dufour as a chain suspension bridge, begun in 1828 and finished in 1833. It collapsed during testing on 30 December 1833 because of poor-quality chains, and was inaugurated on 9 May 1834 after repairs. In 1881 it was replaced by the beam bridge still standing, whose metal deck was renewed in 1967-1968.
The name Bergues comes from the 16th-century residence of German merchant Hans or Jean Kleberger, which neighbours called "en Clébergue", later shortened to Bergues. The name also designates the quay and district on the right bank. A footbridge from the bridge's central terrace leads to Île Rousseau.
The bridge is closed to cars and reserved for pedestrians and cyclists since 1982, after a request by the cycling association ASPIC, now the Geneva section of Pro Velo Suisse. A footbridge leaves from the bridge to reach Île Rousseau. It is the second bridge on the Rhone downstream of Lake Geneva, after the Pont du Mont-Blanc.
The name Bergues comes not from islands but from the 16th-century residence of German merchant Hans or Jean Kleberger, which stood where the Hôtel des Bergues now is. Neighbours called the spot "en Clébergue", which gradually became "Bergues". The name also applies to the quay and district on the right bank.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,077 contributors worldwide.