Friedensbrücke, Stone arch bridge in Bautzen, Germany
The Friedensbrücke is a stone arch bridge over the Spree in Bautzen, with four basket-handle arches on massive piers and abutments. It spans the steep, deeply cut river valley at a height of over 20 metres along a length of 181 metres, carrying road traffic between the western part of the city and the centre.
The structure was originally built in 1909 as the Kronprinzenbrücke and suffered severe damage during fighting in 1945. Reconstruction took place in 1949 with a new name to symbolize peace after the war.
The bridge carries a name chosen after the Second World War to emphasize peaceful reconciliation. It forms part of how the city visibly marks its past through architecture and commemorative naming.
The bridge is accessible to pedestrians and vehicles, offering good views of the city and river. You can cross it at any time and access both the old town and western neighborhoods from this route.
Its construction in 1909 enabled large-scale expansion on the western side of the river, overcoming a natural boundary that had limited city growth. This proved crucial for Bautzen's urban development in the following decades.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,441 contributors worldwide.
