Münsterbrücke, Stone arch bridge in central Zürich, Switzerland
The Münsterbrücke is a stone arch bridge spanning the Limmat River in central Zurich, connecting Münsterhof square to Limmatquai street in the old city. It features four flat arches and shapes the city skyline with its solid, balanced structure.
Construction took place between 1836 and 1838 under engineer Alois Negrelli's direction, replacing a wooden bridge with origins dating back to Roman times. This shift from wood to stone marked Zurich's move toward modern 19th-century infrastructure.
The bridge takes its name from the two churches it connects: the Fraumünster and Grossmünster are central religious landmarks that define the old city. From here you can see both church towers and sense how important these buildings are to Zurich's identity.
Crossing on foot is straightforward, as the bridge is part of the main walking routes through the old city and easily accessible by public transit. Trams and tour boats operate at and beneath this location, making it a major transport hub.
The bridge rests on a foundation of around 472 oak piles filled with concrete, supporting a total weight of about 6,100 tons of stone. This hidden engineering solution beneath the visible structure showcases the technical skill of 19th-century builders.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
